Requiem For Athens

by David Alkek

  "I agree. What fortifications has the enemy made?"

  Ptolemy spoke up, "Darius himself leads this army. He has risked his presence as a moral show of strength. The Persians have built up palisades in the center where he has stationed himself and his generals. This indicates to me that he is a man of no spirit."

  "That is what I have heard," agreed Alexander. "These Eastern armies rely too much on their king or leader. If the leader is killed or put to flight, the whole army disintegrates. Therefore, we must strike directly at Darius. Let us rest today and attack at early light."

  Alexander opened the battle by ordering his phalanx in the center to cross the stream rapidly, so as to give the enemy bowmen little time to unloose their arrows. The center was thrown well forward toward the center-left of the Persians, where Darius was stationed.

  At this moment, the unexpected happened. The Macedonian phalanx crossing the stream lost its cohesiveness. The Greek mercenaries on the opposite side pressed forward to take advantage of the confusion. This movement by the Greeks in the Persian center opened a gap between the center and its left. Alexander turned his quick perception of this flaw into decisive action. He wheeled his cavalry right wing inward, charging into the flank of the Persian center and widening the gap with its left. Darius and his nobles were immediately endangered. Perceiving the peril they quickly fled, with the rank and file soon following their example. Only the Greek mercenaries stood their ground, dying stoically as they were assailed from all sides.

  The Persian disaster was complete, estimates of more than one hundred thousand slain, while Macedonian losses were put at four hundred and fifty. Any orderly retreat was impossible in Eastern armies, except among the most disciplined, and the Greeks mercenaries did not retreat. Thus the pursuit and the slaughter of broken ranks turned into a one-sided massacre, lasting for hours over many miles.

  Darius fled, leaving camp and its treasures, his wife, and even his mother. There was even a sumptuous feast laid out for his victory celebration.

  Alexander came across and gazed at the delectable food and rare wines set with gold and silver plates and jeweled goblets. He forbade his men to touch it. "First we will tend to our wounded. Then we can dine on Darius' food," he said to them.

  An officer brought the wife and mother of Darius to Alexander. He arose and greeted them courteously. "Explain to them that I will do them no harm," he said to a translator. "You are welcomed to dine with me. You may keep your slaves and handmaidens, and I will send you with an escort of your soldiers back to Darius."

  Darius' mother came up and kissed his hand. Through the translator she said, "Thank you for all your courtesies. You are a brave leader. I wish that you were my son."

  Alexander smiled, acknowledging the compliment and the backhanded slap at the cowardice of her own son. The Egyptian priests had told him that he was a god sent to govern with justice and to bring justice to the world. He was trying to do that, in spite of the cruelties and demands of war.

  Even though Alexander had obtained an overwhelming victory, he knew that as long as Darius was still alive, he could form another army from his vast empire. Instead of pursuing Darius, however, Alexander marched down the coast of Syria into Egypt. It was to be almost two years before the two great armies would meet again.

  Continuing his march down the coast, Alexander found his way impeded by the ancient fortified city of Tyre. The old city was still on the coast, but a new city had been built on an island half a mile from the mainland. It had a north and south harbor and was completely surrounded by stout walls. Alexander could see that the siege and capture of this important city was to be a major undertaking. He could not leave it at his rear because its navy would interrupt his supply line from Greece. He would have to construct a mole or bridge to the island from the mainland.

  This would have to be a Herculean task, but Alexander was undaunted, especially as he claimed to be a descendent of Hercules. The defenders fought with desperate courage. Each time, the defenders developed a new defense, Alexander and his strategists had to devise a remedy. The besieged put up a fierce resistance, but were reduced to awaiting the final breach as the Macedonians brought the seven-month long siege to an end.

  In his rage at the stubborn defense of Tyre, Alexander allowed his men to massacre eight thousand Tyrians in the streets. Two thousand men were crucified as a lesson of the futility of resistance to him. The remaining 20 to 30,000 women and children were sold as slaves. Tyre like Thebes had ceased to exist as a city.

