Clitus Niger

ca. 300 BCE

Also known as Clitus Melas
King of Bactria

According to some sources, Clitus Niger was the older foster-brother of Alexander the Great. Others describe him as Alexander's friend. He was his cavalry leader, and from his name almost certainly a Black African, making him one of the world's first known transracial placements. In 334 he saved Alexander's life at the Battle of Granicus River, but Alexander later killed him during a drunken feast in Maracanda.

References

Rogers, J.A. World's Great Men of Color. (1946, repr. London: Collier Macmillan, 1972), vol. 1, pp. 94-97
New Century Classical Handbook, edited by Catherine B. Avery. (London: Harrap, 1962)
Plutarch. "Alexander" [from his Parallel Lives]. Also available at: http://webatomics.com/Classics/Plutarch/alexandr.1b.txt

Indexes

African
Africa
Greece
Near East
Bce
Rulers, Nobles, Chiefs, Presidents, Prime Ministers
Murdered, Assassinated
Adoptive/Foster Family Included Birth Child(ren)
Wealthy, Famous, Noble or Divine Adoptive or Foster Families
Trans-Racial, Trans-Tribal, International or Trans-Cultural Adoption or Fostering
Customary or Traditional Adoption, Informal and Extra-Legal Care