Abstract

Alexander’s announcement that he was discharging those soldiers whom he considered no longer fit for service led to the “mutiny at Opis” (324 b.c.e.). According to the manuscripts of Arrian’s Anabasis, Alexander also said that he would richly reward those soldiers who were to remain in Asia (μένουσιν, 7.8.1). However, scholars have questioned this reading, and many editions emend the text here. The issue raises significant questions about the actions of Alexander and his Macedonian troops. I aim to show that there is no need for emendation, and that the manuscript reading (“those who stay”) is most likely correct. In addition, it reveals both a sophisticated intertextual allusion and a nuanced reading of the historical situation on Arrian’s part.