  After the battle of Issus, Darius sent a messenger with an offer to Alexander. The offer of peace with an alliance was extended to him as King of Macedon and Lord of Greece. However, Alexander feeling that Darius was making the offer from a position of weakness following a defeat, he scorned it. He told Darius' messenger, "I reject your master's offer. Tell them that if he wants to deal with me, he must send it to me as Lord of Asia."

  During the long siege of Tyre Darius again sent an offer, this time with better terms. His representative brought gifts and bowed to Alexander as Lord of Asia. Alexander accepted the gifts and compliment. "What does your master offer me this time?"

  "The great Darius, King of Kings, extends to you the offer of ten thousand talents, the hand of his daughter in marriage to seal an alliance, and the overall lordship of the lands west of the Euphrates. You will rule them, but will still be part of the great Persian Empire. Our two powers will support one another militarily and will prosper economically."

  "I will consider the Great King's offer. As my guest, you will be taken to your lodging and provided with food and servants for your needs. I will meet with my advisers and let you know what I decide. You may go."

  Alexander turned to Parmenion, "what do you think of Darius' offer?"

  "I think you should accept it. Ten thousand talents and Darius' daughter are gifts for a prince. You are indeed lord of all of Ionia, which was the object of our invasion. We have freed our fellow Greeks from the Persians and gained our revenge for Persia's invasion of Greece. Let's take his offer of all of Asia this side of the Euphrates. We will have territory and wealth enough."

  "Enough for what? For you, for me, for our men? I have a bigger vision. We have seen how we can beat the Persians in open battle, and its cities have fallen into our hands. However, I wish to press down the coast and even invade Egypt. I believe it will fall to us, and then I will defeat Darius and conquer all of Persia."

  "That is a wonderful dream, Alexander, but not easily done. This is a vast country."

  "I say it can be done. We have the trained army and siege equipment to do it. I say we go to Jerusalem, Gaza, and then to Egypt. Who will follow me?"

  All the generals nodded and Parmenion added his assent. "I will help you with all of my skill and strength to conquer Persia, but first we must get to Egypt."

  As Alexander proceeded south, news of his successful siege of Tyre, and the slaughter of its defenders preceded him. Jerusalem surrendered peacefully and was treated well. The walled city of Gaza, however, refused to surrender. Gaza was the last fortified barrier to Alexander's march to Egypt. The city was situated in a plain surrounded by mighty walls, not assailable by rams or bores, the common siege engines of Alexander. It was commanded by a courageous and skillful Persian general named Batis.

  Alexander conscripted the men of the surrounding province to construct a huge mound. This tremendous labor produced an earthen hill 250 feet in height and 1200 feet in diameter. Alexander then placed his war engines on its top, and in two months Gaza was taken. The Gazans fought courageously until every man was killed and every woman raped. The heroic Batis was beaten to death, his ankles bored and brass rings passed through them. Then Alexander dragged him, like Achilles did Hector, around the city walls.

  Intoxicated with his victory over the Persian cities, Alexander succumbed more often to intoxicating drink. It seemed that the more violent the raging fires of slaughter and mayhem, the more drink was required to quench the
m, and bring calm to the nerves of this conqueror of armies and men.

  Chapter 24

  Alexander, at the head of his triumphant army, marched through the Sinai into Egypt. Phidias enlightened him on his way to the Egyptian capital. "Egypt is a very ancient country. Its pyramids and tombs were built centuries before Achilles attacked Troy. They worship many gods, but some may be the same as ours, but by a different name. Their chief god, Ammon, is probably the same as Zeus.

  “Yes, that is what my mother told me. She said that I am his son."

  "I don't know about that, Alexander, but you are indeed mortal. Your injuries in battles and your sickness in Tarsus are evidence of that. Nevertheless, the priests of these ancient gods command tremendous wealth and power. They have accumulated it over centuries from the gifts of many pharaohs. As a matter of fact, it is understood that the pharaoh, even though he was considered a living god, had to have the support and blessings of the priesthood. Woe to the pharaoh who opposed them. On the other hand, if he had their support, the priests could get the people to do anything for the pharaoh."

  "Thank you for your lesson, Phidias. I will respect and listen to their priests."

