Alexander in Parthia

[jona]

Dear all,In January I followed Alexander's actions in Parthia. Here are several pictures, but don't expect too much of them. Northeastern Iran is not a real touristic area, although the silence at Hecatompylos is deafening and the emptiness of the plains is splendid. Unfortunately, silence and emptiness can not be shown on photos.Jonahttp://www.livius.org/a/iran/caspian_gate/casp ... susia.html

[marcus]

Superb, Jona, thank you.I'm going to Iran at the end of April, but unfortunately won't be getting up to the north-east, much as I'd love to.I will be getting up into the western Elburz mtns, though - I'm slavering with anticipation! :-)All the bestMarcus

[Ariadne]

Thank you Jona !
It's wonderfull to see places where ATG has gone, even in photographs ! Your post remind to me a beautifull book, The way of the world, by Nicolas Bouvier, that tell a travel from Balkans to India, during the 1950' years. It doesn't follow specially ATG's steps, but it's a great peace of poetry. (It has been translated into english, I've seen it on amazon.) One of my favorite books. May you will make a book after your journey ? It would be great ! Bye byeAriadne

[jona]

"May you will make a book after your journey?"No, that's not my plan. What I do know, however, is that my publisher is currently negotiating with a French publishing house about the translation of my book on ancient Rome and my Alexander book. In both cases, I will seize the opportunity to do something with my photos.Jona

[Cyrus]

Thanks for pics, I wish you had gone there in the summer!

[Linda]

I was going to ask, but maybe Cyrus has answered my question. Is it always so barren and sandy? Does it get green at other times of the year?Linda

[jona]

It must be hot in the summer; Alexander had to travel by night. This is why I had to go there in the winter, because I simply cannot stand the heat...Meanwhile, another set of pictures from Khuzestan:
http://www.livius.org/a/iran/masjid-e_s ... n.htmlJona

[jan]

Wow! Jona, those are really wonderful pictures and thanks so much for giving the links here. I enjoyed the convenience of the highway system and the electrical wires in the background. Isn't it wonderful for modern times? Your comments in your last section impressed me, about the need for the stairs. And I was also impressed with the size of the people who are pictured in contrast to the high walls upon which they are standing. All I could think is that along with modern civilization, people have grown taller and taller. Imagine what the Persians looked like then. Can't wait for more to come. Also I liked your comment about taking the trip in the winter rather than in the summer...sounds good to me. I will remember that advice. Enjoy!

[Cyrus]

Masjid Soleiman is the same ancient "Parsumash" which was one of the first Persian cities in the Iranian plateau, for remembering the name of Parsumash, a new city will be built near Masjed Solayman with this name: http://www.tehrantimes.com/archives/Des ... t=13&Num=8

[jona]

This may be correct, but for the time being, I am a little bit skeptical. "Parsumash" is the Iranian root of the more common forms "Parsa" and "Persis". (The /m/ was only written, not pronounced; cf. Isthumegu >> Astyages). Yet, Parsa is usually placed more to the east (one of the Achaemenid Royal inscriptions uses this word as an indication for Persepolis). I'll check out your suggestion as soon as I can visit the library.> Astyages). Yet, Parsa is usually placed more to the east (one of the Achaemenid Royal inscriptions uses this word as an indication for Persepolis). I'll check out your suggestion as soon as I can visit the library.> Astyages). Yet, Parsa is usually placed more to the east (one of the Achaemenid Royal inscriptions uses this word as an indication for Persepolis). I'll check out your suggestion as soon as I can visit the library. Astyages). Yet, Parsa is usually placed more to the east (one of the Achaemenid Royal inscriptions uses this word as an indication for Persepolis). I'll check out your suggestion as soon as I can visit the library. Astyages). Yet, Parsa is usually placed more to the east (one of the Achaemenid Royal inscriptions uses this word as an indication for Persepolis). I'll check out your suggestion as soon as I can visit the library.ThanksJona

[Cyrus]

You are right, you also know that "sh" is just a suffix which shows the nominative (or subjective) case, for example Iranians call Darius "Dariush", whenas the correct name is "Dario" or more exactly "Darayavu"."Thatiy [Darayavush] Khshayathiya: Auramazda [Darayavum] Khshayathiyam adada."
Darius the King says: Ahuramazda created Darius the King.

[canto]

Hi Jona,Thanks so much for the pictures. I have been very interested in these areas lately. I can't get over the expanse of the plains. It seems that a voice could carry a long way. And objects could be sighted a long ways off. I wonder if there is more grass in the summer time. It seems that these areas could not maintain large groups of grazing animals. 'Thara', poor Darius. "The Field of Shards" sounds so poetic. Please let us know when your books come out.Thanks again.
lightofdawn