Diodorus on Dioxippus and Coragus

Diodorus of Sicily: Greek historian, author of the Library of World History. His activities can be dated between 60 and 30 BCE.

In the first weeks of 325, Alexander was almost mortally wounded, the Greek settlers in Sogdia revolted, and the way back home seemed impossible. Tensions between various groups in the army and at court, for example between Greeks and Macedonians, were high and exploded when Alexander was in Alexandria (Uch). The fight between Dioxippus and Coragus illustrates this.

The Greek author Diodorus of Sicily, describes it in section 17.100.2-101.6 of his World History. The translation is by C. Bradford Welles.

Book
17
Chapter
100
101
Section
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Dioxippus and Coragus

[17.100.2] In the course of the drinkingnote a curious event occurred which is worth mention. Among the king's companions there was a Macedonian named Coragus, strong in body, who had distinguished himself many times in battle. His temper was sharpened by the drink, and he challenged to single combat Dioxippus the Athenian, an athlete who had won a crown in the foremost games.note

[17.100.3] As you would expect, the guests at the banquet egged them on and Dioxippus accepted. The king set a day for the contest, and when the time came, many myriads of men gathered to see the spectacle.

[17.100.4] The Macedonians and Alexander backed Coragus because he was one of them, while the Greeks backed Dioxippus. The two advanced to the field of honor, the Macedonian clad in his expensive armor 

[17.100.5] but the Athenian naked, his body oiled, carrying a well-balanced club. Both men were fine to look upon with their magnificent physiques and their ardour for combat. Everyone looked forward, as it were, to a battle of gods. By his carriage and the brilliance of his arms, the Macedonian inspired terror as if he were Ares, while Dioxippus excelled in sheer strength and condition; still more because of his club he bore a certain resemblance to Heracles.note

[17.100.6] As they approached each other, the Macedonian flung his javelin from a proper distance, but the other inclined his body slightly and avoided its impact. Then the Macedonian poised his long lance and charged, but the Greek, when he came within reach, struck the spear with his club and shattered it.

[17.100.7] After these two defeats, Coragus was reduced to continuing the battle with his sword, but as he reached for it, the other leaped upon him and seized his swordhand with his left, while with his right hand the Greek upset the Macedonian's balance and made him lose his footing.

[17.100.8] As he fell to the earth, Dioxippus placed his foot upon his neck and, holding his club aloft, looked to the spectators.