Cleitus the Black
Also known as: Kleitus the Black
Cleitus the Black was an officer of the Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great.
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saved Alexander the Great's life during the battle
Cleitus the Black famously intervened during the Battle of the Granicus, cutting off the arm of a Persian attacker who was about to strike Alexander from behind.
served as a high-ranking officer under his command
Cleitus was a lifelong companion and officer to Alexander, famously saving his life at the Granicus before being killed by him in a drunken rage.
site of the fatal confrontation with Alexander
Cleitus was killed by Alexander the Great during a drunken argument at a banquet held in Maracanda, the capital of Sogdia.
commanded a squadron of this elite unit
Cleitus held the prestigious position of commander of a squadron of the Companion cavalry, the elite heavy cavalry of the Macedonian army.
location of the banquet where Cleitus was killed
The fatal incident between Cleitus and Alexander occurred at a royal banquet held in the city of Maracanda, located within the region of Sogdia.
sister of Cleitus the Black
Hellanice was the sister of Cleitus and served as the nurse to Alexander the Great, creating a deep personal bond between the two families.
appointed as satrap of this region
Shortly before his death, Cleitus was appointed by Alexander to serve as the satrap of Bactria, a strategic province in the eastern part of the empire.