Craterus Implements Alexander's Final Commands

Following Alexander's death, Craterus was tasked with implementing the late king's final commands, which were documented in his last plans. These plans outlined ambitious military and construction projects aimed at expanding Macedonian influence into the southern and western Mediterranean. They included the construction of a fleet of 1,000 ships larger than triremes, the establishment of harbors, and the development of a coastal road in Africa to facilitate an invasion of Carthage. Additionally, Alexander envisioned the erection of monumental temples across various significant locations, including Delos and Troy, with a projected cost of 1,500 talents. He also proposed the amalgamation of smaller settlements into larger cities and the relocation of populations between Asia and Europe to foster unity through intermarriage. Other notable projects included a grand tomb for his father, Philip, and plans for the conquest of Arabia and the circumnavigation of Africa. However, the successors of Alexander, including Perdiccas, deemed these plans impractical and extravagant. Perdiccas presented these plans to the Macedonian troops in Babylon, who ultimately voted against their implementation, reflecting a significant shift in priorities among Alexander's successors. The scale and ambition of these plans have led to skepticism among historians, with some suggesting that they may have been exaggerated or even fabricated to justify their rejection.