by David Alkek
As Phidias foresaw, Athens and other Greek cities revolted. Antipater called to Craterus for aid and, with the help of his ten thousand Macedonian veterans, crushed the rebels.
A complicated shuffle of alliances and civil war among the generals ensued over the next several years. Ptolemy’s preoccupation with these conflicts and political intrigues prevented him from giving much attention to Phidias and Dinocrates. When the dust of the first civil war settled, Perdiccas and Craterus were dead and Seleucus was appointed as satrap of Babylon.
The news of the revolts in Greece against Macedon following Alexander's death spread to Alexandria. Phidias was fearful for Aristotle's safety. Aristotle had many enemies in Athens, he thought. Many resent his support of Alexander. What will happen to him? Will they arrest and put him on trial? Will he flee from Athens? What will happen to the Lyceum if he does? Politics is the cause of so much chaos and waste of energy. Will Athens ever have peace so that philosophy can flourish again?
It was not long after, that Phidias had news of Aristotle's death. He was devastated. With tears in his eyes he spoke to a group of his colleagues. Ptolemy had sent his condolences. "He was more than my friend, my mentor, and my teacher," Phidias mourned. "He was my brother in spirit; we shared our souls. No one, not even the great Plato or even Socrates, had the breadth of knowledge that he possessed. He did research, talked, and wrote books on every subject. He looked at the world through eyes that have had the cover of ignorance, superstition, and unfounded religion removed from them. His head was not in the clouds in some ethereal realm. He looked keenly to our earthly existence and what made it work.
"I will miss him; you all will miss him; the world will miss him."
They burned incense, poured wine libations, and spoke prayers for their departed master of philosophers.
* * *
While the other generals who inherited parts of Alexander's Empire continued to conspire and fight to conquer one another, Ptolemy concentrated on promoting Egyptian agriculture, commerce, and industry. He built a great fleet to project Egypt and its commerce. He helped Rhodes, and some other Greeks of the Aegean to maintain their independence of Macedon.
Antigonus, who ruled Asia Minor, was planning to extend his power. Ptolemy allied himself with Lysimachus and Seleucus, and later with Cassander to resist Antigonus.
It was after Ptolemy’s survival from the first war of the successors that Phidias was anxious to show him what progress he had made. He showed Ptolemy the plans for the museum. "It will be a magnificent and lasting monument to you and to Alexandria. The House of the Muses will be dedicated to and promoting all of the arts and sciences. I have been collecting specimens and historical artifacts from all over Alexander's Empire. Many scholars will come and help me collect books and conduct research. Dinocrates as left areas near the Palace for this museion. Since this museum will be formally dedicated to the Muses, the titular head should be a priest of these goddesses. I would suggest someone from one of the prestigious temples in Greece or Ionia."
"You have done a fine job of starting this project that Alexander wanted," said Ptolemy. I am occupied with matters over my expanded territories, but I trust that you will handle the museum. I will make sure that you have funds dedicated for your work."
Phidias thanked Ptolemy and returned to the temple that he was using to house the books he was collecting. He had written to Aristotle about his project while still in Babylon and had received from him instructions on how to organize a library.
The books and artifacts were indeed growing. Phidias had written to scholars around the civilized world. Then he had indicated their interest, and some said that they would come Ptolemy moved to Alexandria.
But Phidias was worried. Even though Ptolemy seemed to have secured his power in Egypt, the other successors of Alexander continued to scheme and shift alliances. Any year could see one overthrow Ptolemy and ruin everything that Phidias was building with such energy and dedication.
Chapter 34
Ptolemy ruled Egypt from the ancient capital in Memphis. He had obtained a magnificently run country, that was rich in food and natural resources. Most importantly, the ruler was the proprietor, and his vast army of priests and supervisors administered it.He inherited the sacred tradition that all the land and its production belonged to the Pharaoh as god-king. The peasant was not a slave, but could not leave his land without government permission. Ptolemy and his successors enlarged the system by appropriating great tracts of land from the Egyptian nobles and priests.
