Memnon's Early Years

[ScottOden]

Greetings All, I'm seeking information on the early years of Memnon of Rhodes, if such is known. Specifically, during his exile in Macedonia (c. 353-343), is it known if he took part in the campaigns of his host, Philip? I've searched the standard sources, plus a few of the internet sites, to no avail. Good educated guesses would also be very welcome. Thanks, in advance.

[Tre]

We simply do not know. However, as a guest friend of the court naturally they would have been obliged to inform their host when he asked pointed questions about Persian Military and Political matters. Now whether or not what they said was correct is another matter entirely. After all, you never wanted to burn a bridge behind you in case you had to leave. It is unlikely in my view that they would have been allowed to participate in Macedonian war councils or actual battle. The Argeads were certainly not interested in revealing secrets of their own considering their future plans. One cannot be sure if a guest friend would remain so.The story of a young Alexander questioning Persian visitors may stem from Memnon's stay at court.The Greek view of guest friendship would also have impacted Alexander's decision at the Granicus. After all, how is an Argead expected to treat an enemy who had enjoyed the pleasures and safety of the household opposing him with Greek mercenaries no less?Regards,Tre

[marcus]

Hi Tre,You raise something here I hadn't thought about before - whether Memnon's stay at the Argead court informed Alexander's decisions at the Granicus.I wonder... I suppose it might depend as much on whether Alexander actually had any dealings with Memnon when he was in Macedonia? After all, just 'cos he had been a guest of Philip's, doesn't *necessarily* mean that Alexander even met him, let alone had any feelings about Memnon's obligations etc.I don't really know enough about the whole social set-up at the time to make my mind up about that.All the bestMarcus

[Tre]

Hello Marcus!I think it even less likely they would have never met. But the obligation would have been assumed by Alexander as King and head of the Argead clan.Of course Memnon may not have been impressed by the little blonde guy at the time either. He would have been nothing more than a precocious child prince at best. Memnon may well have made the assumption that when Philip died, lightening was not going to strike twice.It would not have helped the matter that Memnon fled the scene of battle at the Granicus which would have really irritated Alexander further, but it sure makes it more understandable :-)Regards,Tre

[marcus]

Hi Tre,Yes, you're probably right - whether or not Alexander and Memnon met, the obligation would have been there.I reckon you're also right that Memnon's fleeing would have irritated Alexander. Still, from M's point of view it was probably the safest thing to do! I can't see Alexander giving him a hug and forgiving him for fighting for Darius...I have wondered, also, (a) how Memnon got away from the Granicus and (b) how the mercenaries reacted to see their commander turn tail. I bet the survivors wouldn't have been too thrilled to meet him again!All the bestMarcus

[Tre]

Hello Marcus:I fear that Memnon heading for the hills caused Alexander to be far harsher on the survivors. My guess is he fled after Alexander refused terms of surrender and told them they came to fight so they better(I believe we have one account of the mercenaries and Memnon watching the fighting going on from a hill, apparently waiting to see how it would pan out, which probably didn't do much for Alexander's sympathies either).Aristobulos was correct - it was the King's anger that sent them to the mines, but it was not just personal anger at losing a lot of companions for the first time under his command and a nearly fatal blow, it was also clan anger and disreputable conduct on the battlefield. it was also an example to Greek mercenaries who were thinking about joining or staying on the Persian side.Now whether one thinks Memnon should have been thinking of himself or his troops, well, that's a matter of personal belief. He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day - except he died of disease...Regards,Tre

[Linda]

I guess that Aleexander in the early days was an idealist, and later he became more pragmatic, using Greek mercenaries himself. In the beginning it was almost a "holy war" to avenge Greece against Persia - at least in name. Traitors would be punished.I'd also like to know A's relationship with Memnon, but a lot could have happened in the changing politics of the time - we don't know on what terms Memnon left Philip's court; perhaps he got a better offer from Darius, or perhaps he fell out with Philip in a big way and didn't feel any obligation to him. Uncertain times.

[marcus]

Hi Tre,I reckon you're right, that Memnon fled after terms of surrender were denied.But it does rather beg the question of how he managed to... if the mercenaries were surrounded, it would have been a bit tricky to slip away unnoticed. However, I suppose 'surrounded' doesn't necessarily mean 'surrounded' (if you see what I mean). After all, the mercenaries were all infantry, and they weren't going to get away from Alexander's cavalry under any circumstances. So there might have been a back door for a few mounted officers to make good their escape.At least Memnon had the opportunity to fight a bit more before he succumbed to disease... much good it did him, or Darius, in the end!All the bestMarcus