Arrian on the introduction of proskynesis
After the death of Darius III (July 330), Alexander was sole ruler of the Achaemenid Empire. He introduced the Persian court rituals to his own court, which is called proskynesis. This meant that a visitor, depending on his rank, would have to prostrate himself, bow for, kneel in front of or kiss the king. Greeks and Macedonians could not appreciate this, because they considered these rituals only suitable to the gods. The opposition was led by Callisthenes of Olynthus, who was, like Alexander, a pupil of Aristotle of Stagira. The Greek author Arrian of Nicomedia describes the events in section 4.10.5-12.5 of his Anabasis. The translation was made by M.M. Austin.
The introduction of proskynesis |
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[4.10.5] Concerning the opposition offered to Alexander by Callisthenes over the question of obeisance, there is also the following story.note It had been agreed between Alexander, the sophists and the most distinguished of the Persians and the Medes at his court that the subject should be raised during a drinking party. |
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[4.10.6] Anaxarchus launched the topic, saying that Alexander had much better claims to be regarded as a god than Dionysus and Heracles [...]. |
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[4.10.7] The Macedonians would have better reason to honor their king with divine honors; there was no doubt that once Alexander departed from men they would honor him as a god. How much more justifiable it would therefore be to honor him in his lifetime rather than wait for his death, when the honor would be of no benefit to the recipient. |
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