Alexander executes tomb guards of Cyrus

In Persia, Alexander the Great discovered that the guards of the tomb of Cyrus the Great had desecrated the site in Pasargadae. This act was particularly egregious to Alexander, who held Cyrus in high regard, having admired him since his youth through readings of Xenophon's "Cyropaedia," which detailed Cyrus's valor in battle and his effective governance. In response to the desecration, Alexander swiftly executed the guards, demonstrating his commitment to honoring the legacy of Cyrus. This action not only served as a punishment for the guards but also as a statement of Alexander's respect for the historical figure he admired. Following this incident, Alexander took further steps to honor Cyrus by commissioning his architect, Aristobulus, to enhance the interior of the sepulchral chamber of Cyrus's tomb. This initiative reflected Alexander's desire to preserve and celebrate the achievements of Cyrus the Great, reinforcing the cultural and historical significance of the site.