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At just 32 years old, after numerous successes, Alexander succumbed to and fever following a series of nights filled with revelry, feasts, and drinking—a lifestyle that several historians suggest ultimately contributed to his demise. Rumors of poison swirled as he lay bedridden, yet accounts lean heavily towards a lifestyle of excess rather than foul play.
Conclusion: Gleaning Taste from History
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Born in 356 BC in Macedon, Alexander’s early life was shaped by military ambition, exemplified by his desire to emulate heroes from epic tales like those of Achilles. His rise to power commenced upon the assassination of his father, King Philip II. With a united Greece under his command, Alexander turned his sights towards the sprawling Persian Empire. His conquests not only expanded his empire but also introduced him to the extravagant feasts and culinary richness of Persian culture—a marked contrast to the simpler lifestyle he had known.
The Extravagance of Alexander’s Banquets
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The culinary insights derived from Alexander’s era reveal a deeper understanding of not only what he consumed but reflect on the cultural significance of dining in ancient times. As modern chefs and historians alike re-vive ancient recipes like the roasted game hen with hazelnut sauce, we glean an appreciation for the complexity of historical figures such as Alexander the Great. These efforts allow us to step back in time, enjoying a taste of history that resonated through centuries—one of opulence, ambition, and the highs and lows associated with the quest for greatness.
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However, the pleasure of these feasts was not without consequence. Underlying tensions often marred the joy of banquets. Not long after a spectacular feast celebrating military victories, Alexander experienced a fateful argument with his close companion Cleitus. A drunken quarrel escalated to violence, resulting in Cleitus's tragic death and leaving Alexander deeply remorseful—a moment that highlighted the dual nature of his aspirations for greatness.
Alexander’s Untimely Death
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The Culinary Legacy of Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great, a name synonymous with military prowess and conquests, is perhaps less well-remembered for his gastronomic inclinations. Despite not having written recipes from his time in the fourth century BC, culinary historians have pieced together what the famed warrior likely enjoyed at his lavish feasts. One notable dish is an ancient recipe for game hen coated in a flavorful hazelnut sauce, a nod to the opulence that characterized Alexander's later life as a ruler.
Ancient Sources of Inspiration
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While actionable recipes from Alexander’s time are scarce, records of Macedonian dinner parties revealing not only the types of food available but also the social customs of feasting provide a clear window into Alexander’s culinary tastes. One such account describes a grand wedding feast shortly after his death, featuring a multitude of birds including chickens, ducks, and even geese, illustrating the use of avian game in Macedonian banquets. With this in mind, the dish chosen for re-creation in the Tasting History segment centers around game hen, though any bird could suffice for this ancient recipe.
Hazelnut Sauce: A Taste of History
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The inspiration for the sauce comes from the ancient Roman cookbook Apicius, specifically a recipe called "aliter ius in avibus," which translates to "another sauce for birds." The ingredients listed include a mix of herbs and spices like pepper, parsley, loveage, and mint, combined with toasted hazelnuts, wine, and garum—a popular fermented fish sauce of the time. The cook reiterates that while the type of bird might vary, the sauce makes central to the dish, establishing a uniquely ancient flavor profile.
Roasting Game Hen
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The preparation begins with roasting hazelnuts or almonds, and then transforming them into crumbs, which are combined with a blend of other ingredients—creating a rich and aromatic sauce. The final steps necessitate brushing the chosen bird with olive oil, puncturing it for flavor infusion, and then covering it in the hazelnut sauce. By baking it in the oven, this method develops a crispy crust, thereby resulting in a dish cherished by those dining in the era of Alexander.
Alexander’s Culinary Evolution
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Famed for sumptuous banquets, stories circulate about Alexander hosting lavish dinners with extravagant displays of food and drink that rivaled those of Persian kings. Historical records detail opulent feasts where even the remains of the gold plating on dishes were discarded for the enjoyment of friends, a testament to Alexander’s generosity and love for grand displays of wealth.
His friendships with both generals and nobles often revolved around these grand feasts, with significant events like weddings being accompanied by multifaceted celebrations. Notably, Alexander’s wedding ceremonies served dual purposes—both to celebrate love and to secure alliances, further enhancing his dominance.