Pediccas and Hephaestion

[marcus]

Hi Ruth,The only time I've been 'to' Macedonia was when I was on a train from Athens to Istanbul; and it was mainly night-time, so unfortunately I never got to see anything, least of all something that wasn't within 10 feet of the railway track! I am very envious of you. At some point, when I have the money, I will definitely go, with 100 reels of camera film (but I want to save up to go to Iran next, which will take me some time!).I like Perdikkas - he doesn't play a major role in my book, but when he does appear he's one of the (few) sympathetic characters! I think, as much as anything, it's because I like the name :-)All the bestMarcus

[ruthaki]

Hi Marcus, I too found Perdikkas a fascinating character to write, but I've portrayed him a bit more 'hard-line' rather than sympathetic. I chose Ptolemy as my sympathetic Successor (and Seluekos/Peukestas though in my novel they have minor roles). As for touring Macedonia, I'm going to rewrite and update the "Search for Alexander" article I had featured in the Montreal Gazette several years ago. Because I've now been to almost all the Alexander sites in Macedonia, Thrace and Epiros (and not including a few in western Turkey). So I want to add Dodoni and Mieza. Figured that with the movies coming out there will be a whole new interest generated. If you go don't go with a tour or you'll miss the best parts and they whisk you in and out so quickly. I've visited several of the sites many times and spent a lot of time soaking up the atmosphere, imagining how it was etc. (Including Amphipolis). So now I have this very clear visual image which I can translate into words for setting details. Not to speak of the thrill of being there!
Ruthaki

[jan]

Hi Ruth and Marcus,
I found a really interesting article by Joan Ledering on Livius, org. about Perdiccas. It even answered the question of why it is that Pindar's home was not sacked in Thebes. I recall someone asking that question, and I always wondered too. Finally, it is explained through hitting one of the links to Pindar. Seems that Pindar wrote an ode to Zeus Ammon, Alexander's favorite, which of course would explain why his house would be saved. I thought that very fascinating as well as an explanation for the name Zeus Ammon.I found it through the Alta Vista search engine while trying to find what is on the internet about Perdiccas.Like Marcus, I envy you too, and really appreciate the advice on tours and going it on your own. Thanks for sharing.Jan

[jan]

Correction: Jona Lendering, Livius.org. It is under Perdiccas in altavista search engine. Just to be sure that everything is correct.

[ruthaki]

Hi Jan, Interesting links to check out, thanks.
Yes, I knew about the reason's Pindar's house and relatives were saved (the poetic connection). In my very first Alexander-themed novel (written when I was 17) the protagonist is a girl, Adele, in Thebes whose family are connected with Pindar and on her wedding day the Macedonians invade the city.
It's an interesting story, come to think of it. Got to a publisher who was very impressed but suggested I lay it aside awhile til me and my writing developed more maturity. I'd always meant to rewrite, never did. But my second novel( w.i.p. on the shelf waiting for "Shadow" to be finished), also an Alexander-theme though from a Celtic point of view, is a kind of spin-off from the first. I've thought of redoing the earlier one as a juvenile historical since I was a kid when I wrote it and the story is rather compelling. So much to write, so little time! Cheers, ruthaki

[marcus]

I couldn't agree more about going it alone, Ruth. When I went to Siwa and Alexandria last year I went on a tour, and I never felt I had enough time (most particularly at the museum in Alex. where I only got to see about a third of it) - but with all the time pressures I face it was easier to let someone else do all the organising. I'm going back to Egypt in April, to 'do' the Pharaonic stuff, and I'm doing the same.However, when I eventually go to Macedonia I'm going to set my own itinerary - I want to be able to spend as long as I want, wherever I want!All the bestMarcus

[ruthaki]

The one place I'm dying to go to is Egypt. Alexandria, of course but the other parts too. I wonder if I'll ever get there? (Have thought of going via Greece but the 'tours' from there are Greek language tours and I certainly can't go it alone. (I am usually a solo traveler but I don't fancy going solo to Egypt). Macedonian? Now that's another thing! It's just such a fabulous part of the world! (for me, anyway). Ruth

[marcus]

You're up late, aren't you, Ruth? It's only just 9am here in London!:-)Marcus