A great bureaucracy grew that completely managed Egypt as a huge state farm, telling the farmers what soil to use and what plants to grow. Industry was also controlled by the state, which owned the gold and copper mines, had a monopoly on oil from plants, and subsidies for salt, incense, papyrus, and textiles. Minor industries were left in private hands, but the state licensed and supervised them, bought most of their production at fixed prices, and taxed the profits for the state treasury.
For the most part, the factories were manned by slaves, whose low-cost enabled Ptolemy to undersell their products in foreign trade. Commerce was completely controlled by the government, all caravan routes and waterways being owned by the state. The camel was introduced into Egypt by Ptolemy I’s successor. The Ptolemys built the largest commercial fleet in the Mediterranean, while the double harbor of Alexandria and its huge warehouses were the envy of other cities and the magnet for world trade. Alexandria also became the main port for reshipment of goods coming from the Middle East and India.
This great expansion of industry and commerce was augmented by innovative banking methods. Deposits, transfers, and withdrawals could be made on paper instead of performed physically. Banking was of course a government monopoly, and the central bank in Alexandria had branches in all the important cities and towns.
This Ptolemaic system was the most efficiently organized government in the world at that time. The centralization of the economy and forced labor for the government allowed the construction of great public projects such as building, road construction, flood control, and irrigation.
The Jewish population of Alexandria grew to probably twenty percent of the total. There had been Jewish settlements for at least three hundred years prior to this time, and many Jewish traders followed the Persian conquest of Egypt. Alexander had urged Jews to go to Alexandria and gave them political and economic rights equal to Greeks.
After Ptolemy took Jerusalem, he carried many captives back to Egypt that were later freed, and he also invited prosperous Jews to establish businesses and spacious homes in Alexandria. A large number lived in the Jewish quarter in the northeastern quadrant, but it was not restricted like a ghetto. Jews were free to live in any quarter, except the one exclusively for officials and their households. They built temples which served as schools and meeting places as well as for religious services. The Greek-speaking Jews called them synagogai, places of assembly
Phidias' museum was growing, for he had invited scholars from all over the Greek world to come and do research, with promises of support and funds from Ptolemy. He continued to argue with Dinocrates for more space, and traveled to Memphis repeatedly to ask for more money.
"I promise you that your museum and library will have ample buildings. But first Dinoctares must complete my palace, for I will move the capital to Alexandria," said Ptolemy.
"When?" asked Phidias impatiently.
"Soon. Don't push me, philosopher. I have my hands full."
"Pardon me, Sire, but your supervisors run Egypt smoothly as they have done for centuries. There are no threats to you from the other successors of Alexander."
"Yes, things are quiet at the moment. I can promise you this, that I will move to Alexandria before the Nile floods."
"That will be within three months?"
"Yes, Dinocrates tells me the palace interior will be finished or at least habitable by then."
"Good, then I would like for him to build more accommodations for
the housing and feeding of the scholars. We now have over twenty."
"That many? That's impressive. You've been doing a good job, Phidias."
"The museum with the library will grow even more and make you and your son, who will succeed you, proud of it. It will be a sparkling jewel in the crown of Egypt."
* * *
In Macedon, Antipater, who had been left to rule Macedon and Greece by Alexander died four years after Alexander. As anticipated by the prescient Ptolemy, Athens revolted. They put to death old Phocion, who had ruled Athens at peace under Macedon.
"He was a puppet of Antipater," said the leader of the revolt. "Macedon is without a strong leader now. The other generals of Alexander are still fighting among themselves and they will continue to do so. Now is the time for Athens to regain its freedom and reassert its power."
"But don't you think Cassander, Antipater's son, will attack," asked another? "Macedon will not easily give up its power over us."
"I say let them come," yelled another. “We can raise an army of citizens who are tired of the Macedonian yoke. I will be glad to raise, train, and lead a contingent myself. I suggest that you address the Assembly," he pointed to the leader." They will listen to you and vote for an army. Death to all those that support Macedon. Long live free Athens."
