Alexander’s Great Myth: Were These Alexander The Great’s Last 3 Wishes?

The internet is by all odds known for its accuracy and thorough research, right?*She said sarcastically* When mindlessly scrolling Instagram, I came across a page posting inspirational content. One post, in particular, recounts the last three wishes of Alexander the Great. A lovely parable about morality. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard it either. I’d seen this on at least two occasions before. So, I did what anyone coming across information on the internet should do… I researched it. 

Alexander the Great’s Last Three Wishes

T​o sum it up, the story says that Alexander made a request on his deathbed and that his final words to his generals were these three wishes: 

• Only the very best of doctors should carry my coffin to show even the best doctors are powerless to death.
• Scatter my wealth on the road to the graveyard so that everyone can see riches gained on Earth will stay on Earth.
• Leave my hand hanging in the wind so everyone can see we enter the world empty-handed, and we will leave empty-handed.

Did He Say It?

Long story short, it probably didn’t happen. While it’s an incredibly motivating idea, there is no proof that Alexander ever said those words, and in fact, he probably couldn’t if he’d wanted to. According to historic accounts, including the verified ‘Royal Journal’ accounts, in his last days, Alexander was unable to speak ¹. This was due to either an injury he’d incurred in 329 BC in Cyropolis, or an infectious disease¹. Also, candidly, Alexander had a bit of a polarizing personality. According to Susan Abernethy of The Freelance History Writer, later in life he was, “rash, impulsive and stubborn”². It seems to me just a bit unlikely he would become wondrously prophetic, but who’s to know? I was unable to find any sources that led back to academic journals, peer-reviewed articles, or anything other than a blog.

S​o What?

However, blog posts attribute these words to him without hesitation. “Alexander the Great’s Last Three Wishes” is a suggested search. With the amount of misinformation being passed around, it is crucial to learn to research and confirm information for yourself. Alexander the Great said a lot of cool things. Probably not this one though. 

Sources:

1. Mishra S K, Mengestab A, Khosa S (April 07, 2022) Historical Perspective and Medical Maladies of Alexander the Great. Cureus 14(4): e23925. doi:10.7759/cureus.23925
2. https://www.livescience.com/39997-alexander-the-great.html