Mutiny at Beas 326 BC

1. Mutiny at Beas 326 BC

2. After Alexander’s victory at Hydaspes against King P_____, the Macedonians came to the river Hyphasis (Beas) the weather had been bad and the Macedonians were struggling fighting against other Indian tribes. It was at the river that the troops refused to go any further. Write down ‘Why did the troops mutiny?’ page 100 of Paul Artus

3. When the troops expressed the opinion that they wanted to return to Macedonia Alexander called a meeting of the officers. He spoke to them about plans to cross the river and conquer lands beyond. Coenus spoke on behalf of his men and pleaded with Alexander to return home.

4. Continued from whiteboard • Alexander called for another meeting the next day. Again the men remained staunch in their decision to return home. • Alexander imitated his ancestor Achilles, he shut himself in his tent for 3 days. When he emerged he sacrificed to the gods asking for their blessing to cross the river Hyphasis. The sacrifice ‘was not accepted’. As the gods ‘did not wish Alexander to advance further east.’ (Alexander made up this ‘response’ from the gods to suit him). The decision to return home was greeted with rejoicing.

5. Now write down ‘ what does this event illustrate’ – p.100 paul artus • And find 2 quotes from p.101 about this event