Source Analysis
Justin 9.7.1-3
Who does the source blame?
This source blames Olympias. It says Olympias was resentful towards the marriage and Pausanias was just as resentful because of the insults he had received. Olympias must of gathered her rage together with Pausanias and convinced him to kill Philip. Alexander was also fearful of losing the throne so must have been okay with the decision
How is the source bias?
Justin wasn't known to be as reliable as others and usually summarised earlier works as a source.
Plutarch, Alexander 10
Who does the source blame?
Olympias. It says she spurred on Pausanias because she knew he would be easily encouraged with his resentment towards Philip. It also says Alexander is a little guilty, where he quoted Medea, 'threatening the bride and groom, and father of the bride" after Pausanias confided in him about his hurt, though Alexander punished the people responsible of the death afterwards.
How is the source bias?
He is said to use 2nd hand material, and to use anecdotes (stories) that may or may not be true, so he could have embellished the story to make it more interesting. He also refers to many sources from Callisthenes and Cleitarchus. Callisthenes was restricted on what he could write, only things approved by Alexander and Cleitarchus didn't accompany Alexander on his expeditions.
Do you believe the sources?
There were more characters that had strong motives, but both sources seem quite likely and support the perspective of the characters with the strongest motives and most likelihood so I guess yes probably but I guess we will never really know for sure.
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