by David Alkek
"What if the Macedonians come back to attack Thebes? They still are led by Philip’s generals. Will Athens send men?"
Demosthenes comforted the Thebans. "I believe I can persuade the Assembly to send an army to help if necessary. I will send a letter with you supporting the Thebans in their rebellion and assuring them of Athens’ aid.”
"That is all we need. I and the other exiles will leave tomorrow for Thebes."
A group of about twenty exiles planned their arrival at the gates of Thebes after dark. They had sent word ahead to some friends who met them.
The next day the leaders of the revolt spread the news. Armed citizens besieged the garrison killing two Macedonian officials in the process. "Send a message to Athens of our action and request the aid that Demosthenes has promised," said one.
"Persia has also offered money, said another. "But I don't think that what is left of Alexander's army can be here anytime within a month. They're still in Illyria."
"We shouldn't waste time my friend. The Macedonians will return and try to relieve their garrison. We must prepare for them."
They sent messages to other Greek cities for support and built a rampart and stockade along the south side of the city between two rivers, just outside the hill of the Cadmeia.
When news reached Alexander about Thebes he was furious. One of his generals explained, "The rumor that your injuries in Illyria were fatal spurred Thebes and Athens to rebel again. They have asked for Persian support."
Alexander had returned from Pella to Illyria, where the army was recuperating and refitting. He paced in his tent, fuming at the Theban's act of treachery. He didn't recognize it as an act of passion for their freedom. "How dare they act this way. It is ingratitude and perfidy. I was so generous during their last revolt, after my father died. My officials and garrison were there to help them. We even have taken Theban youths to train in our army."
"It seems," stated Antipater, "that the Greeks have forgotten the lesson of Chaeronea, and the Thebans their loss of the Sacred Band."
"They may think that Macedon has lost its king again," said Alexander, "but I will assure them that I am alive. I will lead the army to Thebes." He pounded his fist on the table.
"Sire," another general spoke up, "the army is still recuperating from our hard-fought battles. We have lost several hundred men, and must replace our arms and supplies. Perhaps we can be ready in a month."
"We don't have a month," Alexander exploded. "The longer we wait, the stronger the Greeks will get. They will use Persian gold to obtain mercenaries. No, we must invade now. We must surprise them, for they will least expect us."
"But Alexander," Antipater said, "Thebes is a three hundred mile march. The army is exhausted."
"And have I not endured the same battles and wounds that they have?" Alexander demanded. "I would not ask of my men any more than I myself would endure. We cannot allow the Greeks to succeed in defying Macedon. I see my standing in Greece in grave danger, unless this revolt is nipped in the bud. If they're successful, we cannot proceed with plans to invade Asia.
"It is Persia that is paying the Greeks to oppose us. We must cut off this arm of the Great King before we can face the main body of his army. Therefore, my generals, it is my order that you rearm and supply your men. We will march to Thebes in five days."
The army was ready in record time. After thirteen days of arduous marching, they reached Thebes. The Thebans were completely surprised to see the Macedonian army encamped outside their walls, and at first refused to give battle. They could see, however, that many of their jealous neighbors in Boeotia were aiding the Macedonians and ravaging the countryside. Their Athenian allies urged them to give battle rather than starve, knowing that if they did not stop Alexander here, he would march on Athens. They sent a contingent to reinforce them.
The Thebans sallied out of their walls to face Alexander, whose mighty phalanx and irresistible cavalry made short work of the Thebans and Athenians. The battlefield was littered with dead. The dying and wounded were quickly dispatched and the prisoners disarmed and rounded up. That evening, a council was held including Alexander, his generals, and Thebes’ ancient enemies of Plataea, Phocis, Thespiae, and Orchomenos.
Alexander addressed the meeting. "The Thebans and their Athenian allies have been utterly defeated. The city is defenseless. This is the third time we have had to meet the Greeks in battle. I am weary of these stiff-necked Greeks, who do not appreciate peace and security under Macedonian protection.
