Proskynesis

Proskynesis

What is Proskynesis?
• This was a traditional Persian practice
undertaken by all who entered the presence of
the Great King.
• Read the extract from Fox (Pg 320 – 321)
- Draw up a chart to record the different attitudes
towards proskynesis by Persians & Greeks.
Persian attitude towards proskynesis
Greek attitude towards proskynesis

Why did Alexander try to introduce
proskynesis?
• Read Fox Pg 322 & Arrian Pg 217 - 218
- Describe why Alexander wanted to
introduce proskynesis.
• He tried to introduce the custom at a banquet
to gauge Macedonian reaction to it.
• A key role in this incident was played by
Callisthenes.

Who was Callisthenes
• Callisthenes was
Aristotle’s nephew.
• He was the expedition’s
official historian.
• He was Greek, not
Macedonian.
• He was the tutor to the
Royal Pages.
• In what ways was
Callisthenes a difficult
person to get along with?
(Plutarch Pg 310 – 311)

The Callisthenes incident
• What did Alexander do to ensure the first
attempt of fusing the Persian custom of
proskynesis with the Macedonian court
would be unsuccessful? (Arrian Pg 219)
• What objections did Callisthenes make to
performing the custom? (Arrian Pg 219 –
222).
• What did Callisthenes do when given the
opportunity to perform proskynesis?
(Plutarch Pg 312)

The outcome
• Read Plutarch 54, Par 1 (Pg 311 – 312).
- What result of his action does Plutarch
credit Callisthenes for?
- According to Plutarch, how did
Callisthenes bring about his own
downfall?

The impact of Callisthenes’ action
• Alexander did not make a second attempt
at proskynesis.
• It showed the degree of opposition, among
Macedonians, to Alexander’s fusion policy.
• It gave the Macedonians the opportunity to
show their dislike for Callisthenes.
• It angered Alexander and left Callisthenes
in a vulnerable position.
• The Pages Conspiracy was Alexander's
opportunity to get rid of Callisthenes.