The disease of Alexander the Great in Cilicia (333 B.C.)

Abstract

A characteristic historical example of defensive medicine is referred to and analysed. The case relates to Alexander the Great’s almost fatal disease which he suffered during his campaign in Asia. Physicians were afraid to undertake the treatment of the Emperor because of the severity of the disease and the uncertain outcome which could draw upon them the anger of Macedonians and could result in their punishment. Furthermore, their fears were increased because the king of Persia, Darius, declared a reward for the murder of Alexander. In addition the Emperor himself was known for his strictness – at a later stage he indeed crucified or hanged the physician of his close friend Hephaestion because he had failed in the treatment of the latter. Finally Philip, a physician who was a friend of the family of Alexander, undertook his treatment and cured him, after the persistent requests of the Emperor and his openly‐declared trust in his person.