The Death of Alexander The Great in 323 B.C. Is still one of the greatest mysteries of our history. The man who conquered much of the known world, became incredibly sick after a night of heavy drinking. He was just 32 years old at the time. Over several days, his condition kept getting worse. In the end he was unable to move or speak until he eventually passed away. However, historians today are still not sure as to what the real cause of his death was! Keep on reading to discover more about it.
Did Alexander the Great Die of Natural Causes?
Many historians believe that Alexander succumbed to a natural illness. Ancient records describe his symptoms as including fever, weakness, and severe abdominal pain, which could indicate diseases like typhoid fever or malaria—both common in the regions he traveled. Some modern researchers suggest Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause paralysis and respiratory failure.
One of the most bizarre details about his death is that, according to some accounts, his body showed no signs of decomposition for several days. This unusual phenomenon has led some to theorize that he may have suffered from a condition that slowed bodily decay, possibly due to an unknown illness.
Poisoning: A Sinister Theory?
While disease is a likely explanation, poisoning remains a strong possibility. Alexander had many enemies, including generals and advisers who stood to gain from his demise. Some scholars believe his symptoms align with poisoning from strychnine or other slow-acting toxins. However, the main argument against this theory is the prolonged nature of his illness—most known poisons of the time would have acted much faster.
With Alexander’s body lost to history, there may never be a definitive answer. Whether he died from a deadly disease or fell victim to political intrigue, his mysterious end only adds to the legend of one of history’s greatest military leaders
