#Tent of the Persian Great King

[jeannereames]

I don’t know if it’s much discussed, but I always wondered what was in Alexander’s tent? Furniture wise, after all if you were going on a campaign against the Persian empire you couldn’t exactly carry all of your belongings with you. While Persians had all of their furnished caravans with pillows and more then basic necessities. While in Oliver Stone film of Alexander I’ve seen his tent well furnished too, I don’t know if it was just for mere appearances of the scene as after all the film isn’t so historically accurate.

The settings for Stone’s film are, on average, pretty good, especially compared to documentaries (which typically have less money for scenery). Sometimes things pop up in strange places, but overall, I was mostly impressed. The historical problems tended to be in worldview and themes.

Anyway, Alexander acquired Darius’s tent after Issos and continued to use it from then on. So yes, what you saw in the film was correct. Persian Great Kings on campaign, or even just on trips around the empire, traveled in what amounted to little moving cities. The royal tent was a mini-palace. The queens would have had a tent of their own that was a mini-harem. It was, in fact, normal for queens to travel with the king, or even to travel on their own. Along with the king’s tent, there would have been a secretariat, and treasury, and tents for his top generals and satraps, etc., etc.

Prior to that, no, we don’t know much about Alexander’s tent. Presumably it was large enough, and there would likely have been a command tent too, either separate from it or as part of it. He also had a “tent of a 100 couches” meant for dining, which he presumably got from Philip. That was certainly sizeable, but it wasn’t his personal tent. That may have been (loosely) modeled on Persian tents, which the Macedonians would have been exposed to as early as Alexander I.

Given all the hoopla in Greek texts about the tent of the Great King (both when Alexander had it and in earlier periods), we must suppose Greek military tents magnitudes smaller/less decorated. Alexander’s use of the Great King’s tent was initially a statement of conquest, but as time went on, he’d have increasingly needed it for simple administrative purposes.

Anthony Spawforth, in “The Court of Alexander the Great, Between Europe and Asia,” his chapter for The Court and Court Society in Ancient Monarchies, gives one of the more comprehensive descriptions of Alexander’s tent in academic writing. It’s a good chapter overall; I used it a fair bit in my own (much shorter) chapter on Alexander’s court in the new Companion to Alexander the Great, although there are a few places I disagreed and/or “updated” what he had written. But again, my chapter had a different purpose, and it’s not nearly as detailed on things like the tent. 😊

A while back, I wrote a post about the Persian king's touring. I'll see if I can find it again and link to it here.

[aphroditelovesu]

The Lost Queen - XIV

— summary: You woke up near a military camp without remembering how and why you got there, you didn’t understand why they were dressed like ancient Greeks, all you knew was that you weren’t safe and you needed to get out of that place as soon as possible. Too bad for you that you found yourself attracting unwanted attention from the Macedonian King and he won’t let you go so easily.

— genre: yandere, dark!au.

— warnings: time travel, obsessive and possessive behavior, murder, mention of torture, kidnapping, angst, fluffy (very rarely), dub-con, possibly smut.

— pairing: yandere!alexander the great x female!reader, yandere!generals x female!reader.

— word count: 3,040.

— tag list: @devils-blackrose, @faerykingdom, @hadesnewpersephone, @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 , @kadu-5607, @zoleea-exultant, @borntoexplore11-blog, @silmawensgarden, @elvinapandra.

— the lost queen series masterlist.

Chapter 14

It had suddenly started raining. A good omen, you thought, but when you heard the screams outside your tent you realized that it wasn't for the Persians.

As the raindrops fell from the sky, you moved restlessly inside your tent in the Persian war camp. Your anxiety and stress levels were high and you were afraid that this could affect your pregnancy.

The conversation with Darius and Bessus — you shuddered just remembering the last man, — hadn't been productive and you feared what that might mean. By now Alexander had probably already been notified of your disappearance and was going crazy.

Nothing good would come of Alexander's anger. You placed your hand on your stomach, on your not-yet-growing belly, and took a deep breath. You needed to calm down, all this stress wouldn't do you any good, it would only make you more anxious.

"Excuse me." You were startled when you heard a low voice with a strong Persian accent next to you. You looked at the owner of the voice and relaxed when you saw that it was Bagoas, the eunuch. His footsteps — was that him? You weren't sure — were really silent.

Darius had assigned this eunuch to you as your servant, in this case, personal slave, during your time here. Bagoas would be perfect to satisfy your wishes, the King had said. You felt like slapping him. You didn't need a slave and you didn't want one. Even in Alexander's camp you refused to keep slaves but rather free servants to serve you.

You nodded, waiting for him to continue talking. Bagoas kept his gaze down, not daring to look at your face. He was a slave, you remembered. And like all slaves he was trained to be submissive, not to look free people in the eye.

Your heart ached remembering this, remembering that slavery was common and accepted. That what they did to Bagoas and many others was natural.

Bagoas spoke softly, "Do you need anything?" His voice had a very strong Persian accent but you understood him perfectly.

You shook your head, "No thanks, Bagoas. I'm fine."

Bagoas nodded and silently moved to leave, until you called out to him.

"Bagoas?" You called his name, "I'd like to ask you a few questions, if that's okay with you."

Not that he had a choice, you mentally cursed yourself.

Bagoas nodded slowly and stood in front of you. You pointed to a chair next to you, silently telling him to sit down. Bagoas did as he was told.

''You...'' You started to say, but realized you didn’t know what you really wanted to say. Realizing this, you shifted uncomfortably in your seat. Bagoas, in turn, remained quiet.

You cleared your throat and tried again, ''Would you like some wine or water?''

Bagoas blinked slowly at your request, clearly surprised. He nodded slowly after a few minutes of being completely still. You smiled and took the pitcher of wine and poured it into a cup for him, who hesitantly accepted the cup.

"It's not poisoned." You joked softly, trying to lighten the mood.

