Alexander's Journal

July 15

Dear Journal,

Today is a very grim day, indeed. On this fifteenth day of July in the Year of 326 B.C. my beloved horse Bucephalus has been killed. Bucephalus was a wonderful horse. He was a right of passage for me and symbolized one of my first accomplishments. He was originally brought to my father to be bought from Philoneicus. While my father as well as his servants could not tame him, I requested a go at him. My father and made a wager on whether I could tame and ride him. Upon noticing how my stallion was afraid of his very own shadow, I led him into the sun, to the point where he could no longer see his phantom. The grateful horse let me mount his back. I named him Bucephalus, which means Oxhead. Together we rode into many battles across Asia.

In a battle against Porus, an Indian leader, one of the strongest links in my chain of greatness was speared in battle. Today no fighting will occur in honor of Bucephalus. In loving memory of my horse I have founded a city, here in India, named after him.

April 1

Dear Journal,

Joyous day! In celebration of a magnificent victory at Susa, eighty fellow soldiers and myself have decided to pledge our love in marriage to Iranian noblewomen. I have chosen the hand of a beautiful, Persian, dame by the name of Roxane. Tomorrow there will be no fighting, it shall be a day of celebration for those who will profess their eternal love and it shall be a day of rest to those who shall be unoccupied.

April 2

Dear Journal,

What a wonderful day! Everything went according to plan. Today was extraordinary; my men received a well-needed, and well-deserved, day of rest. Roxane and have been formally wedded, and she has guaranteed to always be loyal throughout my entire journey's. She will accompany me in all my battles and promises to be of aid when at all possible. She brings wealth to my army, which is greatly appreciated at the present time. We are low on men and supplies and the financial aid is much needed on our return journey westward back to Macedonia.

June 8

Dear Journal,

This is most likely going to be our last consultation, for I have fallen extremely ill with Malaria and I am now awaiting my death. Yesterday was a very emotional day as my soldiers were ordered to file past me for the final time before my untimely passing. I shall die in Babylon, the Capital of my vast empire. Roxane has stood by her word, as she remains loyal at my bedside. My reign as King of Macedonia is coming to an end and in my afterlife I would like to be remembered as a brave and loyal man who was devoted to his country.

By Jeff D. '03