The death of AlexanderAim: to understand and assess Arrian and Plutrach’s

accounts of Alexander’s death.

Starter:According to Arrian AND Plutarch, how did Alexander die?

Mysterious fever

Not so simple…• We still don’t know!• Historians (and others)

are still trying to work it out.

• There are lots of different theories.

• Lots of different suspects.

• Lots of conflicting evidence.

More complex issues• Alexander’s death is also

about much more…• Need to consider his

state of mind• Rivalries within his court• Tensions with Persians• And of course…• Reliability of evidence.

Arrian and Plutarch• Paired/ 4’ed reading• 1st and 3rd row- Read Arrain 7.24• 2nd and 4th row read Plutarch 73 + 75

• Highlight any reference to Alexander’s fears/ omens/ religious activities.• Summarise on your sheet.

Now turn around and

share

Conclusions…

• What can we say about Alexander’s state of mind at this time?

• What is he worried about?

• Where do the sources differ?

On we go…• EVERYONE…• Plutarch 75• Read and summarise (think about his state of

mind)…• But then…• Try and make 2 valid points under the 3 AO’s• 1= understanding/ detail• 2= importance• 3= interpretation/ reliability

Plutarch 75

AO1

AO2 AO3

And to his death…

• 1st and 3rd rows Arrian 7.25-7.26• 2nd and 4th rows Plutarch 76 and 77

• Summarise details of his final death.• Make note of where both authors

claim this has come from.

Now turn around and

share

Murder plot?• Plutarch mentions a murder plot.• Arrian doesn’t.• Although Plutarch rubbishes the idea

of a plot, why do you think this idea STILL exists?• Who would be the suspects?• Why?

Suspect Reason

Sources…

• Both authors claim to be using official court journals.

• Can we think of reasons why the journals may be reliable/ unreliable?

Court Journals

Reliable Unreliable

End of the Empire• Alexander died leaving no clear heir.• Roxane was pregnant, but the child had not

been born.• Everyone thought they were “the best man”• Alexander’s Empire collapsed as each

companion laid claim to a part of it.• Roxane and her son (Alexander IV) were

allegedly executed on the orders of Cassander.

Plenary• How does the death of Alexander and

the following chaos make it difficult for Historians to know what actually happened? (AO3)

• Come up with 4 key bullet points!

Extended learning• In preparation for the exam…

• Read and highlight (for important details) the hand outs on Arrian and Plutarch as authors.