CLASS DISCUSSION, MARCH 9:
INTERNAL OPPOSITION AND CONFLICT, 336-323 BC

Thursday's class will focus on the intermittent opposition and conflict within the Macedonian ranks, stretching from the moment Alexander assumed the throne until his death. Read to p. 453 in Green and the appropriate primary sources in conjunction. One pair of students will lead the class discussion on the following topic for 15-20 minutes:

• Internal Opposition and Conflict

Dusty Reidy and Danielle Visceglia
From the moment Alexander assumed the throne he faced opposition from various quarters, including within the Macedonian military-political hierarchy. Such troubles followed him to Asia and his invasion of the Persian Empire, beginning with the temporary desertion of Harpalus, his treasurer, and continuing through the episodes of Callisthenes and Cleitus the Black. What were these conflicts, and what led to their development within the Macedonian ranks? How did Alexander respond to these disagreements? How do the sources assess his policies in each instance? How successful was he at holding his troops together, and what might he have done to alleviate some of the tensions?