  Arriving in the ancient Memphis, he was hailed as a divinely sent liberator. After several days of feasting and celebrating in Memphis, a priest of Ammon asked to speak with Alexander. He arrived with an interpreter who was a Greek trader. "What is it that you want, Holy One," said Alexander.

  "All honor to you, conqueror of Egypt. You have won great victories, Asia and Egypt lay at your feet and the great Persian Empire is within your grasp."

  "These facts I already know. What new things do you have to tell me?"

  "You have the face and body and character of a god. Certainly, you have divine blood within your veins," said the priest.

  "My mother told me that my true father was Zeus. Wise men of Greece say that Zeus and Ammon are one. Do you agree?"

  "Ammon is truly our chief god, and I am aware that Zeus is the Greeks’. Whether or not you are his son, I do not know. But there is a way to learn the truth."

  "And what is that, Holy One?"

  "In the Western Desert many miles from Memphis is an oasis named Siwa. This is a place that is sacred to Ammon, and his spirit resides there, as does his oracle. One with the proper consecration of his spirit may approach the oracle and ask of him important questions. I believe that if you are properly prepared, you may ask the oracle about your true father."

  "That is indeed something I would like to do with all the strength that is within me. I am eternally grateful for this information. Where is this oasis, and how do I prepare myself for the oracle?"

  "Come tomorrow to the Temple of Ammon in Memphis. Bring nothing except the simple robe of a supplicant. Be prepared to spend three days with us. We will do no harm but welcome your divine presence. Tell your generals where you will be, but they are not to disturb you."

  "What will I be doing for three days?"

  "That, I cannot tell you. The rites and ceremonies are ancient, and not to be revealed to anyone who has not participated in them. You will be consecrated and prepared to approach the oracle with your inquiries."

  "Thank you, Holy One. I will come to your temple in the morning."

  After the priest left, Cleitus advised Alexander, "You should not go. They will murder you and throw your body to the crocodiles."

  "Cleitus, they claim that I am divine, so they will not harm me. Perhaps I am. I’ll ask the oracle of Ammon. They will help me."

  Alexander went to the temple and submitted himself to the priests. He was given a ritual bath and anointed with sacred oils. He sat for hours in front of strange gods, human bodies with animal heads, while the priests chanted and burnt incense. On the last day he was dressed in a snow white linen garment. An Egyptian headpiece was placed on his head, and an amulet of lapis and gold was hung around his neck. Finally, the chief priest laid his hands on his head, prayed a long prayer, and ended with the only word that Alexander understood, "Ammon."

  Two days later, Alexander was ready to visit the oracle at Siwa. With a company of soldiers and supplies he crossed the desert. The Macedonian and Greek soldiers were unfamiliar with the endless soft shifting sands and ceaseless sun of the Western Desert. Many times, one would point to the distant horizon and exclaim that there was a lake of water. The Egyptian guides explained that this was only the appearance of water. The God Ra, who controlled the sun, used it to trick the stranger into believing there was relief from his burning rays.

  At last they reached the Oasis of Siwa, an island of water, date palms, and grass for the animals in the midst of a vast sea of sand. There, in the center on a small hill overlooking the water was a jewel of a temple. Steps led up to an open plaza in front of the white limestone structure, which was supported by 30 foot columns shaped like lotuses. On the plaza in front was a 25 foot tall statue of the God Ammon. He stood in the traditional way, with his right foot slightly in front, his right hand extended palm up, and his left hand at his side. Dressed in the ancient Egyptians skirt, his torso was bare and on his head was the double crown of upper and lower Egypt. His left hand held an ankh, a cross with a loop on top, while in his open palm he held a symbol of the sun, a disc with radiating rays. The Egyptians explained to Alexander that Ammon, the ruler of the world, held the symbols of the God Aton, the ankh, and the God Ra, the sun. This oasis showed that he brings life and comfort from the searing sun and sand of the desert.