Bagoas glanced at you lightly and you could see something amusing sparkle in the eunuch's dark eyes. He raised the cup to his lips and took a sip of wine, his eyes fixed on his feet. You smiled lightly and drank some water.

"Would you like something to eat, Bagoas?" You asked, pointing to a silver tray that held cheese, bread, and a piece of honey cake. Bagoas looked at the tray and shook his head.

You frowned. Bagoas was thin, very thin.

"Are you sure? The honey cake is delicious." You tried again but the eunuch just denied it.

"I thank you but no, your Majesty." Bagoas said, his eyes never meeting yours.

"I understood." You sighed and decided there was no reason to say anything, "You're dismissed then."

Bagoas placed the cup on the small table and bowed gracefully to you and silent as he had entered, he left.

You leaned back in your chair, rubbing your sore neck. You closed your eyes but opened them quickly when the tent flap was lifted and you locked eyes with the intruder.

Perdiccas.

"What do you want?" You practically growled, not bothering to try to be polite.

Perdiccas frowned and sat down next to you, "I have news, my love."

You tried not to make a disgusted expression when he called you “my love”.

"And what would that news be?" You asked uninterested. Perdiccas grabbed your hand and squeezed it gently. You frowned at his boldness.

Perdiccas rubbed your fingers, "We are going to Babylon."

You choked on the water you were drinking and the cup was placed sloppily on the table.

"What?!" You questioned him, standing up quickly. Perdiccas didn't seem bothered by your outburst, however.

"We are going to Babylon." He repeated as if you were a child with a learning disability, "I talked to Darius and he agreed that it's safer for you than staying here."

"I am not going." You growled, not even bothering to try and contain your anger. You were tired of men trying to tell you what to do. It could be the custom, the normal thing at that time, but you weren't from that time and you didn't care anymore.

Perdiccas raised an eyebrow, "That's not your choice."

"You don't give me orders." You said confidently. Perdiccas seemed to be getting angry.

Good. That would make two of you.

Perdiccas grabbed your face with one hand and forced you to look into his eyes, "We're going to Babylon and that's final."

Before you could say anything, Perdiccas pressed his lips against yours violently, practically swallowing you. You gasped and tried to pull away but his touch kept you in place.

It was wrong and disgusting on so many levels to feel him kiss you again. At that time, you were desperate and wanted comfort and that's why you kissed him but now it felt wrong, not only because he was forcing you, but also because you didn't want him anymore. You didn't even notice when the attraction you felt for Perdiccas started to wane, you just knew it disappeared.

Now all that was left was a spark of what had once been your friendship. But did this friendship really exist?

When Perdiccas finally released you from the kiss, you noticed that his lips were slightly swollen and you shivered in disgust as you watched him lick them. Before you could think or say anything, you raised your hand and slapped Perdiccas across the face, the sound echoing through the tent.

Perdiccas' face turned to the side from the impact and you knew it hurt when he placed his hand where he had just hit and hissed in pain.

Good.

Perdiccas looked at you in disbelief. He looked at you as if he had seen a ghost and not the woman he knew.

"W-What happened to you?" He asked, still holding his hand over the area where he was hit.

You stared at him with contempt shining in your eyes.

"I happened." You said, your eyes narrowing as the words were spoken, "And don't you ever touch me again without my permission, understand?" Your words were harsh and one could feel the anger reflected in them. Perdiccas swallowed hard as if he had just had a divine revelation.

He finally noticed, you realized it. Perdiccas finally realized that you are no longer the desperate and terrified woman he had met a few months ago.

You were a Queen and you were starting to act like it.

Alexander's tent was eerily silent on that restless night. One might think that the great King was resting, but the flickering light of the flames danced across the walls of the tent, betraying the agitation that consumed him. Alexander found no peace, not while his beloved wife was missing.

The entire Macedonian camp shared his anguish. News of the Queen's kidnapping had spread like wildfire, plunging soldiers and officers into a mixture of fury and despair. No one dared to blame Alexander for his insomnia, as everyone knew that the emptiness next to him in bed was an open wound in his heart. He spent hours pacing back and forth, his troubled thoughts reflected in the flickering shadows the flames cast.

Inside the tent, the atmosphere was filled with tension. Maps and parchments were spread out on the table, fingerprints and wax stains bearing witness to long nights of planning and worrying. The heavy curtains that bounded the space swayed gently in the night breeze, but they failed to carry away the feeling of helplessness that permeated the air.

Every sound outside the tent, whether the distant noise of the watchmen or the low murmur of the soldiers on watch, seemed to amplify Alexander's inner silence. His eyes, fixed on the flames, burned with the determination of a man who would not allow his wife to remain a captive any longer. The King of the Macedonians was prepared to move heaven and earth to bring her back, and everyone who knew him knew that nothing would stand in her way.

The entire Macedonian camp reacted with deep consternation to the news of the Queen's kidnapping. The atmosphere, already tense due to the nature of the military campaigns, became even more charged with discontent and suspicion, especially among Perdiccas' men. These soldiers, in particular, were disgusted by their general's actions. How could Perdiccas betray everyone's trust by kidnapping the Queen? By committing such an act, he not only condemned himself, but also cast a shadow of distrust on his subordinates.

The growing distrust between Perdiccas' men and the other soldiers in the camp was palpable. Loyalty, a fundamental pillar of the Macedonian army, was seriously shaken. Alexander had established that any fight between soldiers would be punished by death, a drastic measure to maintain order and discipline. However, the ban seemed to be ignored. Physical conflicts broke out with alarming frequency, and punishments were equally frequent, but they failed to stem the tide of violence and resentment.

The situation reached a critical point when even two of the most prominent generals came into conflict. Hephaestion and Craterus, known for their skills and loyalty to the King, became involved in a fight that shocked the camp. The details of the incident were hazy, but the essence of the conflict seemed clear: Craterus blamed Alexander for the Queen's kidnapping, a serious accusation that infuriated Hephaestion. He, in an effort to defend the honor of his friend and King, confronted Craterus, but the fight only served to increase anxiety and chaos among the troops.

