The death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC has intrigued historians, scholars, and scientists for centuries. Some believe he died of natural causes, such as fever or illness, while others suggest he was poisoned. However, a recent theory proposes a more chilling scenario: Alexander the Great may have been buried alive, as a result of being misdiagnosed with death due to a rare neurological disorder called Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system—the network of nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to rapid-onset muscle weakness beginning in the feet and hands and moving inward, potentially leading to paralysis. Crucially, this paralysis can affect the breathing muscles and can be fatal if not recognized and treated promptly.
According to this theory, after falling ill, Alexander displayed symptoms consistent with GBS. It is conjectured that as his condition worsened, his body became paralyzed, and he was unable to move or communicate, though he remained mentally aware. His breathing may have become shallow, and his pulse weak, to the extent that physicians at the time believed he had died.
This hypothesis is supported by historical accounts which suggest that Alexander’s body did not show signs of decomposition for several days after his death, which some interpret as evidence that his body was in a state of suspended animation rather than actual death. In ancient times, the lack of medical knowledge about conditions like GBS would have made it difficult for physicians to correctly diagnose and treat such symptoms. Thus, they might have mistakenly pronounced him dead.
While this theory is compelling and has gained some popularity, it's important to note that it remains speculative. The exact cause of Alexander’s death cannot be determined with certainty due to the limitations of the historical record. Modern medical opinions can provide insights based on the description of symptoms recorded by ancient historians, but without physical evidence, it is difficult to confirm such diagnoses retrospectively.
Nonetheless, the idea that Alexander the Great may have been buried alive due to a misdiagnosis adds a fascinating, if somewhat macabre, layer to the story of one of history's most legendary figures. It serves as a reminder of how far medical science has come and how much remains unknown about the people who shaped our past.
