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[4] When Alexander, accordingly, learned from Nearchus1 about the Chaldaeans' prophecy, he was alarmed and more and more disturbed, the more he reflected upon the ability and high reputation of these people. After some hesitation, he sent most of his Friends into Babylon, but altered his own route so as to avoid the city and set up his headquarters in a camp at a distance of two hundred furlongs.2

This act caused general astonishment and many of the Greeks came to see him, notably among the philosophers Anaxarchus.3

1 Plut. Alexander 73.1.

2 Arrian does not think that Alexander heeded the warnings of the Chaldaeans, but quotes Aristobulus (Arrian. 7.17.5-6) to the effect that Alexander did wish to avoid the city, but could not pass it because of the swamps.

3 Justin 12.13.5. This was the celebrated philosopher of Abdera, of the school of Democritus. He had been with Alexander throughout the campaign.

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