alexander-the-great.co.uk

[philalexandros]

wow, thank's for that Cynisca!

[joanna]

[joanna]

Why every time I read of Alexander’s illness and death I feel such a pain in my heart? Sometimes is unbearable. No exaggeration. I’m telling you, I really suffer reading about Alexander dying. He was conscious of that. Oh, yes, he was! Can you imagine how he was feeling those terrible moments…

And his men were outside waiting to see him. They asked for that, they begged. But Alexander was not coming out. They were not used to that. Alexander had never disappointed them; always there when was asked. So, they situation was serious. Suddenly they stopped behaving like children and they demanded to see their king. Their king? Alexander was more than that. Alexander was one of them. They could have sworn he was! They had seen him next to them fighting and struggling during battles. A real lion he was. They could touch him, they could hear him clearly. He was always there with them at the first rank. Setting an example. Surpass even himself. Alexander was a comrade. A brother. They, desperate men, had the right to know. Was he… dead?
A yell went up from them. “We want to see Alexander. Alexander come out. We want to see you.”
Alexander opened his eyes and tears started falling down. He could hear them. He couldn’t please them.
Now the men had become very upset. The situation was starting to get out of control. They rushed into the palace, pushing men, guards, doors open on their way. They reached Alexander’s chamber. It was a big room. Alexander was there, in his bed, in the middle. Death was also there, waiting impatiently, in a corner. Alexander asked for some more time. No wonder he got it! His men wanted to see him. They wanted to greet him for the last time. A farewell. He wouldn’t let them down. He made a strenuous effort to whisper: “Let them in”
The men’s fury vanished, quietly and with a strict obedience one by one passed through the open door and went near him. They held his hand and kissed him. All, one by one. A heartbreaking moment. Even for death who lowered his eyes and seemed to feel for Alexander.
Poor men! They tried hard to fight back tears. No success. Alexander was not able to utter a word any more. But for them it was not important. His eyes did the talk. Their expression said everything. All they wanted to hear. They showed signs of recognition for each one. Alexander’s eyes thanked them, all, one by one. A man of about his age came near him, knelt down, took his hand, kissed it and whispered to his ear: “ Alexander don’t let death fool you. You have already defeated him. He can’t harm you.” Alexander felt some of the man’s tears falling on his own face; they were mixed with his. That moment maybe Alexander had forgiven them. For hurting him so much. For refusing to go with him to the End of the World. Yes, they were all forgiven. It must be damn true!

Now, he was ready to leave. No more suffering. He had seen his men. He smiled. He nodded his head to death who slowly approached him showing a surprising respect. Alexander was ‘stronger’ than him and death knew it. He closed Alexander’s eyes gently; his last tears were still on his face. Then death took his hand and they left the room. They were ready for the big journey. And off they were heading for a land called …. ATHANASIA
.… IMMORTALITY

[joanna]

Alexander found peace, at last. And I’ve lost mine ! I’m writing these lines but I’m trembling. I don’t know what comes over me; I get so emotional every time I ‘reach’ Alexander’s death. It’s beyond my control. It’s always been like that. From my childhood. I remember…When a teacher or my beloved grandpa were starting to talk about his death, I was closing my eyes and all the above scene (in great detail) was coming to my mind. I could ‘see’ it. I was living every minute of it.
My God! I was so sad afterwards. You can’t imagine.

But WHO is he? Why am I so deeply affected by his death? Why does it hurt so much?
Why???

[apelles]

[Alexandros_19]

Joanna, there was so much feeling in your post. I liked the way you expressed it.

[Cynisca]

Hi Joanna,
why does Alexander affect you so much...I would say you knew him and loved him in another lifetime...who you were I can't say, maybe the man who cried over him, maybe somebody else much closer...
I hope one day you find out....
regards
Cynisca

[philalexandros]

After Alexanders death, the Hellenistic age began (323-27BC.) :
When Greek culture spread throughout the Mediterranean.

Thought I'd mention the above point.

[cindoo15]

[cindoo15]

That was incredible Joanna, you're post about Alexanders death. I could feel the pain. Very intense - great writing Joanna.

[Alexandros_19]

[joanna]

Pam is so good to see you posting again. Yes, I had missed you.

Don't tell me that you can make it to Greece this summer???!!!
WOW! GREAT!
Please, please, try to come. We'll have a wonderful time. I feel it.

[joanna]

Thanks everybody for the good words you said about my post on Alexander's death. I really feel like that. It hurts me.

Maybe Cynisca is right and I have met and loved him in another life. I'm sure I'd have loved him the moment I saw him but what worries me, Cynisca, is that : did he love me, too?
Who could I be? The man who cried over him? Ok, not bad, but honestly if you asked me, I'd rather have been one of his women

[cindoo15]

[Adriv]

Alexander's death is coming up you guys... June 10th.

We should remember him that day like it was yesterday. And, obviously where ever we do and think we will keep him in our thoughts.

Now, if you happen to be drinking that day well, just remember to make a toast on his name. I will!

"TO ALEXANDER THE GREAT" the greatest military intellects in human history.

Cheers!