The tension in the camp was almost palpable. Each soldier knew that the unit was crucial to the survival and success of their campaigns, but the shadow of Perdiccas' kidnapping and betrayal put everything at risk. Uncertainty about the Queen's future and safety hung over everyone, exacerbating the tension and making each day more difficult to bear.

The other generals were also overcome with fury at the betrayal. Cleitus, who had now recovered well although he was still too weak to fight, personally wanted to ride a horse with a group of soldiers and scouts to search for the Queen. However, Alexander did not allow it, which resulted in a heated argument that had to be ended by Ptolemy.

Hephaestion spent most of his time at Alexander's side, desperately trying to calm his friend. He was rarely seen outside the King's tent these days, his loyalty and concern evident in his every gesture. Ptolemy, on the other hand, stood out for his calm and rationality. Although he was also deeply upset by the Queen's kidnapping and Perdiccas betrayal, he tried to keep a cool head, aware that one more angry mind would not help anything.

Cassander was equally furious, but he controlled his words carefully so as not to say something that could get him killed. The tension made him clench his fists and grind his teeth, but he knew he needed to maintain his composure. Parmenion and Philotas, in turn, maintained a facade of indifference. They didn't show much concern or emotion in public, but everyone knew that deep down, they cared deeply. The Queen had won their sympathy and respect, and the apparent coldness was just a mask to hide genuine concern.

The camp was on the verge of emotional collapse. Every decision, every word, carried weight. The generals knew they needed to remain united and focused, but the shadow of the kidnapping hung over everyone, making any semblance of normality difficult.

Something needed to be done, and Alexander knew it. He had plans, detailed and strategic plans, and he was determined to carry them out above all else. His mind worked incessantly, tracing every movement, every step necessary to rescue his Queen and punish the traitor.

Inside his tent, Alexander prepared himself. His eyes, burning with a mixture of pain and fury, reflected the intensity of his determination. He knew that once he got his hands on Perdiccas, nothing would stop him. Perdiccas would pay dearly for his betrayal.

Alexander was willing to do anything to get his Queen back, to get you back. The thought of you being in danger tormented him, and he would not rest until you were safe by his side again. He summoned his generals, outlined his strategies and prepared his troops, ensuring that each soldier knew the importance of the mission.

With each passing moment, Alexander's resolve solidified. His leadership, fierce and relentless, galvanized the Macedonian army. The search for the Queen was not just a military operation; it was a rescue mission that touched every soldier's heart. Everyone knew that under Alexander's leadership they would be relentless in their pursuit and punishment of Perdiccas.

As the camp buzzed with preparation, Alexander remained focused. Nothing would divert him from his goal. He would do anything, face any obstacle, to bring his beloved Queen back. And when he finally rescued you, justice would be done, and Perdiccas's betrayal would be avenged with all the fury of a betrayed king.

The night was cold and silent, very silent. The rain from earlier had made the air colder and not even the heavy fur clothes seemed to contain the cold outside.

But you thought it was because most people had already gone to sleep, only you were awake and getting ready to leave the Persian camp.

You sighed and looked around, noticing some guards and servants tidying up everything. You sat down on a rock and tried to contain the excitement that was growing inside you. A part of you was furious with the events, especially with what had happened between you and Perdiccas earlier, but the other part was excited at the prospect of seeing a historic place in person, of seeing Babylon at its height.

You just didn't expect it to be like this. You were a hostage and you knew a lot could go wrong. You closed your eyes and took a deep breath.

"A kiss for your thoughts." You opened your eyes when you heard a voice. You sighed as you realized it was Aslan— or whatever he really called himself — talking to you.

"What do you want?" You asked, adjusting your robes.

Aslan frowned and said sarcastically, "In a bad mood, cara mia?"

"Just tired." That wasn't a lie, not completely. You were exhausted and couldn't sleep well at night with everything that was going on.

"Hmm..." Aslan murmured and sat down next to you, looking at the night sky, "I heard about what happened in your tent with Perdiccas today."

You gave him a sideways glance, ''Leave it alone.''

Aslan shook his head and you could swear there was barely contained anger on his face, "No, I won't let it alone. That wasn't right... Him forcing himself on you like that." The way his words seemed sincere took you by surprise.

You raised an eyebrow and glared at him, ''And do you care?''

"I'm not the bad guy here, (Y/N)." Aslan said and you scoffed, "Despite what you may think, I genuinely care about you."

"Care about me?" You laughed darkly, "If you care about me, then why the hell did you bring me here? What's the point of all this?!"

Aslan sighed, "You'll understand eventually. Now is not the time for you to know the truth, but..." He took your cold hand and rubbed it, trying to warm you up, "I promise I'll take care of you."

You couldn't help how your body shivered at his words. You found yourself watching him closely, his attractive features. Aslan was a handsome man, you finally realized, and although you didn't trust him, there was something about him that attracted you.

He seemed familiar to you somehow.

Aslan brought his face closer to yours and you felt your heart beat faster. He brought his lips to your ear and whispered, "I promise I'll make him pay for laying his hands on you."

You closed your eyes, feeling strangely warm inside at his words, at the promise in them. Aslan's words brought you comfort, something you hadn't felt in a while.

He smiled and kissed your cheek lovingly, "I need to go. I have things to do but I'll take care of you." Aslan let go of your hand and stood in front of you, he placed his hand on your face and lifted your chin, making you look into his dark eyes.

You couldn’t look away and you didn’t want to. Aslan rubbed your chin and brought his face closer to yours, his lips brushing yours, he said, "I promise I will always take care of you."

The frigid night air didn't seem so cold anymore as Aslan's words were heard by you over and over again. You were standing still, not knowing how to react, just watching him walk away from the camp.

There was a lot to be discovered, you realized. Maybe Babylon had the answers you needed.