All of those present raised their arms and voices in approval. Soon afterward a vote by the Assembly was taken and Athens prepared to defend herself and her freedom.
In Pella, Cassander quickly established his ascendancy to his father's throne as king. Veterans of Alexander's wars flocked to Cassander’s call to put down the rebellion in Athens. They were anxious for battle and booty. Athens had prospered during the peace, its warehouses full of goods and its merchant's pockets full of gold and silver.
History had shown that the basic principle of democracy was freedom that led to chaos, and that the basic principle of monarchy was power that led to tyranny, revolution, and war. So it had been in Greece and continued through the revolt. Athens elected its generals, who quarreled among themselves over the best strategy
"We cannot beat Cassander’s phalanxes in the field, and we cannot match his cavalry. We should increase our fortifications and lay in food and water for a siege. He will soon tire and return to Pella," said one of the generals.
"That is folly," said another. "The Macedonians have mastered siege warfare as Alexander showed in Asia. Our walls will be breached by their machines and our city will be open to slaughter and pillage."
"I have an alternate plan," spoke up a third. "I propose that we send out our cavalry to run around Cassander’s army and destroy his siege engines while our soldiers prepare to defend the walls."
"That is a sound plan," said the fourth general. They all agreed.
Unfortunately, plans that look good in theory are not always successful. Cassander heard of the strategy from his spies and was prepared. His cavalry awaited the Athenians in ambush and scattered or captured them. When his army encamped before the walls of Athens, and his siege machines were drawn up, the Athenians realized the folly of their strategy.
They sent envoys to Cassander, begging for peace and sparing of the city. Cassander accepted the city's surrender and demanded that the city's leaders meet with him the next day in the Temple of Athena on the Acropolis.
"I should destroy Athens for its repeated rebellions as Alexander did Thebes," he told them. The Athenian leaders were dismayed, burying their heads in their hands, crying, and beating their chests. ” However, I will be merciful, realizing that a prosperous and stable Athens will bring stability to Greece. Not only that, but I will enlarge the franchise to citizens who have one thousand drachmas of wealth. You can retain your Assembly."
A collective sigh of relief and thanks to the gods murmured through the Athenians.
"However," Cassander stressed as he raised his right hand. "All of its actions must have the approval of me and my regent in Athens. I hereby appoint Demetrius of Phalerum to be my representative here in Athens. He will have absolute power. Obey him and you will have peace, prosperity, and relative freedom. If you revolt again, I will burn the city. Now go to your homes, and thank the gods for my mercy.”
Demetrius of Phalerum was a philosopher and scholar. Not a politician or military man, he did not have aspirations of power. By skillful persuasion and diplomacy, he kept the factions of Athens at peace with one another, and he supervised ten years of peace and prosperity in Athens. Of course, he was backed by the Macedonian power and threat to interfere, if there was unrest or revolt.
* * *
Phidias’ museum and library complex were growing beyond his dreams. Ptolemy had agents from Sicily to India collecting specimens and texts. No one could bring a book into Alexandria without surrendering it to be copied, which included texts in Persian, Phoenician, and Hebrew.
The institution was more like a research university that grew to more than thirty scholars who lived and worked in the temple complex. They ate in a common hall and were supported by the state. There were experts in mathematics, biologic and physical sciences, literature, history, and of course philosophy. As in any collection of intellectuals, there was bound to be jealousy and resentment.
"I am sick and tired of the bickering between scholars. They act more like children sometimes than intelligent men." Phidias complained to one of his assistants.
"It reminds me of my old friend, Aristotle, who argued with Plato. Each thought that his world view was correct. Philosophers will always argue about what they perceive to be right.” Phidias shook his head.
"There is something more serious than that, Master Phidias." His assistant looked around to see if anyone was close by who might be listening.
"What is it?"
"I have heard that one of the mathematicians wants to replace you as head of the museum and library."
