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It seems interesting that nobody has looked at the diversion to Gordium as anything other than the fullfillment of a legend. It seems almost painstakingly obvious that with his capital supplies running perilously short, Alexander needed a diversion to take his troops eye off of their shortage of money, and thus prevent mutiny/desertion. Any thoughts on this?

Nicator advised that Alexander needed a diversion to take his troops eye off of their shortage of money, and thus prevent mutiny/desertion ,"I would accept this thought, were I Alexander." Nicator said ; "I too, were I Nicator!" was Alexander's famous retort; Alexander always had the big picture in mind anything short of the world as one would not due.

Gordium was at a crossroads between a number of trade routes, and was the hub of Phrygia. If Phrygia was going to submit, the army had to go to Gordium. Therefore, it had a strategic role, and it was also the most sensible and easily reached place for the three 'strands' of the army to meet up - Alexander, after his running around Lykia, Parmenion with the main baggage train from Sardis, and the newly-weds and reinforcements being brought from MAcedonia.I think the fact that there was a legend to fulfil was actually only of secondary importance, when the decision was taken to converge on Gordium.All the bestMarcus

I'll use this opportunity to promote a book I purchased yesterday. It is entitled Alexander the Great, Man of Action, Man of Spirit. I bought this book because of the many illustrations and document section which is in the back of the book. The illustrations which caught my attention were the portrait of the Gordian Knot episode and the portrait of Persepolis.The appearance of the men corresponds to my recollection of the men seen during the speech at the Battle of Issus which I had the unique privilege to relive. And the portrait of the front of Persepolis has features which I have kept in my memory bank that verifies my recollection in that spiritual recall. Thus, this book will help me to keep those memories alive and well as they are a "bit of a match" to them.As I just found it, I have not read all the copy but I did notice that our friend John Maxwell O'Brien is mentioned in the bibliography.Just thought you would like to know.My best to you,Jan

Ok, now that just made my whole day! Thank you for your creative, historical perspective...very nice, and funny! If I were Andrew, I would take up comedy writing for history professors, you might have something there :)later Nicator

...hhmmm, this I wasn't aware of. I think Renault mentions that it was out of the way, and strategically insignificant. Green seems to indicate that it was a little bit off the beaten trail (I'll have to re-read as well). Either way, both scenarios are not necesarrily in conflict with each other. Meaning that they could co-exist with a different perspective in mind.later Nicator

Thanks Nick, maybe I'll quit my day job:)
Take care, Beau