— lady l: a calmer chapter but that's because chapter 15, which I'm already writing, will be more chaotic. Aslan is a complex character but does he care about Reader? That leaves the doubt... 👀

I hope you liked it, forgive me for any mistakes and this week I'll release the next chapter! Unti thenl!! ❤️

[humansofnewyork]

(18/54) “The king threw a celebration on the 2500th anniversary of the Persian monarchy. It was the largest gathering of world leaders in history. He constructed a city of tents around the ruins of Persepolis, where Cyrus’s grandson Xerxes ruled the ancient world. 1500 cypress trees were planted in the middle of the desert. There were vast carpets of petunias and marigolds. The king opened the ceremony with a speech at the tomb of Cyrus The Great. As he spoke, his voice shook with emotion. He said: ‘Rest in peace, for we are awake. In a troubled world, Iran still bears the message of freedom and humanity. Even in the darkest times, the torch thou lit has never died.’ The king was at the height of his power. Oil prices were at record highs. With each passing year Iran grew wealthier and wealthier, and the king gathered more power into his hands. Every New Year I would gather the children together and read from Shahnameh about the story of Jamshid, the fourth king of Iran. Jamshid was the greatest king. The wisest king. The Iranian people gathered around him in adoration, and built him a throne of sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. He taught men to build buildings. He taught men to heal the sick. He unlocked all the secrets of the world. And his throne began to float into the air. With each new gift to the people, it rose higher. And higher. And higher. Until one day it rose too high. Jamshid lost touch with the people. He could no longer hear their voice. He no longer wanted their participation. He gathered his advisors around him, and announced: ‘All good things come from me. I am the maker of the world.’ As soon as he spoke these words, his throne began to fall. With tears of blood he begged for pardon, but none was given. And the dread of coming darkness was his lot.” 

سال ۱۹۷۱ شاه جشن ۲۵۰۰ سالگی شاهنشاهی ایران را برگزار کرد. این جشن بزرگترین گردهمآیی سران دولت‌های جهان در تاریخ بود. شهری از چادرها پیرامون بازمانده‌های تخت جمشید بر پا شد، جایی که نوه‌ی کوروش بزرگ بر دنیای باستان فرمان می‌راند. ۱۵۰۰ درخت سرو در میانه‌ی دشت کاشتند. همراه با فرش‌های پهناوری از گل‌های اطلسی و همیشه‌بهار. شاه با سخنرانی در کنار آرامگاه کوروش بزرگ مراسم را آغاز کرد. صدایش از سنگینی آن لحظه‌ها لرزان بود. او گفت: «کوروش، آسوده بخواب زیرا که ما بیداریم. و‌ برای نگاهبانی میراث پرافتخار تو همواره بیدار خواهیم بود. ایران در پهنه‌ی پرآشوب جهان پیام‌آور آزادگی و مردمی و پاسدار والاترین آرمان‌های انسانی‌ست. ای کوروش، مشعلی که تو افروختی هرگز خاموش نشده است. ایران نگهبان پیام آزادی و مردمی در این جهان پر آشوب است، حتا در تاریک‌ترین لحظه‌ها.» در آن زمان شاه در اوج قدرت بود. بهای نفت به بالاترین حد رسیده بود. با گذشت هرسال بر دارایی‌های کشور و قدرت شاه افزوده می‌شد. هر سال نوروز، برای بچه‌ها داستان جمشید - چهارمین پادشاه ایران - را می‌خواندم. جمشید پادشاه بزرگ آفرینش و سازندگی‌ست. پادشاهی خردمند است. ایرانیان ستایش‌کنان پیرامون او گرد آمدند و تختی از یاقوت کبود، زمرد و یاقوت سرخ برایش ساختند. جمشید از رازهای جهان پرده ‌برداشت. ساختمان‌سازی را به مردم آموخت. دارو و درمان بیماری‌ها را، نوشتن و بوی‌های خوش را، هرآنچه به کار زندگی شاد و آسوده بینجامد، پنهان نماند. خرد او بر همه هویدا بود. فره او چندان درخشان بود که تخت او به آسمان فرا رفت و ارجش با هر خدمت تازه به مردم فرا و فراتر رفت. غرورش چندان اوج گرفت که بزرگان کشور را فراخواند و گفت: چنین گفت با سالخورده مهان / که جز خویشتن را ندانم جهان / چو من نامور تخت شاهی ندید / جهان را به خوبی من آراستم / چنان است گیتی کجا خواستم. با راندن این سخنان بر زبان پیوندش با مردم گسست ،فره‌اش فروکاست. بختش رخت بربست. با اشک‌های خونین خواستار بخشایش شد، نابخشوده ماند. فرجامش دلشکار است

[moneeb0930]

The Land of Punt(Ta netjer, the “land of the gods”)

After the end of the New Kingdom period, Punt became “an unreal and fabulous land of myths and legends.”

At times, the ancient Egyptians called Punt Ta netjer, meaning “God’s Land”.This referred to the fact that it was among the regions of the Sun God, that is, the regions located in the direction of the sunrise, to the East of Egypt. These eastern regions’ resources included products used in temples, notably incense. Older literature (and current non-mainstream literature) maintained that the label “God’s Land”, when interpreted as “Holy Land” or “Land of the gods/ancestors”, meant that the ancient Egyptians viewed the Land of Punt as their ancestral homeland. W. M. Flinders Petrie believed that the Dynastic Race came from or through Punt and E. A. Wallis Budge stated that “Egyptian tradition of the Dynastic Period held that the aboriginal home of the Egyptians was Punt…”.The term was not only applied to Punt, located southeast of Egypt, but also to regions of Asia east and northeast of Egypt, such as Lebanon, which was the source of wood for temples.

