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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...

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...

True, true.

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...

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...

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...

And so it begins!

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. :(

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...

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 ...

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...

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.

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...

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,...

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