  Alexander was taken to a small house where he was dressed in traditional Egyptian attire. He was given oil, fruit, and wine and guided to the temple to present them as sacrifices to the god. After this ceremony, he was taken into the temple to the back where a smaller room led off from the main room. This room had a low dark blue ceiling dotted with gold stars .A small still pool of water was in the center of the room, reflecting the only light in the room from the numerous candles around the walls, which were the only light in the room. Incense rose from a bronze brazier in a corner. In the center of the back wall was a raised platform with a large ornate chair. On this sat a hooded figure in a long flowing white robe. His hands were folded within his sleeves and his face was completely in shadow. Nothing of his face or body could be seen.

  Alexander was told to stand by the circular pool facing the raised figure on the other side. The faceless figure spoke in a rasping voice that was hard to discern yet reverberated around the small room. The translator behind Alexander said, "The oracle asks why you have come to this holy place."

  “I have come to seek answers from the God Ammon," stated Alexander.

  "Why do you deem yourself worthy of approaching mighty Ammon?

  "I have won battles and captured cities from the Persians and have rested Egypt itself from their empire. I believe I have earned the right to speak with Ammon's oracle."

  "Who told you that you have the right?"

  "The priests of Ammon told me that I have within me a divine light. My mother told me I am a son of Zeus. Greek and Egyptian wise men believe that Zeus and Ammon are one. Therefore, I have the right to address Ammon and ask if he is my father."

  "Well spoken, a good answer you have made. State your question, and I will address it to the God Ammon."

  "Oh, Ammon, mighty God and ruler of the world, am I, Alexander of Macedon, your son?"

  The oracle rose, walked over to the smoking pot, and threw something inside it. There was a flash and a puff of acrid smoke that rose, surrounded the hooded figure, and then filled the room. After the chanting, the oracle stood like a stone statue facing the censer. Finally he turned, walked slowly to the dais, mounted it, and sat in his chair.

  He spoke slowly in the rasping, hollow voice. The translator listened to all of it then told Alexander what the oracle said. "The oracle said divine blood flows in your veins. Your face shines with the light of the gods. Ammon has told him that indeed you are of his seed. He, Zeus-Ammon, will guide and protect you. You will fulfill your destiny."
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  "Did he say what my destiny is? Will I conquer all of Persia?"

  The oracle was silent.

  The translator spoke to Alexander. "He will not say. We cannot ask further questions. That is all the oracle will answer. He will speak no more. We are to go."

  Alexander left with mixed emotions. He was elated that Ammon, through the oracle, confirmed his divine paternity. He felt the power of the god within him. On the other hand, the oracle would not say what his destiny actually was. Alexander was convinced that his destiny was to conquer whoever opposed him, and he would fulfill it.

  While returning to the Nile Delta, Alexander conceived of the idea of building a new city in Egypt. It would be Greek in style and culture and bear his name, Alexandria. It would be the new capital of Egypt. Back in Memphis, he asked for his chief architect and engineer, Dinocrates, to meet with him. He told him of his plan to build a city in Egypt and call it Alexandria. "Search for a good site, for it will be a Greek city, grand in style, impressive as the new capital of Egypt. It must be worthy of its name, Alexandria, the name of a god and conqueror. It will represent a new era for this ancient land, the Greek era." Dinocrates said he and his engineers would look for a suitable site.

  A few days later, Dinocrates and some of his engineers took Alexander to a site they had selected. It was located to the west of a large tributary of the Nile. It had a large protected harbor, enough for a fleet of the biggest warships, with plenty of waterfront for warehouses and buildings. It was far enough from the Nile, so it would not be flooded. Alexander was ecstatic. "This is beautiful. It will be the site of a great city. Let me mark out the main avenues, for I can see it in my mind."

  Dinocrates looked at one of his engineers and raised his eyebrows. "Of course, Sire. Where would you like to start?" For the rest of the day, Alexander paced the land, telling his engineers to make notes and pound stakes into the ground. He marked out the walls of the city, the main avenues, and the sites for temples.

  "And here is where I want a palace complex to be built. It should also have a place where philosophers can gather and teach and do science." The engineers made notes and drawings. "Dinocrates, I will not remain in Egypt to see its construction. I must fight Darius. I will leave you here to oversee the building of Alexandria. Make me proud. Make it a city worthy of my accomplishments."