A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Κοῖνος), a son of Polemocrates and son-in-law of Parmenion, was one of the ablest and most faithful generals of Alexander the Great in his eastern expedition. In the autumn of B. C. 334, when Alexander was in Caria, and sent those of his soldiers who had been recently married, to Macedonia, to spend the ensuing winter with their wives there, Coenus was one of the commanders who led them back to Europe. In the spring of the year following, Coenus returned with the Macedonians, and joined Alexander at Gordium. He commanded a portion of Alexander's army, and distinguished himself on various occasions. When Alexander had arrived at the river Hyphasis, and was anxious to push his conquests still further, Coenus was the first who had the boldness strongly to urge the necessity of returning, and

the king was obliged to follow his advice. But a short time afterwards, when the Macedonian army had actually commenced its return, Coenus died of an illness, and was honoured by the king with a splendid burial. Alexander lamented his death, but is reported to have said, that Coenus had urged the necessity of returning so strongly, as if he alone had been destined to see his native country again. (Arrian, Arr. Anab. 1.6, 14, 24, 29, 4.16-18, 27, 5.16, 17, 21, 27, 6.2_4; Curtius, 2.10, 3.9, 4.13, 16, 5.4, 6.8, 9, 8.1, 10, 12, 14, 9.3; Diod. 17.57, 61.)

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