The 7 Bodyguards Who Outlived Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great was one of history’s greatest military commanders. His unmatched charismatic leadership, unbelievable luck and his access to the most modern army of the age all helped ensure his success.

Yet one of Alexander’s greatest assets was the high calibre of his subordinates – men who could similarly inspire soldiers serving under them with their bravery and military prowess: Craterus, Parmenion, Coenus and Cleitus the Black to name just a few.


Seven of Alexander’s closest subordinates, his philoi (friends), belonged to the most prestigious power circle in Alexander’s empire: the king’s chosen somatophylakes, his bodyguards.

Alexander aside, these men were the most powerful people in the Macedonian army. Many did not survive the campaigns; yet for those seven members that outlived the legendary Macedonian king, their prestigious position provided them great prominence when deciding the fate of Alexander’s empire.

So who were these somatophylakes? Here are the seven bodyguards of Alexander the Great who outlived the man they were sworn to protect.

Machinimas by © Malay Archer.

Artwork by © Johnny Shumate, © Angel Garcia Pinto and  © Cogito

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