"The Many Wounds of Alexander" Topic

I'm reading Arrian's 'Campaigns of Alexander'. I've finished the actual narrative and now am amid the essays by modern historians that complete the Landmark Edition. Good stuff, the Landmark Edition. But back on topic:

I always knew that Alexander was hit hard at the battle of the Granicus and nearly killed, and that he got a severe arrow wound storming a walled town in India. But I was amazed at how often he was wounded and started keeping track. My list follows.

Granicus 334 – helmet damaged by sword blow, nearly killed by Spithradates

Issus 333 – sword cut to thigh

Siege of Gaza 332 – hit in shoulder by catapult shot that penetrates shield and cuirass

Caucasus 329 – arrow through leg fractures fibula (calf bone)

Storm of Cyropolis 329 – powerful blow from a stone on his head and neck

Storm of Indian town 326-5 – arrow through cuirass punctures lung

323 – lights out

Needed a better cuirass…. and maybe some leg greaves.

Apparently over 20 significant wounds, all in the front of his body.

WAB supplement "Alexander the Great" also dedicates some space for the topic on page 66.

Apparently also his father Philip also got his share of wounds on his campaigns.

I wonder what effect repeated traumatic brain injuries had on his later personality and decision making. Of course, marinating his brain in wine may have not been the best, long term treatment.

Hmmm… I note several severe head blows. Multiple concussions, with possible long term effects? Could give additional insight to some of the bizarre behavior later on (believing he's the son of Zeus, murdering a close friend, etc…)

All speculation, of course.

EDIT: Clearly Big Red and I had the same thought at the same time.

It was the era of leading from the front, and the Greeks (and Macedonians) subscribed to it utterly – leaders in the front rank; first into contact, last out of it. I do wonder how many Greek warleaders managed to survive more than a campaign or two. Heroic it might be, but it's not very practical.

Considering that Alexander made sure to always be in the thick of it – and at times voluntarily put himself in insane levels of danger, surely above and beyond what was required – it is a minor miracle that he survived as long as he did. Several of his wounds would have been enough to finish off other men – or else leave him crippled. Yet Alexander not only somehow overcame them all but each time did so well enough to fight again!

But then again, as Big Red and Parzival have hinted, all that battering may have left it's mark, with pains (dulled with alcohol?) or/and possibly long term head/psychological trauma. It would certainly explain the change in his character. And when you look at what his body had been through, do people really need conspiracy theories or suggestions of poison to explain his ravaged body finally succumbing?

according to the deadliest warrior on the history channel , he was killed by Attila the Hun … sorry could have been … the final scene Attila putting his sword through Alex's neck .

If he played in the NFL, he would have to sit out a few battles.
then he would have shot himself in the chest with a ballista so his brain could have been examined.

I have been reading discussions about Alexander for years. Despite his short lifespan, no one has ever postulated what could have happened if he had lived longer.

"it is a minor miracle that he survived as long as he did. Several of his wounds would have been enough to finish off other men – or else leave him crippled. Yet Alexander not only somehow overcame them all but each time did so well enough to fight again!"

"I was Alexander's Double"?

"Despite his short lifespan, no one has ever postulated what could have happened if he had lived longer."

Errr… Dude? I think you'll find they have!!! Potential wars with Carthage & Rome?

"WAB supplement "Alexander the Great" also dedicates some space for the topic on page 66."

Thanks for reading that bit… but the far better read is John Keegan's "The Mask of Command".
JJ

in fact he had so many puncture wounds when he drank wine it leaked out of several holes……..