Location

The oldest known expedition to Punt was organized by Pharaoh Sahure of the 5th dynasty (2458-2446 BC). Also around 1950 BC, in the time of King Mentuhotep III, 11th dynasty (2004-1992 BC), an officer named Hennu and three thousand men from the south transported material for building ships through Wadi Hammamat, and to Punt acquiring a number of exotic products including incense, perfume and gum was brought to Egypt. A very famous expedition was for Queen Hatshepsut in the 18th dynasty (1473-1458 BC). It was formed of five ships, each measuring 70 feet long, and with several sails. These accommodated 210 men, including sailors and 30 rowers, and was led by the Nubian general “Nehsi”. They departed at Quseir on the Red Sea for what was primarily a trading mission, seeking frankincense and myrrh, and fragrant unguents used for cosmetics and in religious ceremonies. However, they also brought back exotic animals and plants, ivory, silver and gold. A report of this voyage is left behind as temple reliefs in Deir el-Bahri, Egypt (see reliefs below). The reliefs shows the departure of the expedition, its arrival at the mysterious land, the landing of the ships with the gifts by the Puntine leader to Hatshepsut, and the preparations for the return voyage. The temple reliefs also showed the features of the Puntine people, who were black Africans, as well as another race much resembling Egyptians. Donkeys were depicted as the method of transporting goods, and white dogs guarding the people’s houses. Birds, monkeys, leopards and hippopotamus are also seen, as well as giraffes which are typical African animals, to live in Punt. The Nubian Nehsi is then shown in front of his tent with a banquet offered to his guests, and observing the gifts presented.

And then there is the story of The Shipwrecked Sailor, 2200 BC which references Punt.

Petrie, W.M. Flinders. The Making of Egypt, London. New York, Sheldon Press; Macmillan, 1939:

Page 77

“Some of the most obvious public works of the 1st dynasty were the carrying on of earlier undertakings. The great historical maces, and the irrigation works, had been developed under the Scorpion king of the Aunu, and both may have originated much earlier. Many vases and bowls bear his name.”

“Origins in Elam and Punt. The distinctive character of the 1st dynasty, which separates it from all that went before, is the conquest and union of the whole land of Egypt. It became thus subject to the falcon-bearing tribe of Horus, which was the natural enemy of the Aunu, the Set-bearing tribe. This falcon tribe had certainly originated in Elam, as indicated by the hero and lions on the "Araq knife handle”. They went down the Persian Gulf and settled in the “horn of Africa.” There they named the “Land of Punt,” sacred to later Egyptians as the source of the race. The Pun people founded the island fortress of Ha-fun, which commands the whole of that coast, and hence came the Punic or Phoenic peoples of classical history. Those who went up the Red Sea formed the dynastic invaders of Egypt, entering by the Qocier-Koptos road. Others went on to Syria and founded Tyre, Sidon and Aradus, named after their home islands in the Persian Gulf (Strabo, XVI, iii, 4). This migration formed the basis of the great spread of Puni, by the colonies of Carthage around the Mediterranean, and into the Atlantic on both north and south.“–W.M. Flinders Petrie

The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt, Ian Shaw, p. 317, 2003:

"There is still some debate regarding the precise location of Punt, which was once identified with the region of modern Somalia. A strong argument has now been made for its location in either southern Sudan or the Eritrean region of Ethiopia, where the indigenous plants and animals equate most closely with those depicted in the Egyptian reliefs and paintings.

It used to be assumed (primarily on the basis of the scenes at Deir el-Bahri depicting Hatshepsut’s expedition to Punt in the mid-18th Dynasty) that the trading parties travelled by sea from the ports of Quseir or Mersa Gawasis, but it now seems likely that at least some of the Egyptian traders sailed south along the Nile and then took an overland route to Punt, perhaps making contact with the Puntites in the vicinity of Kurgus, at the fifth cataract.

The Deir el-Bahri scenes include depictions of the unusual Puntite settlements, comprising conical reed-built huts set on poles above the ground, and entered via ladders. Among the surrounding vegetation are palms and myrrh trees, some of the latter already in the process of being hacked apart in order to extract the myrrh. The scenes also show myrrh trees being loaded onto the ships so that the Egyptians could produce their own aromatics from them (and it has been argued that this in itself may be an argument for the combined Nile-overland route from Punt to Egypt, given the fact that such plants might well have died during the more difficult voyage northwards along the Red Sea coast). These myrrh trees might even have been replanted in the temple at Deir el-Bahri itself, judging from the surviving traces of tree pits there.”

The oldest known expedition to Punt was organized by Pharaoh Sahure of the 5th dynasty (2458-2446 BC). Also around 1950 BC, in the time of King Mentuhotep III, 11th dynasty (2004-1992 BC), an officer named Hennu and three thousand men from the south transported material for building ships through Wadi Hammamat, and to Punt acquiring a number of exotic products including incense, perfume and gum was brought to Egypt. A very famous expedition was for Queen Hatshepsut in the 18th dynasty (1473-1458 BC). It was formed of five ships, each measuring 70 feet long, and with several sails. These accommodated 210 men, including sailors and 30 rowers, and was led by the Nubian general “Nehsi”. They departed at Quseir on the Red Sea for what was primarily a trading mission, seeking frankincense and myrrh, and fragrant unguents used for cosmetics and in religious ceremonies. However, they also brought back exotic animals and plants, ivory, silver and gold. A report of this voyage is left behind as temple reliefs in Deir el-Bahri, Egypt (see reliefs below). The reliefs shows the departure of the expedition, its arrival at the mysterious land, the landing of the ships with the gifts by the Puntine leader to Hatshepsut, and the preparations for the return voyage. The temple reliefs also showed the features of the Puntine people, who were black Africans, as well as another race much resembling Egyptians. Donkeys were depicted as the method of transporting goods, and white dogs guarding the people’s houses. Birds, monkeys, leopards and hippopotamus are also seen, as well as giraffes which are typical African animals, to live in Punt. The Nubian Nehsi is then shown in front of his tent with a banquet offered to his guests, and observing the gifts presented.