"Once more we have defeated them, but will they rise and rebel again? It seems they must be given a lesson that is not soon forgotten. Thebes must be punished, and a message sent to the rest of Greece.
"I will not make the decision alone, but ask the opinions of all who fought. What should we decide to do with Thebes?"
One of Alexander's generals gave his opinion. "Even though Thebes has rebelled against us and needs to be taught a lesson, she is a city with a great past. Your father, King Philip, lived with great Epaminondas while he was in Thebes. It is my vote that we should take all the men of fighting age and put them in garrisons along the frontiers. The younger women and children can be sold into slavery. A reinforced Macedonian garrison should be placed in the re-fortified Cadmeia. Otherwise, the city should be spared. We can use it later as a stronghold in Boeotia."
The representative from Phocis said, “We have no love for Thebes nor honor the memory of Epaminondas , for he ruled us with an iron hand. I vote that Thebes should be burned."
The representative from Plataea replied, "Thebes had drafted our youth for its army and kidnapped our women. Thebes has been our ancestral enemy. I vote that all its men should be killed."
The representative from Thespiae agreed. "Thebes should be destroyed. All its inhabitants either killed or sold as slaves."
The representative of Orchomenos and other enemies of Thebes added their voices of approval.
Alexander wanted to show the rest of Greece an example of the fate that would befall any who would rebel against his power. This would give the other rebels a lesson, and he could blame it on Thebes’ enemy neighbors. His own troops would not have Thebes’ blood on their hands, although they were the instrument of her defeat. In addition, his depleted treasury would gain from the sale of the enslaved population.
"I will sign the order," he stated.
A yell of bloodlust filled the air.
"I will turn the city over to the Macedonian allies, but with the following provisions. You are to spare the house of Pindar, the poet, and all of the temples. The lives of all priests and priestesses and of all Thebans, who can prove that they opposed the revolt, must also be spared."
The next day was marked by burning and butchery and would go down in history as one of the worst atrocities that Greeks visited upon Greeks. Greeks mercilessly murdered other Greeks, even relatives killed one another. Houses were plundered and torched. Women were raped. Even the old and women and children who fled into temples for sanctuary were torn from them and mutilated. Every corner of the city was piled high with corpses.
More than six thousand Theban men, women and children were slaughtered in the streets, including all of the prisoners. The rest, more than thirty thousand were sold into slavery. The city was burnt to the ground, except for the house of Pindar and the temples. The walls were torn down, and the surrounding lands were parceled out to the neighboring cities which had joined in the slaughter. Thebes was never to rise again. The ancient city with a colorful history was wiped from the map of Greece.
This was a novel event in Greek history. No previous disaster had instilled such horror and dread. It was an act of deliberate terror, sponsored by Alexander and conducted by his proxies.
The destruction of Thebes was but a first taste of the vengeance that Alexander's wrath could take. He later said that he looked back with shame on this violent revenge. He atoned in part by showing leniency for Athens, even though she was the instigator of the revolt.
> "Sire," said one of Alexander's generals, "surely Athens must also share the blame with Thebes. If you do not desire to burn the city or enslave its citizens, then at least we should arrest and kill Demosthenes and the other anti-Macedonian leaders. She should also be forced to pay a large indemnity."
"I hear what you say, Melliotos.” Alexander had absorbed from his father a respect for Athens. Aristotle had also made a place in his heart for Athens as mother of philosophy and science. “No, I will not punish Athens even though she violated her pledges made to me only last year. Demosthenes and his party now have no teeth with which to harm us. We will take her army and navy with us to fight Persia. She and the other Greek allies will have no men at home to rebel with. I will send a commission to Athens to see that this is done. Now get the army ready to return to Macedon."
Before he left the ruins of Thebes, Alexander exacted a renewed allegiance of all the Greek states. They all agreed, except again Sparta. Satisfied, Alexander returned to Macedon to prepare for his invasion of Asia.
