The Execution of Parmenion: Loyalty Means Nothing to Alexander the great

 

The Execution of Parmenion: Loyalty Means Nothing to Alexander the great

Date: 330 BCE

Story:
Parmenion had served Alexander’s father, Philip II, and was one of the most trusted generals in Macedonia.
But that trust evaporated when Parmenion’s son, Philotas, was accused of plotting against Alexander.
Despite no clear evidence, Philotas was tortured and executed.
What followed was even more shocking.
Fearing vengeance, Alexander ordered Parmenion’s immediate assassination—without trial, without warning.
He sent messengers racing across hundreds of miles to catch Parmenion in Ecbatana.
The loyal old general was stabbed to death by men he once commanded.
There was no chance to plead his innocence.
Alexander, increasingly paranoid, was determined to eliminate any potential rival, no matter how venerable.
This betrayal chilled the hearts of other commanders.
If Parmenion could be discarded, so could anyone.
The young king was shedding his mentors and forging himself into a ruthless autocrat.

Key Characters:
Alexander the Great
Parmenion
Philotas
Craterus
Cleander

Reference:

Arrian, Anabasis of Alexander

Curtius Rufus, Histories of Alexander the Great
Plutarch, Life of Alexander