| As Alexander neared the heart of Persia, he sent scouts to
see if General Nearchus had in the Persian Gulf. When he learned that Nearchus had not
been seen in any of the ports, he sent a search fleet to look for Nearchus. They found him
looking like an unkept savage but still alive. Alexander then turned his attention to his
Empire. He found that it was in shambles. He found the biggest problem was holding to what he had conquered. He had more and more trouble with Greeks. The Greeks and the Persians hated each other. He found that if he mixed the people of the western and eastern empire he would create mixed tribes and customs to form a homonoia or brotherhood. To help set an example, Alexander married the daughter of Darius. On Alexander’s wedding day 80 other important men married Asian women. Alexander asked the League of Corinth to make him a god so he could some control on the league. His father had asked also when the league had caused him trouble. The League was offended and refused Alexander’s request. Alexander adopted more and more of the Persian ways. This made Greek officers mad. So Alexander quickly discharged them. In Opis of Baghdad Alexander received harsh treatment from the Greek army officers for replacing Greek officers with Persians. The Army rebelled and Alexander shut himself up in his tent until his Army begged for forgiveness. The Greek and Persians were finally forming together to make a strong empire. They planned to explore the lands of Arabia by General Nearchus. Alexander suddenly got sick after a celebration. After floating in and out of fever, probably from malaria caused by a mosquito bite, Alexander died on June 13, 323 B.C. at 32 years of age. The Greek empire crumbled and was divided when he died. Since none of the four generals wanted the responsibility of ruling the empire, they divided it equally. |