Page:History of Greece Vol XII.djvu/181

 ALEXANDER IN PHENICIA. 14^ nia, and of Branchidae near Miletus.* Though he did not di- rectly order himself to be addressed as the son of Zeus, he was pleased with those who volunteered such a recognition, and an- gry with sceptics or scoffers, who disbelieved the oracle of Am- mon. Plutarch thinks that this was a mere political manoeuvre of Alexander, for the purpose of overawing the non-Hellenic population over whom he was enlarging his empire.^ But it seems rather to have been a genuine faith, — a simple exaggera- tion of that exorbitant vanity which from the beginning reigned so largely iii his bosom. He was indeed aware that it was repug- nant to the leading Macedonians in many ways, but especially as a deliberate insult to the memory of Philip. This is the theme always touched upon in moments of dissatisfaction. To Parme- nio, to Philotas, to Kleitus, and other principal officers, the inso- lence of the king in disclaiming Philip and putting himself above the level of humanity, appeared highly offensive. Discontents on this subject among the Macedonian officers, though condemned to silence by fear and admiration of Alexander, became serious, and will be found re-appearing hereafter.^ The last month of Alexander's stay in Egypt was passed at Memphis. TVliile nominating various officers for the permanent administration of the country, he also received a visit of Hege- lochus his admiral, who brought as prisoners Aristonikus of Me- thj^mna, and other despots of the various insular Grecian cities. Alexander ordered them to be handed over to their respective cities, to be dealt with as the citizens pleased ; all except the Chian Apollonides, who was sent to Elephantine in the south of Egypt for detention. In most of the cities, the despots had in- curred such violent hatred, that when delivered up, they were tortured and put to death.* Pharnabazus also had been among ' Kallistlienes, Fragm. xvi. ap. Alexand. Magn. Histor. Sciiptor. ed Geier. p. 257 ; Strabo, xvii. p. 814. 29. 6). 'Curtius, iv. 10. 3 — "fastidio esse patriam, abdieari Philippum patrem ccelum vanis cogitationibus petei'e. " Arrian, iii. 26, 1 ; Curtius, vi. 5, 18 Ti. 1 1, 2.3. 13*
 * Plutarch, Alexand. 28. Ariian, liiius at the same explanation (vii
 * Curtius, iv. 8, 1 1