ALEXANDER III THE GREAT (336-323 BC)

KINGS OF MACEDON

The Death of Alexander the Great

Alexander's health deteriorated in the summer of 324 BCE in Ecbatana, following the death of Hephaestion—his friend, companion, and likely lover. He spent a fortune on Hephaestion's funeral in Babylon and began to abuse alcohol even more heavily. On June 10 or 11, 323 BCE, Alexander died at the age of 32 in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II in Babylon.

Plutarch writes that 14 days before his death, Alexander hosted Nearchus and spent the night and the next day drinking wine. He developed a fever that worsened until he could no longer speak. Diodorus mentions that Alexander felt pain after drinking a large bowl of unmixed wine in honor of Heracles, followed by 11 days of weakness and agony. It is also speculated that Alexander's death was unnatural, possibly caused by intrigues among those closest to him.

A Brief History of Babylon

Babylon, situated on the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia, was one of the oldest and most important cities of the ancient world. Its origins date back to the third millennium BCE, with its greatest flourishing under the reigns of Hammurabi (18th century BCE) and Nebuchadnezzar II (6th century BCE). During this time, Babylon became a political, cultural, and religious center, renowned for landmarks such as the Hanging Gardens of Semiramis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

In the 6th century BCE, the city was conquered by the Persians under Cyrus the Great and incorporated into the Achaemenid Empire. Babylon remained an important administrative and cultural hub until the time of Alexander the Great.

Babylon and Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great captured Babylon in 331 BCE after his victory over Darius III at the Battle of Gaugamela, which marked the collapse of the Persian Empire. The city surrendered without resistance, and Alexander entered it as a liberator. The Persian satrap Mazaios handed over the city to Alexander, solidifying his position as the ruler of the conquered Persian territories. Babylon became one of the most important centers in Alexander's empire and a key base for his further campaigns.

Alexander was captivated by Babylon's wealth and culture. Showing respect for local traditions and religion, he ordered the restoration of the Esagila temple, dedicated to the god Marduk, to gain the favor of the local population. He made the city the temporary capital of his empire and the site of grand ceremonies and feasts.

It was in Babylon that Alexander died in 323 BCE, likely in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II. The circumstances of his death remain unclear and are still the subject of numerous theories—ranging from poisoning to a natural illness.

After Alexander's death in Babylon, his key generals (the diadochi) divided the empire during the so-called Partition of Babylon. The city was allocated to Seleucus I Nicator, who later founded the Seleucid dynasty. The struggles among the diadochi and the development of other centers, such as Seleucia on the Tigris, contributed to Babylon's gradual decline.

Coins from Babylon During the Reign of Alexander the Great

The coins minted in Babylon during Alexander's reign featured the head of Heracles wearing a lion's skin on the obverse, emphasizing Alexander's divine lineage and courage. The reverse depicted Zeus seated on a throne, holding a scepter and an eagle, symbolizing royal authority and divine protection. A distinctive element of these coins was the inscription "ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ" ("belonging to Alexander"), which served as confirmation of his legitimacy as ruler.

Natural Wealth of Babylon

Babylon derived its wealth from the exceptionally fertile lands of Mesopotamia, known as the "Fertile Crescent." Advanced irrigation systems allowed for the production of surplus grain, dates, and other agricultural goods. The city was also a major trading hub, located on routes leading to India, Persia, and the Mediterranean region.

The Role of Babylon and Its Governors in Alexander's Empire

Babylon was one of the wealthiest and most important regions in Alexander the Great's empire. After its conquest, Alexander integrated the local administration into the Macedonian system of governance, appointing satraps such as Mazaios, Stamenes, and Archon. Their responsibilities included managing the region and supporting Alexander's military campaigns by supplying resources and maintaining order.

Stamenes was one of the officials appointed by Alexander to govern Babylon after its conquest in 331 BCE. Initially, this role was held by the Persian satrap Mazaios, who was retained due to his merits and acceptance by the local population. After Mazaios' death in 328 BCE, Alexander entrusted the administration of Babylon to Stamenes. Following Stamenes' death, Archon took over the region, continuing the policy of consolidating Macedonian authority.

Denomination: Tetradrachm, Ag

Obverse: Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress

Reverse:  Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, kerykeion above M; monogram below throne, AΛEΞANΔPOY

Mint: Babylon (struck under Stamenes or Archon), 324/3 B.C.

Weight: 16,45 g

Diameter: 26,5mm

Provenance: CNG

Riferimento : 02.2 Price 3628

Collezione : ALEXANDER THE GREAT and HIS SUCCESSORS