35. Study Questions Copy

The argument seems to have been over a perceived demotion of Cleitus by Alexander. Cleitus and Alexander were both drunk, insults were traded (Alexander was accused of cowardice) and Alexander lost his temper and stabbed him.

Plutarch blames too much alcohol, and Arrian appears to concur.

The Sogdians though it was impossible to capture, which made Alexander all the more determined to take it.

It was probably inspired by the need for a political alliance with her father, Oxyartes, a leading tribal chief in Sogdiana.