sending dispatches

[ruthaki]

Does anyone have an idea of how long it would take for a dispatch letter to be carried by a messenger from Athens to Pella? (I know on the Persian Royal Road they had various stations where messengers would exchange horses before going on. Did this system exist in Greece too?) Thanks. One of those never-ending technical questions involving my novel.

[heinrich]

Two days, I guess: there were so-called "day runners", people who ran long distances to convey messages. The most famous of them is Pheidippides, who ran from Athens to Sparta and back in three days shortly before the battle of Marathon. Livy mentions a similar "day runner", but I have forgotten where.Personally, I would have hired a ship and would have overpaid its rowers if I had to send a message from Athens to Pella.HM

[marcus]

I reckon it would have taken more than two days by land - when you consider the need to traverse the Parnassus range, the mountains that include Ossa (whatever the range is called), I don't see that the trip could have been done so quickly.By sea, however, it should have been relatively quick, and probably much more reliable.ATBMarcus

[ruthaki]

Thanks fellows! You're awesome. (I think I'll go with the ship!) ruthaki

[marcus]

Be aware, however, that there can be extremely strong winds against the Eastern coast, at the north end of Euboia, particularly. They were 'Hellespontines', and wrecked not a few of Xerxes' ships!ATBMarcus

[yiannis]

Interesting to note that ancient Greeks, in general, did not construct roads in the way that e.g. Romans or even Persian did. Their roads were practically dirtroads, poorly constructed, used only by merchands and farmers.
All major commerce and transportation in general was done by sea and is obvious if one notices that all prosperus Greek cities were harbours.

[ruthaki]

Kind of on the same subject: How long would it have taken after Nikanor of Stageira took over the garrison of Munychia from Menyllus before word had reached Pella? And, was Menyllus murdered at the time or just arrested? ***I have a courier bringing a message from Menyllus to Polyperchon and I want to be fairly accurate with this information. Thanks in advance. ruthaki

[marcus]

Blimey, I don't know! (I need to find out where Mynichia was, for a start!)If I get a chance I'll try to find/work it out ... but don't rely just on me!ATBMarcus

[abm]

since Mounychia is in Attica, that would be almost the exact same time as for your first question, but I'm not sure as to the amount of time it would take. four to five days maybe(??)regards,abm