Dreams of being like Alexander

[Mantzy]

At my age, Alexander had just taken the throne and was about to conquer the known world. This makes me quite young probably on this forum but it makes me realise what Alexander must have been going through at this exact time. Most of you, i'm sure, are older than me and have obviously gone through this stage of awe when you think about what the great man/adolescent had done by this age. But can you really think that this was possible by one man?Yes, he was great, and a hero and, at times, ruthless and persistant. But at such a young age, how the hell did he manage to command so many and gain their respect? I can tell you, when i walk out onto the streets of the modern day, the last thing i get is respect. And it's not due to a lack of charisma (which Alexander had in abunden) but more due to a lack of hope I believe. I see people working in their dead end jobs doing dead end things. Hell, most of us lot are probably part of that elk, I know I am (college student, learning about the history of furniture for God's sake!) but what do we do about it. Nothing. We sit and write to a forum of people we've never met but share the same views as us (well, maybe no-one shares the same views as me but thats just a risk i'm gonna take!). And I apologise now if this sounds political in anyway as its not supposed to, just a viewpoint from my prospective.Surely we've all thought about it. Being Alexander. Taking over the world. Being "The Master & Commander" as it were. Yes, i'm sure we have otherwise it's unlikely we'd be here. Leaders cling to leaders. I know i'm an independant spirit. I've known that since i was quite young. I've always thought that the world wasn't big enough for me and wanted to take on more. Does this mean that i'm a reincarnation of some noble warlord/king/alexander? Probably not, but it'd be nice to think so. Yes, i've been pushed around by society and i'm sure most of you have at one time in your lives too and you've wanted to take revenge the old fashioned Macedonian way. WOuldn't that be great. One of our MPs gives us gip, we attack them with a private army! Oh what joy! Yes, you may have noticed that my mindset isn't really geared up for 21st century culture but then, who's is? I lived in the Middle East for many years but that doesn't make me anti-muslim, nor pro-muslim. I'd like to take over the world and shape it to my own way, but i guess i'm not the only one who's thought of that! Guess wha

[ruthaki]

I was first introduced to Alexander when I was 16 (and that's a long time ago!) Our history lessons only touched on him but I was intrigued and spent the rest of high school mostly in the pursuit of Alexander, writing my first Alexander-themed novel. He's been my 'hero' for years and I learn more about him and his people all the time, which includes the years I have had the privilege of walking in his footsteps in many of the places in Greece and Asia Minor where he went. Who are our heroes now? (the people your age, I mean) Movie stars? Sports stars? Singing stars? I wonder how many kids there are like you who are interested in Alexander? (But I bet when the movie comes out there'll be a renewed interest. I just hope they stick to the facts and don't turn it into another Hollywood fable!) ruthaki

[jan]

Hi Ruthaki,I am so glad you wrote here as I just found the answer to the half-sister that Perdiccas had killed. Her name is Kenane with some kind of circonflect on the e. It is the appendix of a book by McCrindle on the invasion of India.Your comment about the movie makes me want to tell you that both Manfredi and Doherty are using the same subject for their books also in a subtle way to reach the right readers. So you may be disappointed that Hollywood will also keep the same truth running as well. All it is what sells books and movies to teenagers, not to literary and history buffs.