A deadly offer. Alexander of Macedon.

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A deadly offer. Alexander of Macedon.

Alexander of Macedon remained the greatest commander of the invincible army throughout. However that great man was famous not only for his military talents, he was also a good diplomat. There was nothing to be surprised at that, because one of famous Iskandar’s teachers was Aristotle.

By the time when Alexander came to power and almost completed creating his vast empire, Aristotle was already old and it was difficult for him to go for long campaigns. However, there were enough talented students in Aristotle’s school and the teacher sent Callisthenes for one of Alexander the Great’s campaigns. Callisthenes’s aim was quite simple; he was to write about the events and to keep Alexander off unseemly and hasty actions. But however, soon the philosopher decided that great Aristotle delegated part of his powers to him. As the result Callisthenes started to preach at the emperor too actively. For some time Alexander stood it but gradually he started to hate the philosopher and decided to get rid of him. Those times it would be easy just to poison the disliked. But taking into account Alexander’s respect to his teacher and possible disturbance, Alexander quit the idea. So, then he used his diplomatic talent, and that episode of getting rid of Callisthenes made history.

At one of the feasts devoted to another victory, when everybody drank enough wine and ate enough food, Alexander called Callisthenes and said:

– It has become too boring here. Could you entertain me and quests with your philosophical reasoning?

– As you wish, Alexander! What theme should I choose for the grand speech?

– Tell us about the power of Macedon weapon!

Callisthenes thought for only a moment and then busted out with a speech, which would uphold the honor of any orator. A few times he was interrupted with wild delight of the warriors and clanks of swords. The delight increased with the last words of the speech about worldwide fame of Macedon. As for Alexander, he favourably nodded at Callisthenes’s side, but as soon as the latter started to eat, the emperor called him again:

– Callisthenes, could you make one more speech? So that you disclaimed the previous one.

– As you wish, Alexander! – Callisthenes bowed and started his speech.

It should be said that Callisthenes didn’t notice the trick in the emperor’s request, as philosophic exercises like that were ordinary in philosophical schools at that time. Being a Greek in origin, Callisthenes gladly started to trample in the mud the most disgusting vice, mistakes and faults of Macedon people. And he made a very well-reasoned speech. So, the speech was splendid again. And the deadly silence in the hall proved that. The faces of warriors showed their attention to Callisthenes’s speech and only Alexander the Great mysteriously smiled. It was natural that Callisthenes couldn’t finish his speech. But Alexander saved him giving order to his guards.

The following day they started a military court. So, the court sentenced Callisthenes to immediate execution. And the philosopher, who was put into irons, was sent to a rather exotic execution – they threw him in hole full of fleas.