This account of Alexander the Great’s illness and treatment in 333 BCE, as described, is a compelling story of trust between a patient and physician, drawn from historical sources and later immortalized in art. Below, I’ll provide additional context, verify details, and expand on the historical and cultural significance of the event, while keeping the focus on the theme of trust in medicine.

Historical Context and Verification

The incident you describe is recorded in ancient sources, primarily by the historian Arrian in his Anabasis of Alexander (Book II, 4) and Plutarch in his Life of Alexander (19.4–10). These accounts confirm that during Alexander’s campaign through Cilicia (modern-day Turkey), he fell seriously ill after bathing in the cold waters of the Cydnus River (modern Berdan River) near Tarsus in 333 BCE. The icy water likely caused a severe fever, possibly complicated by convulsions or other symptoms, though the exact diagnosis remains speculative (some modern scholars suggest malaria, pneumonia, or a reaction to hypothermia).

Alexander’s physicians were hesitant to treat him due to the high stakes: failure could result in accusations of malpractice or treason, punishable by death. Philip of Acarnania (or Philippus), a trusted physician, stepped forward and prepared a medicinal draught. Before Alexander could take it, a letter from Parmenio, one of his generals, arrived, warning that Philip had been bribed by Darius III, the Persian king, to poison him. In a dramatic display of trust, Alexander handed the letter to Philip to read while drinking the potion himself, demonstrating his faith in his physician. Philip, in turn, showed courage by administering the treatment despite the accusation. Alexander recovered soon after, and the incident became a testament to their mutual trust.

Additional Details

• Medical Perspective: The exact nature of the “medicinal draught” is unknown, as ancient medical practices relied on herbal remedies, purges, or other concoctions. Philip’s treatment likely involved a purgative or fever-reducing agent, common in Greek medicine at the time. The success of the treatment reinforced Philip’s reputation and Alexander’s judgment in trusting him.
• Historical Significance: This episode occurred early in Alexander’s campaign, shortly before his victory at the Battle of Issus (333 BCE), where he defeated Darius III. His recovery was crucial, as it allowed him to continue his conquests across Persia, Egypt, and beyond, earning him the title of “the Great.”
• Cultural Impact: The story was celebrated in antiquity as an example of loyalty and courage. It also Leia

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• Artistic Depiction: In 1870, Henryk Siemiradzki, a Polish painter known for historical and biblical scenes, created a painting titled Alexander the Great and His Physician Philip (sometimes referred to as The Trust of Alexander), which captures this moment. The painting portrays Alexander drinking the potion while handing the letter to Philip, emphasizing the tension and trust of the scene. Siemiradzki’s work highlights the emotional weight of the moment, with Alexander’s calm