Cleitus the Black facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cleitus the Black
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Alexander kills Cleitus, André Castaigne, c. 1898–1899
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| Native name |
Κλεῖτος ὁ μέλας
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| Birth name | Cleitus |
| Born | 375 BC |
| Died | 328 BC (aged 46–47 years old) Markanda, Bactria |
| Allegiance | Macedonia |
| Commands held | Companion cavalry |
| Battles/wars | Wars of Alexander the Great
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| Relations | Lanike (sister), Critias (grandfather) |
Cleitus the Black (whose name in ancient Greek was Κλεῖτος ὁ μέλας) was an important officer in the army of Alexander the Great. He lived from about 375 BC to 328 BC. Cleitus is famous for saving Alexander's life during a major battle. Sadly, he later died in a very sad argument with Alexander himself. He was the son of Dropidas and the brother of Lanike, who was Alexander's nurse when he was a baby. People called him 'the Black' to tell him apart from another officer named Cleitus 'the White'.
Contents
A Brave Soldier's Career
Cleitus began his military career as a commander of the Greek Cavalry under King Philip II, Alexander's father. He kept this important role when Alexander became king.
Saving Alexander's Life
In 334 BC, a big battle called the Battle of the Granicus took place. During this fight, Alexander the Great was in great danger. Two Persian commanders, Rhosaces and Spithridates, attacked him at the same time. Just as Spithridates was about to strike Alexander, Cleitus quickly stepped in. He bravely cut off Spithridates's arm, saving Alexander's life. This act showed his loyalty and courage.
Later, Cleitus was promoted to an even higher position. He became one of the two leaders of the companion cavalry. This was a very elite group of soldiers who fought closely with Alexander.
A Tragic End
In 328 BC, a region called Bactria needed a new governor. Alexander chose Cleitus for this important job. Cleitus was about to leave to take charge of his new role.
The Disagreement at the Banquet
The night before Cleitus was to depart, Alexander held a large banquet. This feast was part of a celebration for the god Dionysus. During the banquet, after much celebration, a serious disagreement started between Alexander and some of his generals, including Cleitus.
Alexander announced some changes to his army's leadership. Specifically, he ordered Cleitus to lead 16,000 Greek soldiers who had previously fought against Alexander. These soldiers were to go north and fight against steppe nomads. Cleitus was upset about this new assignment. He felt it was a lesser role and expressed his strong disagreement. He believed he would be far from the king and forgotten.
The conversation became very tense. Alexander spoke proudly of his own achievements, suggesting they were greater than his father's, King Philip II. Cleitus strongly disagreed. He argued that Alexander owed much of his success to his father. He even questioned Alexander's right to be king of the Macedonians.
Alexander became very angry and called for his guards, but they hesitated to get involved in such a heated argument between close companions. The argument escalated quickly. Alexander threw an object at Cleitus and asked for a weapon. Others present tried to calm the situation, holding Alexander back and trying to get Cleitus to leave.
Despite efforts to separate them, Cleitus returned, continuing to voice his complaints. In a moment of intense anger, Alexander grabbed a spear and tragically struck Cleitus, causing his death.
Alexander's Regret
After this tragic event, historical accounts show that Alexander was filled with deep regret and sadness over what had happened to his friend. He felt terrible about killing Cleitus, especially since they had been close companions for many years.
Why the Conflict?
Historians believe Cleitus might have been upset by Alexander's growing interest in adopting some Persian customs. After becoming king of the Persian Empire, Alexander began to incorporate certain traditions that some Macedonian soldiers found unfamiliar or even disrespectful. This change in Alexander's behavior could have added to Cleitus's frustration and led to the heated argument.
