Editing Callisthenes (section)

== Opposition to Alexander the Great ==
The dramatic conflict between Alexander the Great and Callisthenes was a result of years of tensions between many of Alexander’s court members, including Callisthenes that came to a head. Throughout Alexander’s campaign, he acquired an interest in taking on Persian customs and aristocrats. By 328 BCE, Alexander had allowed a handful of Persian aristocrats to join his entourage, a choice that deeply upset the Macedonians who were close to Alexander. That same year a confrontation occurred between Alexander and [[Cleitus the Black]] an officer in Alexander’s army. During a banquet Cleitus expressed his displeasure at the current state of Alexander’s contingent. An argument broke out between the two, ending in a physical confrontation and Cleitus’ demise at Alexander’s hand. After this conflict Alexander was distraught and brought on his trusted friends, one of which being Callisthenes to provide counsel to the king after he killed Cleitus.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctvckq3sm |title=Alexander the Great and the East: History, Art, Tradition |date=2016 |publisher=Harrassowitz Verlag |isbn=978-3-447-10710-5 |edition=1 |pages=247–254 |doi=10.2307/j.ctvckq3sm|jstor=j.ctvckq3sm }}</ref>

By the next year Alexander’s fascination with Persian culture had only grown and in 327 BCE, he attempted to introduce the Persian servile ceremony of [[proskynesis]]. Callisthenes was sharply critical of Alexander’s new Persian practices. During a banquet held shortly before Alexander’s expedition left for India, Callisthenes gave a speech arguing against the adoption of proskynesis. Callisthenes argued that Alexander was not entitled to receive divine honors, such as the proskynesis from his followers. Alexander witnessed this speech and knowing Callisthenes was correct chose not to continue with the practice.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arrian on the introduction of proskynesis - Livius |url=https://www.livius.org/sources/content/arrian/anabasis/the-introduction-of-proskynesis/ |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=www.livius.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bowden |first=Hugh |date=2013 |title=On Kissing and Making up: Court Protocol and Historiography in Alexander the Great's 'Experiment with "Proskynesis"' |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44254132 |journal=Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies |volume=56 |issue=2 |pages=74 |doi=10.1111/j.2041-5370.2013.00058.x |jstor=44254132 |issn=0076-0730}}</ref>

Another account by [[Plutarch]] claims that during this banquet Alexander offers a cup to a colleague who performs the proskynesis ceremony, kisses Alexander, and then drinks from the cup. While all of the other members of the court performed the ceremony Callisthenes blatantly refused to act out the proskynesis. This direct opposition to Alexander won Callisthenes favor by the Macedonians but severely destroyed the relationship between Callisthenes and Alexander.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last=Milns |first=Robert D. |date=2006 |title=Callisthenes on Alexander |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24668207 |journal=Mediterranean Archaeology |volume=19/20 |pages=233–237 |jstor=24668207 |issn=1030-8482}}</ref> Callisthenes eventually left the king’s court as he had lost favor with Alexander. After Callisthenes fall from grace, he became increasingly politically isolated from the remaining members of Alexander’s court. Alexander continued to introduce more Persian recruits, further displeasing the remaining Macedonians in his court.<ref name=":3" />