Alexander Kills Clytus. A.M. 3675.

This is one of a group of drawings by British artist and book illustrator Edward Francis Burney, depicting scenes from Greek and Roman history and mythology. This scene depicts the murder of Clytus (or Cleitus) at the hand of Alexander (328 BCE). The murder of Clytus was probably not premeditated - the two men had been drinking heavily at an event. Clytus became offended at a remark and his response offended Alexander in turn. The two men argued and Alexander picked up a weapon in anger - Burney depicts a javelin - and killed Clytus.