Search found 248 matches

by Phoebus
Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:35 pm
Forum: Discuss Alexander the Great
Topic: Elephants at Gaugamela?
Replies: 20
Views: 8432

Re: Elephants at Gaugamela?

That depends on just when you think the message – if historical – was delivered. The tradition most followed has it that Alexander is recalled from his pursuit of Darius by the message. I can't reconcile with this idea. I obviously can't concretely state when the message was sent (or when it arrive...
by Phoebus
Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:49 pm
Forum: Discuss Alexander the Great
Topic: Elephants at Gaugamela?
Replies: 20
Views: 8432

Re: Elephants at Gaugamela?

Ah yes, the famously dilatory Parmenion who so frustrates his heroic king. That a message could reach Alexander from the left wing presupposes he could be found. In the clouds of dust described in the source tradition this, one would have to suggest, will have been impossible. Oh, I don't know. A m...
by Phoebus
Fri Jun 05, 2009 7:45 am
Forum: Discuss Alexander the Great
Topic: The Greatest Greek!
Replies: 25
Views: 9082

Re: The Greatest Greek!

True, true.
by Phoebus
Fri Jun 05, 2009 7:44 am
Forum: Discuss Alexander the Great
Topic: Elephants at Gaugamela?
Replies: 20
Views: 8432

Re: Elephants at Gaugamela?

Well, assuming a 32x8 formation for the Pezhetairoi... Oooh, that's interesting. You're of the opinion the Macedonian phalanx was eight deep in pyknosis ('closed up' 3' per man)? To be fair, I was simply trying my best to make a ludicrous proposition sound as plausible as possible... :) Regarding t...
by Phoebus
Thu Jun 04, 2009 8:22 am
Forum: Discuss Alexander the Great
Topic: Elephants at Gaugamela?
Replies: 20
Views: 8432

Re: Elephants at Gaugamela?

Well, assuming a 32x8 formation for the Pezhetairoi, the phalanx alone had a frontage of over 1100 men... not including the Hypaspists. In that sense, and assuming the phalanx was occupied along its entire front, it would be a shame for them to not be able to kill one man per minute, right? That wou...
by Phoebus
Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:39 am
Forum: Discuss Alexander the Great
Topic: The Greatest Greek!
Replies: 25
Views: 9082

Re: The Greatest Greek!

A lot of talk and editorials went into this show. Like others from Greece, I wondered to what degree nationalism affected popular sentiment. One of the complaints voiced by certain media personalities was that viewers seemed to be rather poorly informed when it came to other candidates for this hono...
by Phoebus
Sat May 23, 2009 8:31 am
Forum: Discuss Alexander the Great
Topic: Granicus anniversary
Replies: 1
Views: 1128

Re: Granicus anniversary

And so it begins!
by Phoebus
Fri May 08, 2009 12:54 pm
Forum: Book reviews
Topic: Help needed for a graphic novel project
Replies: 7
Views: 3595

Re: Help needed for a graphic novel project

Indeed I am. In fact, the latest issue showed up in my mailbox just a few days ago, with a certain article on the Battle of Gabiene and those damned, ancient Argyraspides. :) Unfortunately, the plastic wrapping had been torn, and the entire issue was soaking wet, pages stuck and torn, and all. :(
by Phoebus
Thu May 07, 2009 5:08 pm
Forum: Book reviews
Topic: New Book - Festschrift for Eugene Borza
Replies: 12
Views: 5494

Re: New Book - Festschrift for Eugene Borza

You know I'm always interested to read your thoughts and opinions, Paralus. Once I get done with my latest round of trips (Germany and/or Croatia in the next two-three weeks), I'll offer what I have to think about this subject... and, who knows, maybe someone who has already read the book will delig...
by Phoebus
Wed May 06, 2009 6:38 pm
Forum: Book reviews
Topic: Help needed for a graphic novel project
Replies: 7
Views: 3595

Help needed for a graphic novel project

Dear Pothosians, In approximately a year and a half (or so), I will be leaving the United States military for a few years to (hopefully) attend the School of Visual Arts of Manhattan, NY. Needless to say, I'm very excited at this prospect. I love ancient history and Greek history in particular, but ...
by Phoebus
Thu Apr 30, 2009 7:23 am
Forum: Discuss Alexander the Great
Topic: Alexander as gay icon
Replies: 40
Views: 14735

Re: Alexander as gay icon

Can I offer my two cents' worth? I'm not worried by the idea that Alexander could have had male lovers. It doesn't change what the man did, for good or for bad. What I am worried about is when people speak in definites about a man whose historical record is sadly lacking. Especially when said defini...
by Phoebus
Sun Apr 12, 2009 9:10 am
Forum: Book reviews
Topic: New Book - Festschrift for Eugene Borza
Replies: 12
Views: 5494

Re: New Book - Festschrift for Eugene Borza

I'm definitely getting it... but... grrrrr.... I DO hate it when those "Legion vs. Phalanx" topics pop up, as the premise of the very argument is pretty much inaccurate to begin with.
by Phoebus
Mon Apr 06, 2009 5:23 pm
Forum: Book reviews
Topic: Complete Idiot's Guide to Alexander
Replies: 46
Views: 17997

Re: Complete Idiot's Guide to Alexander

That's cool, Phoebus - can I just ask, though, how large a part does Alexander's reaction to Hephaistion's death play in making you think their relationship transcended ordinary friendship? I mean, if we had no details at all about this, would you still think that on the remaining evidence? I can s...
by Phoebus
Sat Apr 04, 2009 10:49 am
Forum: Book reviews
Topic: Complete Idiot's Guide to Alexander
Replies: 46
Views: 17997

Re: Complete Idiot's Guide to Alexander

I would just like to add that I think one's perception of how excessive he was - and therefore how possibly unstable - depends a lot on how one sees the relationship between Alexander and Hephaistion. If it's 'just good friends', then I can see how it might seem excessive. Speaking only for myself,...
by Phoebus
Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:45 pm
Forum: Book reviews
Topic: The book wot I've been reading
Replies: 17
Views: 6767

Re: The book wot I've been reading

I read that as sarcasm ("as if that is proof enough...", meaning "as if a movie were proof enough..."). :)