--Quintus Curtius, Historiae Alexandri Magni, III.xii.15 - 17
After the battle's casualties were buried with proper dignity, Alexander sent a message to announce to the Persian captives that he would visit them. He entered the captive queen's tent without his retinue, only bringing Hephaestion with him. Hephaestion was by far Alexander's best friend, a boyhood companion who was raised in the same household as the king. He was Alexander's closest confidant, and had the most liberties in monitoring and criticizing the man's behavior, a feat that seemed to be more encouraged by Alexander himself than Hephaestion's own impulse. And although they were the same age, Hephaestion had a more kingly presence than Alexander. Therefore when the queen saw Hephaestion, she assumed he was the king and bowed before him in the Persian manner. When one of the captive court's eunuchs pointed out to her who the real Alexander was, Queen Sisigambis threw herself at Alexander's feet, apologizing that she did not know which was which. Alexander took the queen by her hand and lifted her back to her feet, saying, "You weren't wrong, Queen Mother; this man is also Alexander."
QUINTUS CURTIUS RUFUS
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MAP:
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Name: Quintus Curtius Rufus
Date: 1st c.
CE
Works: History of
Alexander the Great
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REGION UNKNOWN
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BIO:
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Timeline:
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Quintus Curtius Rufus was a Roman
statesman and author who lived during the reign of the Julio-Claudian emperors.
Although much of his work is lost, the remaining fragments of his History
of Alexander the Great provide insight into the life of the great hero.
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GOLDEN AGE ROME
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