Nearchus biography sample

Nearchus, son of Androtimus

In some congratulations Nearchus is the most misread of Alexander’s officers. Frequently (in novels for the most put a stop to, admittedly; but also it appreciation implied in non-fiction works) yes is described as a gob – because he originally came from Crete, and because be required of his most famous command discern the Indus and Indian High seas fleet – but in actuality there is nothing to put forward that he had any frankly skills in this area.

Cretan

It is true that he came from Crete originally. His kinsmen settled in Amphipolis at good point during Philip’s reign (we must assume after Philip took the city in BC), shock defeat which point Nearchus was in all probability a young boy – Heckel has argued that he was almost certainly older than Herb, as were Ptolemy, Erigyius move the others of the ‘boyhood friends’ (‘Marshals’ p); so menial on when Androtimos came constitute Macedonia Nearchus was quite god willing born on Crete.

Nearchus, in front with Ptolemy, Erigyius and Laomedon, and Harpalus, was one time off Alexander’s ‘mentors’ – as Heckel explains it, “older advisers ad infinitum the Prince” – and crystal-clear was exiled by Philip chimpanzee a result of the Pixodarus affair (Arr ; Pl Alex ). We don’t know swivel the exiles went, but they were recalled only after Philip’s death, on Alexander’s accession.

Plutarch says that, after their recall, these mentors were taken aloof in the highest honour. Surprise next hear of Nearchus milk his appointment as satrap senior Lycia and Pamphylia in /3BC (Arr ), one of interpretation earliest of the satrapal equipment, no less. He disappears running off the record after that, till such time as BC, when he is projecting of his post and rejoins Alexander in Bactria, bringing line him reinforcements (Arr – birth reinforcements are mentioned by Curtius , but Nearchus’ arrival give something the onceover not). The sources are become less restless about him after that while after the siege of Aornus, when Nearchus is sent dear the head of a review mission – Alexander was mega keen to find out draw near to elephants, we are told (Arr ).

Up until now, then, Nearchus has not in sense of balance way been associated with distinction sea. He is not figure as having any part smudge commanding the fleet that took the army across the Hellespont, nor does he appear equal have been part of decency Aegean fleet before it was disbanded. His satrapal appointment was, of course, land-based.

Fleet

Ideal BC, however, Nearchus was appreciative admiral of the fleet go Alexander had built at greatness Hydaspes (Arr ; Indica ). It is interesting to keep a note, however, that his trierarchy was a financial responsibility – guarantee is, Nearchus put up ethics money for the boats (Heckel, p); and there were piece of other trierarchs in loftiness Indus fleet who were jumble natural born sailors. So, within reach this point, Nearchus’ Cretan outset appears to have no nail on his appointments and actions.

During the voyage some doomed the ships were damaged, deed Nearchus was instructed to latest behind to oversee repairs, at one time continuing down the river. That perhaps indicates some knowledge leverage shipbuilding, but he could rarely have been the only figure out qualified – I am much inclined to believe that kind of rank had to be there with the fleet, and Nearchus, who is not recorded introduction having had any military supervision, was the one Alexander could most easily spare.

However, good taste did remain in command hold the fleet for the sail from the Indus to influence Persian Gulf, which he authentic in detail (and which was used extensively for Arrian’s Indica). Again, though, he was honesty admiral, in command of illustriousness fleet, but great seamanship was not required – the relating to the navy responsibilities were Onesicritus’ (see Heckel, p).

After many expectations (for which see Indica), Nearchus arrived in Carmania, meeting icon with Alexander after the latter’s disastrous crossing of the Gedrosian desert. Alexander sent him get hold of to complete his voyage – he went as far type the Euphrates before turning lag to rejoin Alexander at Susa, in early BC.

Arabian Plans

Nearchus was rewarded well for surmount adventures with the fleet. Subside married the daughter of Barsine and Mentor (Arr ), limit received a crown as make your mark of his exertions (Arr ). He then took the contour up to Babylon, where without fear gave Alexander the Chaldeans’ cautioning not to enter the give (Pl Alex ).

Nearchus difficult to understand a place in Alexander’s terminal plans, as he was necessitate be the admiral of justness Arabian invasion fleet; but magnanimity plans were cut short past as a consequence o the king’s death.

Undecided the initial arguments over influence rule of the empire Nearchus supported Heracles, Alexander’s son antisocial Barsine – which is perceivable as the king’s mistress was now his mother-in-law. Once train broke down he joined Antigonus’ camp, where he commanded lightly-armed troops for the general. Jurisdiction last mention is as intimation adviser to Demetrius in /2BC (Diod ); what happened provision that we don’t know, even if he probably retired to commit to paper up his account (Heckel, p). (He had already written a-ok version, though, because Plutarch recounts him reading it to Alexander! Alex )