Alexander's emotional limits

[Polyxena]

I wonder was he really capable to organize (or stay behind) his father's murder?
It would be interesting to hear your points of view. Thanks, Poli

[marcus]

Hi Poli,I reckon Alexander was perfectly capable of being involved in the plot to kill Philip. I don't think he was, mind you, but he was capable of it.Even though patricide was as taboo then as it is now, you would not always expect to find the same relationship between fathers and sons as you would expect to find nowadays - and so I don't think there is a reason to think that Alexander's emotional attachment to Philip would have prevented him from plotting Philip's death. Having said that, I don't think that Alexander had any reason to want Philip killed, and from the point of view of timing it was actually a very dangerous time for him to spark off a crisis of succession.All the bestMArcus

[smittysmitty]

Wheteher he was behind it or not, he sure had a lot to gain from it; he became King! The period leading up to the assasination of Philip proved to be rather volatile between father and son!If i were a betting man, I'd go for the guilty verdict!, but then again, I'm pretty firm on the idea Antipater was behind the death of Alexander.So I may not get too many people agreeing with me on this
just my thoughts.
Cheers!

[marcus]

Hi Smitty,I'm going to sit on the fence as far as Antipater's involvement (or not) in Alexander's death is concerned. Although I am firm in my belief that Alexander didn't have anything to do with Philip's death.A really good article to read on Philip's death is E.Carney: "Olympias, Alexander and the Murder of Philip" (Historia, 61, 1992)*, where she provides some very good reasons why Alexander wasn't involved - the best I've come across so far!All the bestMarcus* John, notice how this time I actually have the reference! Aren't I good?

[Dinna]

Wow,that article sounds interesting!Could you tell me if/where I could find it on the net or in general,how to get my hands on it?Thanks!

[marcus]

Hi Dinna,Unfortunately, I'm not aware that it can be found on the Internet. However, a good academic library ought to have a copy of the Journal (it is one of the better, and longer-running, journals, after all). If you have access to a University library you should almost certainly be able to get hold of it.All the bestMarcus

[dean]

Hello,I also think that Alexander would have been capable of killing his father but I don't believe that he actually did it.I think while talking about this- someone on the forum a little while ago mentioned, I don't remember who, that when Alexander, in Egypt, went to Siwah he asked specifically whether all the culprits of his father's death had been brought to justice- this question which was disseminated could have been an interesting means to shift once and for all any likely blame. He was an ingenius showman- he was the guy who thought of having a stand in, a double, was it on the banks of the Hydaspes? to divert the enemies attention- while he made an all out massive attack.I think that he was a genius at shaping his own propaganda- he chose Callisthenes well-Dean.

[Dinna]

Thanks Marcus!I will try to get my hands on it(I'm a highschool student so I can't really get to a University library)but I do know a college profesor who will probablly be able to help me.Thanks again,Dinna

[marcus]

Good luck in the search!Marcus