The death of Alexander the Great has intrigued historians for centuries, and it remains a bit of a mystery due to conflicting accounts and limited medical knowledge at the time. Here’s a breakdown of what is known and the main theories surrounding his death:
1. The Setting and Timeline
Alexander died on June 10 or 11, 323 BC, in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II in Babylon (modern-day Iraq). He was just 32 years old at the time, having spent much of his short life on military campaigns that spanned much of the known world, from Greece to Egypt to India.
In the days leading up to his death, Alexander had been celebrating, feasting, and drinking with his army and officers. After one particularly intense bout of drinking, he fell ill and never recovered.
2. The Symptoms
Historical records, such as those from Alexander’s companions and later historians, describe his illness as lasting around 10 to 12 days. His symptoms reportedly included:
- Fever that progressively worsened
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Progressive weakness and inability to speak
- In his final days, he was unable to move, possibly paralyzed, but remained conscious until his death.
Despite various sources detailing his symptoms, there’s no consensus on exactly what caused his death.
3. Theories About His Death
Here are the main theories:
a. Natural Causes: Disease
Some scholars believe Alexander succumbed to a disease, with malaria or typhoid fever being the leading contenders. Both diseases were common in ancient Babylon, and the symptoms he displayed—fever, abdominal pain, and weakness—are consistent with these infections.
- Typhoid fever: This bacterial infection spreads through contaminated water or food, and it would have been easily contracted during Alexander’s campaigns, especially in cities with poor sanitation like Babylon.
- Malaria: Given the prevalence of mosquitoes in the region, it’s possible Alexander contracted malaria. The recurring fevers and decline in health would be consistent with a severe case of the disease.
b. Poisoning
A more dramatic and widely debated theory is that Alexander was poisoned by one of his close companions or political rivals. There are several reasons this idea gained traction:
- Political Tensions: Alexander’s empire was vast, and his death would have triggered a power struggle. Some believe that figures such as Antipater, a high-ranking general, or Cassander, his son, might have orchestrated his death to eliminate the threat of Alexander’s continued expansion or internal consolidation of power.
- Slow-acting poison: However, poisonings in antiquity were usually quicker in effect, and it’s unlikely that a poison would cause a slow decline over 10-12 days, which is what makes this theory questionable.
c. Autoimmune Disorder or Other Health Issues
Some modern medical experts have speculated that Alexander could have suffered from a condition such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that can cause paralysis), which could explain the progressive weakness and eventual paralysis. Others have suggested pancreatitis or even West Nile virus, based on the geographical conditions and symptoms.
4. Was Alexander Weakened by Years of War?
Some theories suggest that Alexander’s death was the culmination of years of overexertion. He had spent much of his life leading armies, suffering numerous wounds in battle (including a near-fatal lung injury), and enduring the harsh conditions of long military campaigns. His health could have been severely compromised by years of exhaustion, dehydration, and injuries, leaving him vulnerable to a sudden illness.
5. Aftermath of His Death
What is certain is that Alexander’s death marked the end of his colossal empire. He left no clear heir, and his sudden death triggered a bitter struggle among his generals, known as the Wars of the Diadochi (Successors), which eventually led to the division of his empire into several Hellenistic kingdoms.
Conclusion
The true cause of Alexander the Great’s death remains uncertain. Most modern historians lean toward natural causes like typhoid fever or malaria, while the poisoning theory, although popular in ancient accounts, is generally seen as less likely. Regardless of the exact cause, his death at such a young age dramatically changed the course of history, leaving a lasting legacy that spanned the ancient world.