Unraveling the Mystery of Alexander the Great's Untimely Death

The Rise of a Living God

Alexander the Great, a near-mythic figure of ancient history, continues to captivate the modern world with his extraordinary rise to power and his enigmatic death. Netflix's docuseries, 'Alexander: The Making of a God,' delves into the compelling narrative of Alexander as he ascended to the throne of Persia, striving to fulfill his destiny as a living god. Portrayed by the talented Buck Braithwaite, the docuseries blends insightful interviews with contemporary historians and captivating reenactments of pivotal moments in the ruler's life.

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From his birth in 356 B.C. in Macedonia as the son of King Phillip II to his tutelage under the renowned philosopher Aristotle, Alexander the Great's early life was marked by exceptional education and ambition. His conquests in ancient Egypt and his ascension to the throne at the age of 20 are testaments to his unparalleled prowess. Despite his premature demise at the age of 32, Alexander left an indelible legacy that continues to intrigue historians and the general public.

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The Enigma of his Demise

The circumstances surrounding the death of Alexander the Great have long been shrouded in mystery and speculation. After triumphing over yet another empire in 323 B.C., Alexander fell gravely ill and succumbed to his ailment after enduring agonizing torment for 12 days. Strangely, his body exhibited no signs of decay for six days as it was being prepared for transport to Egypt, reinforcing the belief among Greeks that Alexander was immortal.

Painting of the death of Alexander the Great by Karl von Piloty

His passing heralded the collapse of his empire, with his general Ptolemy assuming leadership as Ptolemy I in Egypt. Despite the transition of power, the whereabouts of Alexander's tomb remain a tantalizing enigma, leaving historians and the public in a perpetual state of intrigue and speculation. The city he founded, Alexandria, endures as a metropolis, preserving remnants of its ancient grandeur to this day.

Alexander the Great tomb in Moon Knight

Debates and Theories

The cause of Alexander the Great's demise continues to fuel heated debates and diverse theories among modern-day historians. Foremost among the speculations are assertions of illness or poisoning as the likely culprits behind his untimely death. The prevalent theories posit that Alexander succumbed to either typhoid fever, malaria, or poisoning, with some attributing his demise to the jealousy of his wife or even his tutor, Aristotle.

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Dr. Katherine Hall, a senior lecturer at the University of Otago, has posited a compelling theory suggesting that Alexander may have fallen victim to Guillain-Barré Syndrome. This rare neurological disorder, characterized by the body's immune system attacking the nerves, offers a compelling explanation for Alexander's symptoms and the unsettling possibility that he was conscious but paralyzed during his funeral preparations.

Alexander the Great in Moon Knight

The Prophecy of Calanus

The enigmatic prediction of Alexander's death by the Indian sage and philosopher Calanus has fueled enduring intrigue and speculation. Calanus, a revered figure known as a gymnosophist, accompanied Alexander to Persia and, in a dramatic and tragic gesture, immolated himself despite Alexander's protests. Before his death, Calanus prophesied that Alexander would meet his end in Babylon, a prophecy that confounded Alexander's initial plans. While the historical veracity of this prophecy remains a subject of debate, it continues to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts alike.

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