Editing 324 BC (section)

==== Macedonian Empire ====
* On returning to [[Susa]], [[Achaemenid Empire|Persia]], [[Alexander the Great]] punishes those who he considers to have failed in their duties in his absence in [[India]], particularly those who have plundered tombs and temples. Alexander continues his policy of replacing senior officials and executing defaulting governors. Over a third of his [[satrap]]s are replaced and six are put to death. Three generals in [[Medes|Media]], including Cleander, the brother of [[Coenus (general)|Coenus]] (who died in [[326 BC]]), are accused of extortion and are arrested, tried and executed.
* While at Susa, Alexander holds a feast to celebrate his capture of the [[Achaemenid Empire|Persian Empire]].
* To further his policy of integrating the [[Macedon]]ians and Persians, Alexander and 80 of his officers take Persian wives. He and [[Hephaestion]] marry [[Darius III]]'s daughters [[Barsine]] (also called [[Stateira II|Stateira]]) and [[Drypteis]], respectively, and 10,000 of his soldiers with native wives are given generous [[Dowry|dowries]]. His determination to incorporate Persians on equal terms into his army and into the administration of the provinces is bitterly resented by the Macedonians.
* Alexander the Great spends the summer and autumn at the Median capital, [[Ecbatana]], where his best friend, [[Hephaistion]], dies during the autumn. Alexander indulges in extravagant mourning for his closest friend.
* Winter &ndash; Alexander carries out a savage [[punitive expedition]] against the [[Kassites|Cossaeans]] in the hills of [[Luristan]].