proskynesis affair and its aftermath, the plot of Hermolaus’. 15 The term ‘aftermath’
mistakenly implies that the Page’s Conspiracy occurred because of the proskynesis episode.
This misconception is presented again in the excessive commentary on Callisthenes
involvement. 16 This extensive focus often draws upon the proskynesis episode and the
Hermolaus’ trial speech.
Curtius refers to Alexander killing a guiltless man, and Arrian highlights the fact that
though Aristobulus and Ptolemy push blame onto Callisthenes, no other authorities do. 17
Hermolaus’ speech certainly resonates with their opinions as each account repeatedly
emphasises Callisthenes innocence. 18 With these accounts, it is vital to remember that they
are not primary recounts by Hermolaus, but rather dramatized versions from secondary
authors who are aware of reactions to Callisthenes death. Nonetheless, modern historians,
such as Lara O’sullivan, have used this ancient source material to suggest that Callisthenes
was not executed because he was involved in the Conspiracy, but rather because other
courtiers used the trial as an opportunity to rid themselves of another competitor for
Alexander’s favour. 19 It would be more beneficial if scholars considered the death of
Callisthenes as rela ted to the Page’s Conspiracy, but not as a direct outcome, as there were
clearly more influential components that led to his downfall.
In consideration of the previous scholarly debate on the Page’s Conspiracy, the
remaining portion of this essay will provide a keen focus on what the hunting trigger reflects
15 Carney, King , p. 148 16 Carney, King , p. 211; O’Sullivan, ‘Court’, pp. 609-611 17 Curtius, History of Alexander 8.8.20-22; Arrian, Anabasis of Alexander 4.14.1-3 18 Arrian, Anabasis of Alexander 4.14.1-3; Curtius, History of Alexander 8.7.8-10; Müller, p. 26. 19 For a more detailed explanation of Callisthenes downfall see O’Sullivan (2019) and O’Sullivan (2020). For more information about how Callisthenes was related to Hermolaus, and the conspiracy see Carney (1981) and Carney (2015), despite some phrasing issues she does effectively convey the problems with this relation.
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