* * *
News reached Pella before Alexander of the slaughter and destruction of Thebes. Phidias was horrified. He spoke of his concern to Aristotle. "I thought we had educated Alexander. I thought we had given him civilized virtues. Instead, he has shown that he is still a Macedonian barbarian."
Aristotle shook his head. "It saddens me also to see that the bloody violence he inherited from his mother and father is but under a surface of Greek culture. I tried my best during the past four years. I still have my hopes for him."
"But Aristotle, if he invades Asia, will he repeat this barbarism? Will his bloodlust overwhelmed, what you have taught him?"
"I have instilled in him lessons in how to be a good king, an enlightened ruler. I will have more conversation with him after he returns. Perhaps we can have a continuing influence on him after he attacks Persia."
"I hope so, my friend," said Phidias. "For Alexander's sake and for the sake of his enemies, I hope so."
Plans were made for the most daring and romantic undertaking of any European king up to that time. Persia was a huge empire, with many millions of inhabitants. It was very wealthy and had a well-trained and effective army made up of contingents of several ethnic groups who fought with their own skills and armament. It was reported that the Persians could muster a million men for its army and cavalry. Alexander's invading force was only thirty thousand infantry and five thousand cavalry. However, they were hardened veterans, trained to a honed edge.
Alexander called a meeting of his senior generals. "We are preparing for a continuation of the war between Europe and Asia. Our ancestors invaded and sacked Troy. The Persians in their turn invaded Greece twice and even burned Athens. Now it is our turn to take up where Agamemnon, Achilles, and Odysseus left off. We will not only retrace their steps to Troy, but continue to conquer all of Asia.
"I had hoped to fight Persia as the champion of all Greece. I realize, however, that half of Greece prays that I will be killed. How can I count on the Greek allies to aid me, when many fight as mercenaries for the Persians? In fact, those Greeks will give us more trouble than the Persians themselves." Alexander had already considered these problems.
“Antipater”, Alexander addressed one of his older generals.
"Yes, Sire."
"You will remain behind in command of twelve thousand to guard Macedon and keep watch over Greece. You have been one of my father’s most trusted generals and have proven your loyalty to me. I will take the forces of the Greek allies to serve as a rearguard and garrison the cities we have taken. I do not trust them in the front of battle. They are not as trained and effective as our Macedonian phalanx. Besides, they may not want to fight their brother mercenaries when faced with them."
"Sire," said Antipater, "I am flattered that you would leave me in command of Macedon in your absence, but I would rather be fighting at your side against the hated Persians."
"I know you would, loyal Antipater. It is because I can trust you that I leave you in charge. Now let us prepare to cross the Hellespont."
Alexander sent an invitation to Aristotle and Phidias to have a quiet dinner with him. They both greeted Alexander enthusiastically, kissing him and thanking him for sparing Phidias’ life.
“It was fortunate that you brought Phidias’ plight to my attention, Master Aristotle. I never want to be the cause for any harm to come to a teacher or philosopher, especially one from Athens. Come let us enjoy some simple food and good wine. As you are well aware, I am preparing to cross into Asia and embark upon an arduous campaign. It may be several years before I can enjoy a dinner with my teacher and his friend, and discuss philosophy."
"Alexander," said Aristotle, "your campaigns in Asia should not be solely of a military interest. It can be a source of unlimited benefit to science. Take scholars with you who have knowledge of animals and plants and geography. Also I would ask you to send back to me, whatever they can collect of interest. I want to add them to my collection of specimens. It would add immensely to our knowledge to have specimens of plants, animals, and rocks from all of your journeys."
"I will certainly do as you ask. But why don't you accompany me. You have knowledge of many things. You can also advise me about philosophical issues during my exploits.”
“I am truly tempted by the opportunity to visit new lands and observe customs, plants, animals, and man-made wonders at first hand. However, I feel I must return to Athens. Xenocrates has been the head of the Academy since Plato's death. He is a good master, but he follows Plato's philosophy with which I have many disagreements.
