is there any evidence or lack of evidence behind ball-sleeping story is evidence for this conclusion?
Hi there,
Of course not! Lack of evidence doesn't mean anything, providing the story or anedocte looks possible
If lack of evidence was indeed that important, how many things would have to be discarded about Alexander, which are seen as historical truths only because some author said he heard from the cousin of that maid which served under the table of that Joe who was a friend of Seleukos....
Oh, I love all the anecdotes!
It was Oscar Wilde who said: I can believe anything provided it is incredible.
The Christian St. Anthony of Lisbon for some time had to hold an image of the Child (Jesus) close to him, so that he wouldn't fall asleep without letting it drop on the floor, since he was being tempted by the devil in his dreams during a time, and he didn't want to sleep.
But this metal ball story contrasts with this: wasn't he the one who slept like the dead before one great battle, and had to be shaken to be waked?