In the end we did not make it to Pella and Vergina in Macedonia, making it only as far north as Meteora. With two days left and an airport rendezvous on the afternoon of the second, we chose not to trust our air tickets to what pass for Greek drivers in a mad dash on the last day. A good move too as it turned out. Whilst this is not the place for a discussion on Greek "drivers", I'm sure Efstathios will confirm that Greek roads (more the drivers that use them) resemble my ten year old son's "Need for Speed" computer game on steroids. No joke.
I compensated by purchasing a DVD called "Alexander the Great", a "documentary" by one Paul Pissanos which came with a disc on the Pella museum. I am tempted to point out that a rather large clue to the Alexander DVD's documentary quality is suggested by the fellow's surname. Oh, I may have just done that. Oops.
That this is called a documentary – in my opinion – defies the definition. Its focus is, in its words, the two defining influences in Alexander's life: Olympias and Aristotle. Apparently, Olympias – the person "Alexander adored" – instilled in the young conqueror a deep religiosity and respect for all religions – whatever they were. Aristotle took the deep sense of religious purpose and moulded it into a life philosophy of seeking the "soul" and meaning in life. Such meaning was to found in the betterment of citizens of a state.
What became of his lifelong relationship with Hephaestion? Not mentioned. His father, Philip? A glancing mention.
Oh dear me. If the titles did not inform me otherwise, I'd have though Tarn had come back from the grave to write the commentary. It waxes lyrical to explain how this visionary, civilising beneficence was extended to Bactria and Afghanistan. Pray tell, why did they resist so fiercely?"Alexander did not become "great" for his conquests, but for their "essence". Behind every great victory, Alexander could see its essence and this is what transformed the conqueror into a visionary and the defeated into beneficiaries"
There is more. But maybe it’s best if one views the trailer? Be advised that this is a much toned down short though. For instance:
Yes. Well what of that world immersed in "superstition"? There is a constant theme throughout of the barbaric Persians. For example:With a strong belief in Greek education, the incomparable Greek language, art, philosophy, poetry, architecture, religion…he made it the decisive purpose of his life to conquer a world immersed in superstition, suffering and spiritual deficiency. As he entered each conquered territory, he'd bring the light of Greek civilisation, of eternal Greek wisdom, art and education.
This accompanied by vision of a sufficiently vicious, uncivilised looking Iranian despot type caricature. In contrast we have the civilising conqueror who, after the intense and near-run battle of Issus, shows how a well educated and respectful Greek conqueror behaves. Having told Sisygambis not to be concerned about her fate because "Greeks have boundless respect for their prisoners of war" – possibly not the last thing the Thebans, the Greeks at the Granicus or the Tyreans, to name a few, experienced – he goes on to respect Statiera's wish to marry a Persian noble, in the process "forgetting that he is the conqueror; forgetting the rights of the conqueror" and "stifling his own erotic passion for her in the manner of a divinely inspired military leader".The Persian hordes, who for centuries had plagued the world – especially Greece – despoiling temples, sacred sites etc….had finally been defeated.
I could go on but I suspect my impression is clear. I'd only ask: is this typical of the view taught in Greece or is this - as it appears to me - an aberration?