"What? Who?"
"Dyonatas of Syracuse. He says that you’re old and can't run the institution as it should be."
"How dare he. I built this place. It is my child."
"That is true, Master, but he has the support of other scholars."
"They're jealous. I still have the support of Ptolemy."
"I have heard that they may speak with the King himself."
"We'll see about that," Phidias slammed his fist on the table.
* * *
“I want to go back to Athens,” Phidias said to Ptolemy. They stood on a high terrace of the palace looking at the sparkling water in the distant harbor with its plethora of multicolored sails and flags.
"Why," asked Ptolemy?
Phidias told him of the bickering among the scholars, but more importantly about a movement among some to replace him as head of the institution. “They say that I am getting too old.”
“That’s ridiculous. You’re doing a great job. There will always be jealousy among intellectuals. They are very high strung, despite their logical and philosophic reasoning. I will always support you, my old teacher. You have my complete confidence.”
"Thank you, Ptolemy but I do feel my age and want to return to my home, my mother Athens. I want to teach at the Lyceum that Aristotle founded."
"Athens is not what you left when you followed Alexander, my friend. It is a conquered city ruled by Macedon."
"At least it’s at peace under Demetrius Phaelerum,” insisted Phidias. "Theophrastus at the Lyceum may need me. I feel that I must return."
"You cannot go," commanded Ptolemy. "I want you to remain here. You're a good advisor to me in the areas of philosophy and history. You're doing wonderful work with collecting artifacts and books."
"Someone else can take over that job. I can teach a replacement..."
"I order you to stay in Alexandria," he interrupted. "You do not have my permission to leave.”
"But..."
"I said no," Ptolemy yelled. "Your place is here in Alexandria to serve me. Now go and continue your duty. You are dismissed."
Phidias left, feeling in hi
s soul that there was something he must finish, some destiny he must fulfill, that he could not do while still in Alexandria. He must return to Athens to discover that destiny and complete it before he was too old. He reluctantly returned to the collections he had accumulated. He dusted off the scrolls that contain his notes of his journeys from Pella to Persia and to Egypt. Something he must do.
He continued to work with the library and museum, awaiting an opportune time to approach Ptolemy again.
Chapter 35
Ten years after the death of Alexander, Ptolemy moved his capital to Alexandria. In those years she had strengthened its defenses, deepened in its harbors, and built up his navy. The city prospered and teamed with people from every land, administrators, priests, soldiers, and of course, scholars.
Alexandria's main avenue, called the Canopic Way, gathered speechless wonder from newcomers. 90 feet in width, it could accommodate a cherry its breast, and was unmatched in scale in the ancient world. It was lined with carved granite column is a vivid colors, decorated with the rich facades, covered with canopies against the hot sun, hence its name, and lit at night. From east to west the city measured nearly 4 miles and was already becoming a beautiful metropolis of parks, baths, theaters, gymnasiums, courts, and temples, shrines and synagogues The side streets were nearly twenty feet wide and well-trained. From the central crossroads of the two main avenues of forest of colonnades extended along the ten minute walk to the Palace and Temple complex, a wonder in its own right.
Ptolemy was justifiably proud of his capital and what he had built his kingdom into, but he was also aware of how fragile it could be. He had to balance nimbly among the shifting political realities of the Greek world, in order to keep a powerful hostile coalition from forming.
Antigonus ruled Asia Minor, and the connection between Greece and the rest of the empire of Alexander. Together with his son Demetrius, who styled himself as the new Alexander, they were planning to conquer and unite all the Empire under themselves. Demetrius was called Poliocretes, meaning destroyer of cities, because he built huge and clever siege machines to conquer cities. Ptolemy saw the threat and had to counter it.
* * *
The dark blue of the Mediterranean was a deep contrast for the multi-colored sails of the galleys in the harbor of Alexandria. Ships from Ionia, Rhodes, Cyprus, Athens, even from Sicily and Carthage plied the commercial routes that came through Alexandria.