And then there is the story of The Shipwrecked Sailor, 2200 BC which references Punt.

[right] chief of Punt “Parakhu”; [left] his wife queen “Aty”

Original copy at the Museum at Cairo (No. 34419)

There is still some debate regarding the precise location of the mythical land of Punt:

Breasted, James Henry, Ph.D., Ancient Records of Egypt, Historical Documents, Vol. II, 1906:

Pages 102-104

“These are undoubtedly the most interesting series of relief’s in Egypt, and form almost our only early source of information for the land of Punt. They are as beautiful in execution as they are important in content. They record an important expedition of the queen thither, which was successfully concluded just before her ninth year.”

“The only earlier evidences of intercourse with Punt are as follows: In the Fourth Dynasty a Puntite negro appears as the slave of one of the sons of King Khufu, in the Fifth, King Sahure sent an expedition thither, and King Isesi sent another, which brought back a dancing dwarf; in the Sixth, an officer of Pepi II, named Enenkhet, was killed by the Sand-dwellers on the coast, while building a ship for the Punt voyage, and another expedition thither under the the same king was led by assistant treasurer, Thethy; in the Eleventh Dynasty, Henu, chief treasurer of King Senekhkere-Mentuhoptep III, dispatched an expedition to Punt, which he accompanied only to the coast of the Red Sea; in the Twelfth Dynasty, an officer of Amenemhet II, named Khentkhetwer, records his safe return from Punt; and finally there was also an expedition under Sesostris II.”

“The question of the location of Punt is too large for discussion here, but is was certainly in Africa, and probably was the Somali coast.”

“Historically, it is important to note that Thutmose III appears only once in the Punt reliefs, and that in a subordinate position, so that, as far as this source is concerned, the queen is the author of the expedition, which she undertakes in accordance with an oracle of Amon”.

Page 117

Punt under the Queen

“But I will cause thy army to tread them, I have led them on water and on land, to explore the waters of inaccessible channels, and I have reached the Myrrh-terraces. It is a glorious region of God’s-Land; it is indeed my place of delight. I have made it for myself, in order to divert my heart, together with Mut, Hathor, Wereret (Isis), mistress of Punt, the mistress, ‘Great in Sorcery’, mistress of all gods. They took myrrh as they wished, they loaded the vessels to their hearts’ content, with fresh myrrh trees, every good gift of this country, Puntites whom the people know not, Southerns of God’s-Land. I conciliated them by love that they might give to thee praise, because thou art a god, because of thy fame in the countries. I know them, I am their wise lord, I am the begetter, Amon-Re; my daughter, who binds the lords, is the king [Makere] (Hatshepsut). I have begotten her for myself. I am thy father, who sets thy fear among the Nine Bows, while they come in peace to all gods. They have brought all the marvels, every beautiful thing of God’s-Land, for which thy majesty sent them: heaps of gum of myrrh, and enduring trees bearing fresh myrrh, united in the festival-hall, to be seen of the lord of the gods. May thy majesty cause them to grow. My temple, in order to delight my heart among them. My name is before the gods, thy name is before all the living, forever. Heaven and earth are flooded with incense; odors are in the Great House. Mayest thou offer them to me, pure and cleansed, in order to express the ointment for the divine limbs, to offer myrrh, to make ointment, to make festive my statue with necklaces, while I am making libations for thee. My heart is glad because of seeing thee.”–James Henry Breasted

The loading of the ships.

Plate from The Road to Punt, F.D.P. Wicker, The Journal of African History, Vol. 12, No. 1 (1971), 162.

[egyptatous]

Mummification of the Pharaohs

The belief of the ancient Egyptian that mummification of the Pharaohs is the gateway to the other world in eternal life, and the science of anatomy, that science in which the ancient Egyptian advanced, was the true gateway to the progress of  the art of mummification of the Pharaohs, and through it their souls were enabled, and according to that belief eternal life, the ability to return the soul to their bodies in The journey of resurrection and immortality. 

The Fascinating Mummification of the Pharaohs

In the past, and before the science of embalming developed, that is, the pre-dynastic era, the ancient Egyptian relied on mummification of the Pharaohs by natural methods, and he used to bury the bodies in shallow pits in the sand, as the intense heat was sufficient to preserve the bodies from damage and absorption of fluids, and with the beginning of the dynastic era, Belief in the idea of ​​life after death increased, and the importance of the body for the soul to recognize it.

The prevailing belief became that the matter does not stop at embalming the body and preserving it from putrefaction, but rather it must reach to preserve the shape and features of the dead, so that the soul can know the body that pertains to it, so the scholars investigated In that science, until they reached its highest levels, and perhaps this appears clearly in the steadfastness of mummies dating back to four thousand years BC, without decomposition or putrefaction.

Preserving bodies from putrefaction and decomposition was considered one of the most important secrets of the ancient Egyptians, which they preserved desperately. 

That idea that took root in the minds of the ancient Egyptian, as soon as he learned that he was a stranger, he said angrily, “A stranger in the embalming room…very beautiful.”

Many names were given to this flag, including the word “wati”, which is a Pharaonic word meaning shrouding, and it was also called the word “mummy”, which is a Persian word meaning black, as the color of the corpse usually changes after the preservation process to that color.

It is the most famous name for that flag, and it is an Arabic word derived from the word “hanout,” which refers to materials used by the embalmer to preserve the body.

The Secrets Revealed: Modern Scientific Discoveries about Ancient Mummies and Their Insights into Egyptian Civilization

This science remained a secret of the Pharaohs, so that we did not know about it except what was mentioned by the Greek historian Herodotus, as he wrote down some mummification of the Pharaohs methods during his visit to Egypt in the fifth century BC, but with recent discoveries our information about that science increased, especially when the American mission discovered Affiliated to the American University of Memphis, Cemetery No. 63 in the Valley of the Kings, which contained 8 coffins, inside them were remnants of embalming tools and materials, which were used to preserve the mummy of King Tutankhamun, which opened a great door to reveal his hidden secrets.

