Dear Google,
Would the warriors of Alexander the Great, who were killed in battle,
be buried or cremated?

Am I right in thinking that the lowly foot soldier might be creamated,
while heroes, princes and kings might have their bodies embalmed and
buried?

I'd be so grateful for answers.

Thanks,
Jamila

Hello there

Cremation was for all, high and low.

As far as we know, the body of Alexander himself was the only one not
subject to cremation. Alexander's body was transported in a luxurious
funeral coach from Babylon to Memphis in Egypt and was buried there.

As for the rest, even the greatest of kings and nobility were
cremated, not embalmed.  However they were buried - and in some
magnificence.

Here is a website detailing some of the Macedonian royal tombs
including thiose of close relatives of Alexander.  You will even find
an image of Philip II's funary pyre.
http://www.macedonian-heritage.gr/Museums/Archaeological_and_Byzantine/Arx_Bas_Tafoi_Berginas.html
- Musems of Macedonia - Royal Tombs

Cremation was for heros. And all soldiers, high and low ranking, were
considered just that as far as these ancients were concerned.

The coffins found in the royal tombs contained the cremated ashes
along with the royal crowns.

Here is the coffin containing the ashes of Philip II and his oak leaf
crown.  Both objects are among the great masterpieces of the
goldsmith's art.
http://alexander.macedonia.culture.gr/2/21/211/21117a/00/lk17a07g.jpg

This funary urn and crown belong to Alexander IV, the son of Alexander
the Great and Roxane.
http://alexander.macedonia.culture.gr/2/21/211/21117a/00/lk17a07m.jpg

Both of the above images come from "The Royal Tombs at Aigai: a Museum on the Site"
http://alexander.macedonia.culture.gr/2/21/211/21117a/e211qa07.html

So once again, high or low - cremation was the order of the day.

Search - google
Terms - funerary customs alexander the great, funerary customs macedonian empire

If I may clarify anything, please ask.

Cheers
Digsalot