Question: How did the Macedonians dress when in battle?

[jan]

HI Marcus, et al, I found an interesting photo in the Alan Filde, Joann Fletcher book, published by Getty group, which shows a Macedonian in battle, pulling the hair of some Persian. page 44 I think. His battle costume is quite revealing. (I had a dream which led me to this photo), so that I am quite interested in knowing how close to reality this piece of sculpture is regarding the dress of the Macedonian soldiers. Can anyone tell me? Thanks in advance. Jan

[marcus]

Yes, it is rather revealing, isn't it?

Well, call it artistic licence - I would find it highly unlikely to find a Macedonian soldier going into battle wearing nothing but a helmet. The Alexander Sarcophagus (which is in the Archaeological Museum in Istanbul) was made within a generation of Alexander's death (we suppose, although that's not confirmed), so would be fairly accurate ... but portraying soldiers naked is pure artistry.

I won't even ask what the dream was that led you to that picture ...

ATB

[jan]

Yes, Marcus, you got the picture all right! And thanks for making me feel so good about being so tenacious about Alexander.

Best not to ask about the dream, but I can tell you pretty much know. (Still laughing!)