Cleitus the Black
Cleitus the Black | |
|---|---|
Alexander kills Cleitus, André Castaigne, c. 1898–1899 | |
| Native name | Κλεῖτος ὁ μέλας |
| Birth name | Cleitus |
| Born | 375 BC |
| Died | 328 BC (aged 46–47 years old) Markanda, Bactria |
| Allegiance | Macedonia |
| Commands | Companion cavalry |
| Battles / wars | Wars of Alexander the Great |
| Relations | Lanike (sister), Critias (grandfather) |
Cleitus the Black (Ancient Greek: Κλεῖτος ὁ μέλας; c. 375 BC – 328 BC) was an officer of the Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great. He saved Alexander's life at the Battle of the Granicus in 334 BC and was killed by him in a drunken quarrel six years later. Cleitus was the son of Dropidas (who was the son of Critias) and brother of Alexander's nurse, Lanike. He would be given the epithet 'the Black' to distinguish him from Cleitus the White.