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Klit ChernuyMilitary leader and personal friend of Alexander the Great
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- Clitus the Black: A Close Friend and General of Alexander the Great
- Heroism and Loyalty
- Division of Command
- The Fateful Banquet
- Alexander's Rage
- Aftermath
Clitus the Black: A Close Friend and General of Alexander the Great
Early Life and CareerClitus, known as "the Black," was a son of Dropides and the brother of Lanice, Alexander the Great's nurse. He had a close relationship with the young king from an early age.
Clitus was a seasoned veteran by the time Alexander embarked on his campaign in Asia. He commanded the royal agema, an elite squadron of hetairoi that fought alongside Alexander.
Heroism and Loyalty
Clitus played a heroic role in Alexander's battles. In 334 BC, at the Battle of Granicus, he saved Alexander's life by severing the hand of the Persian nobleman Spitridates, who was about to strike the stunned king.
Throughout subsequent battles, Clitus's agema followed Alexander into the heat of battle, protecting him from enemy attacks aimed at killing him.
Division of Command
In 330 BC, after Philotas' execution, Alexander divided command of the Macedonian cavalry between Clitus and Hephaestion. He also intended to grant Clitus the satrapy of Sogdiana, which remained unconquered.
The Fateful Banquet
Tragedy struck at a banquet in Maracanda (Samarqand). Clitus, fueled by wine, accused Alexander of attributing all victories to himself, ignoring the contributions of his soldiers. He compared Alexander unfavorably to his father, Philip II, and expressed the discontent of Macedonian veterans with the new order.
Alexander's Rage
Alexander, enraged, attacked Clitus with a spear. However, his bodyguards, including Ptolemy and Perdiccas, restrained him. Clitus then returned to continue his accusations.
In a fit of fury, Alexander seized a spear from his bodyguard and killed Clitus. He immediately attempted to commit suicide with the same weapon.
Aftermath
Alexander was devastated by Clitus's death. He mourned his former friend deeply and locked himself away for several days. Clitus's remains were eventually sent back to Macedonia, where they were buried with great honor.
