Melissa?

[chris]

Has anyone heard of this supposed love of ATGs? A Greek slave who accompanied him on part of his campaign?Perhaps I should stick to Pothos!Chris

[S]

Greetings Chris,There is no mention of a Melissa in any of the sources that I can recall..
The word "melissa" was, if memory serves, a name for the priestesses at Mount Eryx. Bees and honey were often associated, I believe, with Aphrodite.Regards,
Sikander

[nick]

Hi Chris -Everything you'd ever want to know about Alexander, but were afraid to ask:http://www.pothos.org/alexander.asp?paraID=56It's all there! I like your sense of humor. Yes, stick to Pothos.Regards -
Nick

[Polyxena]

Hi Chris,As far as I know, there is no servant Melissa associated with ATG in any of the ancient sources. This could be some romantic hindu myth about Alexander's appreciation of the oriental beauty. Sikander is right about the ancient greek meaning of the name "melissa" - desert or honey (sth sweet).
There is also one aromatic plant named melissa or lemon balm because of the lemon smelt of its leaves. And this plant was used in aromathic baths by the ancient Egyptians (especially Cleopatra) for hygienic and medical purposes because of its antiviral and antimicrobal effects.... and I'm not 100% sure, but I think I've met somewhere an ancient Nubian servant with this name, related to Cleopatra... but don't take this for granted :-)Now, regarding Aphrodite's cult and its priestesses .. I've never met any title named "melissa". But, there is one "similar" title "Melainis" or "the black" associated with the sexual intercourse performed by night (at dark). There is one Temple of Aphrodite Melanis in Korinthia and other in Arkadia.Regards,
Poliksena

[chris]

HiMany thanks for the information, and guidance! regards,Chris

[S]

Greetings Poliksena,Thank you for the additional information. As I said, it has been a long time, but I think the word melissa may have been connected to the priestesses, in association with bees and honey, and sacred nectar- all related, I believe, to sexual connotation, which ties in with melaina, etc. But again, it has been a long time, so my memory may be in error..and any additional info would be useful.But basically, I think most agree Melissa is a fiction. I have seen the primary Internet site that cites the legend; it is somewhat "poetic" though I appreciate the sentiments expressed.Regards,
Sikander

[Polyxena]

Hi Sikander,You were absolutely right about the existance of the Bee priestesses named Melissa ... and sorry for my ignorance. I appreciate your response very, very much because it made me do some quick search on this topic and gave the satisfaction to discover some new and interesting information about this ancient cult. Thanks.Best regards,
Poliksena

[S]

Greetings Poliksena,And thank *you* for looking into that! If I am ever incorrect or in error, bear in mind I do not mind correction, since I am well aware that human memory can fail, and "my brain is full" . And I appreciate the assist. What's the old saying? "Everyone has a right to an opinion, but no one has a right to be incorrect in their facts"... so thank you again for confirming!Regards,
Sikander