"I would like to start my own school. It could be a place for my collection of specimens, of books, and for my research. I would like to continue to teach and write. Now that the Macedonian party is in power in Athens, I will feel safe there."
"I understand your wish to return to the city you love. I applaud your decision to establish your own school. How will you pay for it? Do you have land or buildings?”
"I have nothing. I was supported by your father when I was your teacher, but I have no funds of my own."
"Then I will be your benefactor. I will help you build your school. I give you my promise that I will send the first part of any booty that I capture.”
"Thank you, Alexander. I hope I have instilled within you a love for science. You always were a little impatient with philosophy. But perhaps you can take philosophers with you." Aristotle had considered how Alexander could continue to get philosophical advice, even though he would not be with him.
"Whom do you suggest?"
"I suggest you take Gorgas, Pharacrates, and Callisthenes. Callisthenes is my nephew. He can act as your official historian and keep accurate record of all of your exploits. Gorgas has knowledge of animals and plants. Pharacrates is expert in minerals, geography, and the weather. And, oh yes, you should ask Phidias here to accompany you."
Alexander started, "I had never thought….."
"But Aristotle," interrupted Phidias, "don't you want me to go back to Athens with you?"
"I think it would be a great experience for you, my friend. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to accompany my student, who, by the will of the gods, will conquer Asia and Egypt. You can be my eyes and ears also."
"Will you accompany me then, Phidias? I could use a philosopher who has been trained like Aristotle. You can advise me about the customs and history of the Persians and other peoples we may meet. After dealing with hard soldiers all day, I would welcome the opportunity to talk with a person with a calm mind of things other than death and destruction."
Phidias abhorred war. He had fought in battle, was wounded, and saw his closest friend killed. He realized what Aristotle was doing. Aristotle couldn’t be there himself but perhaps he could temper Alexander’s hot Macedonian temper with a cool Athenian head. He looked at his friend and gave a bare nod. Bowing his head slightly to Alexander he replied, "I would be honored to go with you and be your philosophical advisor. I c
an help collect material for Aristotle, and even make notes for a history of barbarian peoples if I decide to write one."
"Good, then it is settled," stated Alexander. "Let's have a toast to a successful campaign."
"To the progress of scientific knowledge," said Aristotle.
"To the spread of Greek ideas," said Phidias.
"To the conquest of Persia," said Alexander.
V. The Adventure Begins
Chapter 22
Alexander trusted Antipater, whom he had left with twelve thousand men to keep an eye on Macedon and Greece. He distrusted the Greeks, who may not have learned the strong lesson of Thebes. Demosthenes was still active in Athens, although the Athenians were not likely to revolt again soon. The northern tribes had also been chastened. However, who could guarantee that a rebel leader or exiled Macedonian might not cause trouble?
Alexander was filled with the excitement of his adventure. He had been inspired by his father's dream of invading Asia and freeing the Ionian Greeks since he could remember. Aristotle fertilized his imagination with the legendary exploits of the great Achilles. He fancied himself as the spiritual reincarnation of the hero of Troy in leading Greeks to battle in Asia. He had put much of the Iliad to memory, and quoted passages as he approached the reputed site of Troy.
He ordered most of the army to cross the Hellespont, but Alexander chose to lead a smaller party to the place where Agamemnon supposedly had landed. Alexander was the first to set foot on the shore where the Greeks landed to attack Troy. He threw down his shield and helmet, knelt, and kissed the ground. "Hail Achilles, hail Odysseus, hail Agamemnon. I have come to avenge the Persian invasion upon our sacred soil. I pledge to uphold your honor by reliving your deeds, following your courage, and using your cunning to defeat our foe."
He rose and the army cheered. "Let us march to Troy," he yelled. They retraced the path to legendary Troy, and approached the site of Achilles tomb. He knelt there, feeling a spirit of ecstasy wash over him, as if the soul of Achilles himself arose and filled him with its valor. Cold sweat broke out over Alexander's brow, and after a few moments he stood up, pale on shaky legs.