Mutiny at Opis 324 BC Procession of the

Mutiny at Opis 324 BC

Procession of the ‘successors’, at Susa, 324 BC The ‘successors’ were 30 000 young Persians recruited and trained as soldiers in Macedonian style. ► These men were trained by Alex because: ► § well trained men were needed in his army § it showed Macedonians & Greeks were equal (Policy of Fusion) ► The successors arrived at Susa with: § Macedonian clothing § Macedonian equipment § Speaking Greek ► Historians believe they were not meant to replace the Macedonian soldiers ► The procession of successors indicates just how far Alexander was prepared to go with the policy of fusion. . . but…. . This procession led to the Muting at Opis

Trouble, it was already a-brewing…. ► Prior to the Mutiny at Opis The Macedonians were also getting angry at Alexander because: § A) he wore Persian clothing (what does this say about Greek customs, culture, clothing? ) § B) he was including foreign cavalry in the companion cavalry who accompanied Alexander in battle (why would this cause anger? ) § C) And now, the procession of successors was an insult (why? )

Mutiny at Opis On the next slide is the key events, they are currently jumbled and numbered incorrectly. Your task: Draw a circular diagram in your notes and place the events in the correct order

links ► mutiny at opis 1. doc (word) ► muting at opis. gwb (interactive whiteboard)

Reconciliation after Mutiny at Opis ► A huge feast was held to celebrate the reconciliation after the mutiny. Alexander poured libations & prayed for ‘harmony & partnership in rule between Macedonians & Persians’ ► Alexander proceeded to send the veterans home who were unfit for service. He paid them well & gave them a generous gift of one talent. ► To avoid trouble back in Macedonia he told them to leave any children they had with the local women behind, and promised to bring them to Macedonia when they grew up ► Crateus was sent as an escort to take them home. This was because Craterus opposed policy of fusion & was an enemy of Hephaiston. ► Mutiny of Opis also shows the conflict between Alexander and his troops, as well as his determination to practice the Policy of fusion.

Homework: Workbooks: ► Hamilton worksheet ‘Mutiny at opis’ ► Read notes on ‘Mutiny at opis’ Paul Artus: Read p. 104