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Throughout many of the posts I see arguments about what Alexander was Greek or Macedonian.All I can say as an outsider,, Ive visited mainland and several islands,,, All I ever saw was a few pieces of gold and silver jewelry and half a dozen statues and busts I could purchase,,, Even in Halkidiki ancient Macedonia I only saw a statue on the harbour and one at the airport.Even when I talked to the natives there knowledge of this Ancient Greek or Macedonian treasure was very limited and in some instances way off the mark.To be honest I would say it outsider and people who belong to forums like this one that keeps tye name of Alexander burning so bright.I do believe that whatever the Greeks and Macedonians of whatever sector they are maybe forgot about Alexander.One story with my travels in Halkidiki,,, I went into a jewelers shop to buy a Alexander ring made from gold,, I asked why there was so little to buy and see about Alexander,,, The shop keeper replied that pewople dont really care.I found that to be sad
RegardsKenny

It is indeed a pity when people forget their past. Studying the past helps one explain why we are what we are, offers examples of good and bad hehavior, and besides - it is fun.Well... I am sincere, but of course I say this partly because I am a historian and can not say that all history is bunk.But on the other hand - isn't it so that people sometimes can have too much past? Take, for example, those marches to celebrate the battle of the Boyne in Ulster. A little less history would be fine, don't you think?Jona

Hi Jona,You're not wrong about the marches in Ulster. Having said that, there are good reasons for remembering some conflicts, and I suppose there's a danger that if one criticises one ... you see where I'm going. It's really the sentiments on both sides that accompany the marches that are the problem - and the intractability of some to compromise on the route, which is almost deliberately inflammatory.At the same time there are historical events that *aren't* commemmorated, which deserve it far more ... a complex web!All the bestMarcus

ive heard that citizens of the USA, when asked, dont even know that the capital city of the United States of America. now that is sad.stavros

I have lived in Greece for some years and spent lots of time there as well, very recently and as often as possible. I have never found that the people do not know about Alexander. (because of research for my novel I travel a lot in Macedonia). So I have to disagree with the comments that they don't seem to know or care about the past. Everywhere I've gone and especially among those who know what I am researching and writing there has been a constant dialogue and interest in the subject. Who were these people you were talking to? Ruthaki

Stavros, you've been watching too much J-walking on the Tonight Show. Andrew

andrew,not to sure what your referring to as i dont watch US T.v. programs or the tonight show at that.i dont generalise either, as was the understanding i got from reading the initial post, hence why i posted something like that myself.stavros

ive heard that citizens of the USA, when asked, dont even know that the capital city of the United States of America. now that is sad.Starvos, then you have heard wrong! Minority yes I would agree, *majority no.* But that's the MO (modus operandi) in all large countries. I must defend the majority of my country as I'm sure you would do the same with yours.Andrew