The Significance of Mummification in Ancient Egyptian Culture

The ancient Egyptian embalmer used different methods in the mummification of the Pharaohs process, so there was a method he used with kings and senior statesmen, but it was very expensive, and in it the mummification of the Pharaohs process begins inside the tent of the god or the place of purification,

which was called in the hieroglyphic language “br-Abd”, where the corpse is placed  On the stone embalming table, the embalmer begins by breaking the nose bone using a chisel and a hammer, then takes a hook and removes the brain from the hole he made, and fills the skull with a thick layer of bitumen and flax saturated with gum or resin extracted from plants, in order to protect it from the microorganisms that breed inside the corpses.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Mummifying a Pharaoh: Exploring the Intricate Procedures

Studies conducted on the mummies of some kings, including Thutmose I, II and III, confirmed that their heads contain the brain, which confirms that the ancient Egyptian did not follow a typical technique in embalming bodies, and with successive studies of the mummies of the pharaohs over the course of families, it was proven that the embalmer did not adhere to one method.

In embalming, it is even difficult to find two mummies that are similar, either in the method of embalming or in the materials used.

As for the second step, the embalmer performs it to get rid of all the soft materials that cause bacterial putrefaction, so he cuts the left side of the lower abdomen, from which he removes all the internal organs, washes them well, then immerses them in natron salt, and treats them with hot resin, then they are placed in four canopic pots on top of each other.

The form of the children of the god Horus, the liver is placed in the bowl of “Emesti” in the form of a human being, the lungs are placed in the bowl of “Wahabi”, and the stomach is placed in the bowl of “Dua – Mut – F”, which is in the form of the head of the “jackal” wolf, while the intestines are placed in a bowl ”  Ugly – Snow – F” with the head of a hawk.

The embalmer leaves nothing but the heart and kidneys in the body, then washes it inside and out with a solution consisting of 15 substances, including date wine, myrrh, henna, cedarwood oil, and onions, then fills the chest cavities with balls of linen saturated with resin, perfumes and natron solution,

which are  Substances that prevent bacterial decomposition, after that the corpse is buried inside natron salt for a period of up to 40 days, until the tissues are completely dry of all fluids and fats.

The body is transferred again to “Bar-Abd”, so that the priests can purify it with the waters of the Nile.

This step is considered the most important step in the embalming stages, to determine the time required to prepare the body, in addition to the belief of the ancient Egyptians in the power of the Nile to resurrect man again, and the purification process is completed by adding Cedar oil, precious oils and perfumes, mummy massage with incense and cinnamon.

In the end, liquid resin is poured on the mummy, and its task is to close the pores, as it is an insulator for moisture and minute insects.

After that, the embalmer closes the eyes, ears, and nose with wax, and then wraps the entire mummy with tens of meters of linen saturated with glue, which carries in its folds amulets and a scroll of funerary papyrus, and decorates it with ornaments and throws On it are flowers,

the last ritual remains before him to complete the funeral ceremonies, so he recites prayers and in the meantime opens the mouth of the mummy, so that her senses can return again in the underworld, and finally puts her in the coffin that bears a mask that resembles the features of the deceased, and is decorated with phrases from the Book of the Dead, then he is buried.  Inside his tomb, which contains all the items he needs on his journey to the other world.

As for the common people and the middle class, there were simpler and less extravagant steps in embalming their dead, and these rituals continued until the advent of Christianity, but they declined significantly in the Roman and Hellenistic eras,

so that the quality of preservation was less than previous eras, although a little was added to it, as it was added on  The mummy is a roll of linen crowned with a golden piece in the middle, in addition to preserving the limbs or the entire body with a layer of gold. In the Byzantine era, the use and development of embalming stopped.

The presence of mummified mummies was not limited to Pharaonic Egypt only, but many of them were found in other countries and civilizations. In South America, a mummified boy’s head was found in the Chilean desert.

He belonged to the “Chenkoro” group, that group that had no civilizational features other than mummification of the Pharaohs.

And they had their own way of embalming, so they used to start by extracting the viscera, then drying the body with hot ashes and stuffing it with herbs, then they would wrap the body with the skins of pelican birds, or sea lions, then a clay mask would be placed on its face, and among the materials used in the embalming process was the poisonous arsenic, which led to abortion of fetuses, so most of the mummies in the region are children.

The Legacy Lives On – Exploring Egypt’s Enduring Obsession with Preserving their Kings Forever

In Europe and North America, mummies were offered as offerings, and they were found preserved naturally because of the icy nature, as a man was found in the Alps five centuries ago, known as the IceMan, and dates back to the Iron Age, while the acidic nature in western  Europe was able to preserve the mummies naturally, but the color of the corpse changes to a dark brown color, and most of those mummies were found with their heads smashed or suffocated, the most famous of which is a mummy in the village of Tollund, Denmark, dating back two thousand years ago.

Mummies were also found in the state of Yemen, dating back to 1200 BC. They were wrapped in linen inside mummified leather bags in an elaborate manner, despite their presence in rugged desert areas, and it seems that they were performed for certain religious rituals, and because of the high quality of mummification of the Pharaohs, Yemen ranked third.  At the world level in mummification of the Pharaohs after Egypt and Chile.

[thepoliticaleconomy]

Alexander spent the winter of 328 BC at Alexandria-in-the-Caucuses (Kabul). In the Spring he would enter India on a two-prong advance: Hephaistion and Perdiccas would head due east and open the southern end of the great Hindu Kush through the Khyber Pass and descend directly into the Indus River Valley where at least 4 major rivers ran far and wide, north to south making a right menora of sorts, merging at Patalla and out to Ocean River (The Indian Ocean). There this advanced party was tasked with two things: Make embassy to all tribes west of the Indus and set the engineers in on fording the river. Alexander would advance on the more severe northern route finding the last Bactrians and first Indians that would threaten his passage east which was fixed in his mind on not ending until he reached Ocean River East. The furthest. The maps of Aristotle were used during this time so the distance was completely false and this would play out as he drove his army further into a place that was in no way like anything they had encountered up to this point.

