The Enigmatic Case of Alexander the Great's Death and Preservation
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Chapter 1: The Curious Condition of Alexander's Body
Was Alexander the Great's body preserved due to a premature declaration of death? Remarkably, his corpse showed no signs of decay for six days following his demise.
“His body, although it lay without special care in moist and stifling surroundings, exhibited no signs of deterioration, remaining intact and fresh.” - Plutarch
The fact that a body could remain unspoiled for six days post-mortem is extraordinary, especially for someone as legendary as Alexander, whose conquests left an indelible mark on history and earned him a near-divine status among his followers. Even after his unexpected passing at the age of 32, Alexander seemingly retained his vitality for an astonishing period.
Historians and scientists alike have been confounded by this phenomenon. Was Alexander truly mortal? Some experts propose an intriguing theory: the conqueror may have been declared dead prematurely due to a misdiagnosis by his physicians.
As his generals vied for control of his remains, Ptolemy ultimately secured the right to transport Alexander's body to Alexandria, suggesting a gruesome possibility that he might have been disemboweled while still alive.
Why Was He Declared Dead?
The answer could lie in a condition known as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Section 1.1: The Dying Alexander
Alexander the Great, a prominent military leader, established an empire that stretched across three continents. However, his life came to a sudden halt on June 11, 323 B.C., at the age of 32, just as he was poised to invade Arabia.
Following a night of revelry with his naval officer Nearchus, Alexander continued to indulge with his friend Medius. It was during this time that he fell ill, experiencing a fever and severe back pain akin to being struck by a spear.
As his condition worsened, he became unable to move, ultimately losing his ability to speak. Despite consuming wine in an attempt to ease his discomfort, he was left parched. Gradually, paralysis set in, leading to the untimely end of one of history's most celebrated figures.
Though numerous theories surround the cause of Alexander's death—ranging from poisoning to disease—our focus here is on the astonishing fact that his body remained intact for six days post-mortem.
Section 1.2: The Medical Perspective
In 2018, Dr. Katherine Hall from the Dunedin School of Medicine put forth a compelling argument that Alexander may have suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system.
Dr. Hall's analysis suggests that the symptoms described in ancient texts align with GBS, which can lead to paralysis and other severe complications. This syndrome can result in a delay in the onset of rigor mortis, allowing the body to appear fresh for an extended period, as noted by Plutarch.
Chapter 2: The Aftermath of Death
The first video titled "Alexander the Great: buried three times in Egypt" explores the burial practices and the mystery surrounding Alexander's final resting place, providing insights into his legacy and the surrounding legends.
The second video titled "What happened to the tomb of Alexander the Great?" delves into the historical accounts and ongoing investigations into the fate of Alexander's tomb, shedding light on the unanswered questions of his burial.
The Gruesome Possibility of Premature Death Declaration
According to Dr. Hall, Alexander's extensive paralysis may have led to a reduced demand for oxygen, causing his pupils to become fixed and dilated. Despite this, he may have still been alive when pronounced dead by the medical practitioners of the time, who relied on breathing rather than pulse to determine death.
Modern understanding of Guillain-Barré syndrome lends credence to Dr. Hall's hypothesis; however, it is not without its limitations. Various alternative explanations for Alexander's symptoms exist, and some scholars even attribute his loss of speech to an injury sustained during the Siege of Cyropolis.
The Role of Egyptian Embalmers
According to Plutarch, Egyptian embalmers were tasked with preserving Alexander's body. When they arrived, they were met with an incredible sight: the legendary conqueror, seemingly lifeless, yet remarkably well-preserved.
While GBS provides one possible explanation, ascending paralysis from typhoid fever has also been suggested as a reason for his symptoms. This condition could have led to a state that mimicked death, deceiving the embalmers into believing that Alexander had indeed passed away.
In conclusion, while there are various theories about Alexander's unexpected preservation, it remains plausible that the embalmers could have inadvertently subjected him to disembowelment while he was still alive. Regardless of the true cause of his symptoms, the notion that he may have been declared dead prematurely is a compelling possibility.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
If you found this exploration intriguing and wish to learn about another significant historical figure whose death is shrouded in mystery, be sure to check out the story of Attila the Hun.
The Mysterious Death of Attila the Hun: What Really Happened?
Exploring the unanswered questions about Attila’s death.
Sources
Aufderheide, Arthur (2003). The scientific study of mummies. Cambridge University Press.
Jarus, Owen (2019). Why Alexander the Great May Have Been Declared Dead Prematurely (It’s Pretty Gruesome).