Harpalus

Harpalus (Greek: Ἅρπαλος; † 323 BC) was, during his campaign against the Achaemenid Empire treasurer of Alexander the Great.

The Macedonians Harpalus, son of Machatas and brother of Philip, was already in good contact with Alexander's father Philip II He was also a childhood friend of Alexander, in 336 BC he went during the " Pixodaros affair" with him into exile and accompanied him on the Alexander campaign. For an unknown reason, he nevertheless continued from 333 BC with a stolen treasure from the royal sum of money from Asia Minor to Megara itself, but was pardoned by Alexander and even named after the Battle of Gaugamela administrator of the Kronschatzes in Ecbatana, while Alexander the Persian King Darius III. pursued. Harpalus was also responsible for the continued care of the troops.

While Alexander the India campaign Harpalus, however, had allowed too much freedom. He had wasted large amounts of money, led a dissolute life in Babylon and the Athenian courtesan Pythionike taken to the beloved. After her death, Harpalus let them rise to the goddess and worshiping cult. In Alexander's return in 324 BC, Harpalus, the time a punishment feared fled, with 5000 talents of silver and 6,000 Greek mercenaries to Athens, where he earned an honorary citizen by bribery and great generosity to the people.

Despite the infidelity of Harpalus, Alexander is said to have regretted the loss of his friend. From Athens the extradition of fugitives was demanded. Harpalus was finally set, but managed to escape. He now went to Crete, where he was slain by the Spartans Thibron, probably a mercenary leader. In Athens, several of the most respected men, including Demosthenes were, of bribery by Harpalus accused ( Harpalus process). Demosthenes and some others were actually convicted.