Four Hooves and a Horn: How (Not) to Poison Alexander the Great

Several ancient authors tell a puzzling story of treason to murder Alexander the Great by presenting him with poison or poisonous water carried in curious vessel — hoof horse, mule, an ass. Porphyry Tyre, citing Kallimachos and Philo Paradoxographer, gives us reason believe that mention hoof-made vessels was misinterpretation hornmade chalices, put otherwise, drinking horns. Presuming question indeed horn, we are left unusual image perished after from horn hornless animal. We can look into development this legend propose its origins examining mutual features two distinct traditions Greek river Styx lethal streams Indo-Iranian tradition several miraculous unicorn’s attested Iranian, Indian, sources. After survey relevant sources, see Philo’s represented legendary present Indian rulers intended save harm. Various layers misapprehension transformed gift device contracted harm him. This way, author demonstrates points: 1) told Styg. 375F is part about unicorns their features; 2) Alexander’s poisoning represents misinterpreted grandest gift.