Alexander the Great is a name we’ve all heard, a name that brings to mind tales of bravery, huge battles, and a vast empire. But even with all his great deeds, there’s one big question that has always intrigued and puzzled many: How did Alexander the Great die?
Even after thousands of years, nobody knows for sure. But there are a few ideas or theories that people believe might be the answer. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Typhoid Fever: A Common Disease of His Time
In the place where Alexander was during his last days, Babylon, much like the unfortunate fate of John Candy, many people often got sick from diseases. One of these diseases was called typhoid fever. This is a really bad sickness that can cause fever, stomach pain, and sometimes a rash.
There are old diaries from that time which tell about how Alexander was feeling. The way they describe his sickness sounds a lot like typhoid fever. Because of this, some people believe this might be what caused his death.
2. Malaria: Bites from Infected Mosquitoes
Another theory is that Alexander caught a disease called malaria. This is a disease you can get if a certain kind of mosquito, which is carrying the disease, bites you.
There’s a record, called the Ephemerides, written by someone who was close to Alexander. This record talks about him having symptoms like high fever and chills. These are signs of malaria. And because we know that he traveled through places with lots of water and mosquitoes, it’s possible he could have gotten bitten and caught the disease.
3. Other Ideas People Have Had
Apart from the two main ideas, there are a few more that some people believe:
- Poison: Some stories suggest that someone might have given Alexander poison because they didn’t like him or wanted to take his place. But, most people think this is not likely because poison would have acted quickly, and Alexander was sick for several days before he died.
- Autoimmune Disorders: This is a modern idea. Some doctors today think maybe Alexander had a disease where his body attacked itself. It’s hard to be sure because this was a very long time ago.
- Drinking Too Much: Some people say that Alexander might have drunk too much wine, which made him very sick. There are stories that he liked to party and drink, so some believe this could be a reason.
Conclusion
Even after discussing all these ideas, we still don’t have a clear answer to “How did Alexander the Great die?”. It remains one of history’s great mysteries. But whether we know the cause of his death or not, his legacy as a great leader and conqueror remains undiminished. Sometimes, it’s the unanswered questions that make stories even more captivating. And Alexander’s tale is one such story that continues to inspire and intrigue us.
FAQs
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How Did Alexander the Great Die?
The exact cause of Alexander the Great’s death remains a mystery, with theories ranging from typhoid fever and malaria to potential poisoning or other medical conditions. Despite numerous speculations, a definitive answer to “How did Alexander the Great die?” has eluded historians for centuries.
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What are some of the prominent theories about Alexander the Great’s death?
The prominent theories surrounding Alexander the Great’s death include typhoid fever, contracted from prevalent diseases in Babylon, and malaria, potentially caught from mosquito bites during his travels in water-rich areas. Other speculations encompass poisoning by political rivals, modern notions of autoimmune disorders, and excessive alcohol consumption leading to severe health issues.
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What evidence from the Ephemerides suggests Alexander might have died from malaria?
The Ephemerides, a record penned by someone close to Alexander, notes symptoms he exhibited like high fever and chills, commonly associated with malaria. Given that Alexander often traveled through mosquito-prone areas, such as marshes and wetlands, there’s a possibility he was bitten by an infected mosquito, leading to the disease.