The murder of Cleitus is usually seen as incidental to the history of Alexander, but I would posit that it represents a pivotal moment which clearly illustrates the motives for Alexander’s apparent change of behavior after the death of Darius and his assumption of the tiara of The King Of Kings. I would further propose that this was part of a conscious and carefully orchestrated plan part of which involved the systematic removal of all the old guard Macedonian barons who had influence over the army. The removal of Cleitus had been pre arranged, but the plan went awry at the last moment.

This conclusion has been presented by Peter Green in his book, “ Alexander The Great ”, published in 1970 and I would add some further suppositions to his perceptions.

Alexander had no intention of ever returning to the brackish marshes of Pella after he became Lord Of Asia and his old officers had no intentions of spending the rest of their lives among what they considered to be the barbarians of a foreign land between the two stood The Macedonian Army, the greatest military machine the world had ever seen. This created a tension which Alexander set about resolving with the murder of Parmenio. Cleitus was but another step in this insidious process.

Alexander was nothing without his army and Cleitus knew this well when, just before his death, he quote Eurypides’ Andromache, “ Alas what evil government in Hellas”. The rest of the quote was not needed; it would have been dear to all common soldiers.

“ When the public sets a war memorial up do those who really sweated get the credit? Oh no! some general wangles the prestige who, brandishing his one spear among thousands, did one mans work, but gets a world of praise. These self important fathers of their country think they’re above the people, why they’re nothing!”

This was a direct challenge, not only to Alexander personally, but also to his power over the army. A Macedonian king ruled only by consent of the army; succession was not enough and Alexander was ever aware of this fact.

Alexander had planned an old ploy; this was to be a farewell dinner for Cleitus who would be left behind with a smaller force to secure Bactria. This was, no doubt, something of an honor, but Cleitus’ power would be greatly reduced and the old soldier saw the move for what it was. He had seen Attalus, Parmenio, and Philotas killed along with Alexander Of Lyncestis. he could not fail to comprehend the motivation. He was in danger and angry; he struck out. Alexander, The Lord Of Asia, killed the old Macedonian soldier on the spot. It was a moment of the highest symbolism and an unmistakable omen of what was to come. Alexander, son of Philip, King Of The Macedones was no more. In his stead a God Emperor would reign in Babylon.

The murder of Cleitus marked the turning point in the life of Alexander and revealed the choice he had made. On that sweltering summer night in Marakanda 328 years before the birth of Christ, two Macedonian soldiers died together on one spear.