Alexander's army defeated the forces amassed by Darius of Persia. Alex had taken the captured into his camp and he treated hostages with respect. The most noted example of this was his behavior towards the Persian Queen Mother, Sisygambis. While the smoke of the battle that defeated her son was still in the air, Alexander visited her tent to pay his respects. Hephaistion was with him, and was dressed very like his lover. Sisygambis made the traditional prostration before a conquering leader to Hephaistion, who was by all accounts more physically impressive (Persians set a great store on height). When her error was pointed out she was mortified, but Alexander was gracious and spoke his truth too; 'Don't worry Mother' he said, 'He is Alexander too.' Yep, they really were soul-mates. Years after, when Sisygambis was told of Alexander's death, she bade farewell to her family, shut herself in her rooms without food, and died within five days.