Alexander’s administration of the entire known world was done from his tent. He employed every scientist, artisan, counselor, and cleric in his staff, and thanks to his father - the most professional army in the world, to the man: Their reporting was impeccable and trustworthy to a high degree of reliability. India was well-documented by this time by contemporaries of those who wrote the histories regarding the recent Peloponnesian War, Thermopylae, and Marathon. However, none of them were particularly accurate or truthful. The tales of India during these times rivaled any modern science fiction canon. So, to him - this wasn’t a tale of caution upfront: But a dare. The Son of Heracles wasn’t having it. All current histories (Herodutus et al) gave a single picture upfront to the king: The Persian Empire’s remaining satraps were gone from there and it appears that no-one really stayed there.

The empire behind him was already starting to darken as word passed back that Alexander would be headed to India in the following Spring of 327 BC. It was immediately encouraging to insurgents and allies alike that Alexander would be stopped and probably killed. It became very costly to garrison the empire beyond Babylon.

[Alexander’s Tent in Kabul, Winter 328 BC, receiving the Embassy of Taxiles from India. From notes for, “Alexander in India”. A fiction. Me :) ]

[achraf4you]

AllAH DEFENDS MUHAMMAD HIS MESSENGER (peace be upon him)

Khosra was an arrogant king that his people deified him, worshiped him, worshiped the fire in front of him. They sanctified him in an exaggerated manner. He owned very large parts of the land and ruled great areas in the east and west of the world, and with this aura and this sowel, Allah (God) Almighty tore his kingdom.

How and why did this happen?

The choice fell on the companion Abdullah bin Hudhafa al-Sahmi to deliver the message of the Messenger, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, to the King of Persia, so he prepared himself for the journey، bade farewell to his family, and he went on his way alone, with no one but Allah Almighty with him.

Many days and nights long after that, Ibn Hudhafa, may Allah be pleased with him, arrived in the land of Persia. He immediately authorized permission to enter the Persian king after he informed the entourage of the content of the message he was carrying.

Khosra, the king of the Persians, authorized Abdullah to enter, and invited the great people of Persia to attend the council. Abdullah entered the king simply as Bedouin, wearing a thin cloak, However, he was tall and appeared to be the pride of faith and the glory of Islam.

Khosra directed one of his men to take the message that Ibn Hudhafa carried, but he refused, saying: “No, but the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, commanded me to deliver it hand in hand to you, and I do not violate an order of the Messenger of Allah.” Then Khosra looked at his men, saying: Let him approach me. ”Abdullah approached until he gave him the message.

The king of the Persians chose a citizen from the people of Al-Hirah to read the message to him, so he began to read: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, from Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah to the Great Khosra of Persia, peace be upon those who follow the guidance ..” After reading the message, Khosra was very angry and said: "A despicable servant from my kingdom writes his name before my name" because the Messenger, peace be upon him, began the text of the message with his name, so he grabbed the message with force and tore it apart, then ordered Bin Hudhafa to leave.

The companion bin Hudhafa went out telling himself : “By Allah I don’t care anyway, after I delivred the message of the Messenger of Allah.” Then he mounted his horse and went, and when Khosra had calmed down, he ordered that ibn Hudhafa to be brought, but his men did not find a trace of him anywhere .

Ibn Hudhafa returned to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and told him of what had happened from Khosra, and the Prophet said: (Allah tore his kingdom), while Khosra was thinking to write to his deputy of Yemen to order him to send two men to this man who is in the Hijaz (he means “the Prophet) and that to bring the man to him.

The two men who were sent from Khosra arrived at Taif and there they asked about the Prophet, and they knew that he was in Yathrib and went until they reached the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Then they told him a message of Khusra to him: to go with them so as not to perish, so the Prophet smiled, saying: (Return to your tent today and Come tomorrow).

And on that day, Allah answered the prayer of His Messenger, peace be upon him, when he called that Allah tear the kingdom of Khosra. On that night a great revolution took place against the king, a revolution from within the same ruling family, where Sheroe revolted against his father, so he killed him and became the king of Persia, so Allah Almighty told his Messenger, peace be upon him, with the news of this revolution and the destruction of this kingdom of vanity.

On the next day, the two men went to the Messenger and then said: “Have you prepared yourself to go with us to the meeting of Khosra,” then the Messenger said to them: (You will not receive Khosra after this day, for Allah killed him, as his son ruled over him on such a night of such a month). the two men were astonished And they went to the deputy of Yemen to tell him what the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said.

The deputy of Yemen (Bazin) knew of what had happened. He said: "If what Muhammad said was true, then he is a prophet, and if it was not, then we will see an opinion on it." Then he soon learned of the death of Khosra at the hands of his son Sheroe, and Bazin announced his entry into Islam with all who was in the country of Yemen from the Persians.

The new king, ordered in a letter to Bazin that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, not be offended, or do anything with him until his command comes.

Allah Almighty says: { O, Messenger! Convey what was revealed to you from your Lord. But if you do not, then you would not have delivered His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Allah does not guide the unbelieving people} [Quran:5-67

الله يدافع عن محمد رسوله صلى الله ع��يه و سلم

إن كسرى كان ملكاً متجبرا و متكبراً يؤلهه قومه و يسجدون له و يعبدون النار أمامه و يقدسونه تقديساً مبالغاً فيه، و كان يملك أجزاء كبيرة جداً من الأرض و يحكم مساحات عظيمة في شرق الدنيا و غربها، و مع هذه الهالة و هذه الصولة و الجولة إلا أن الله سبحانه و تعالى مزق ملكه.

فكيف و لماذا حدث ذلك؟

وقع الاختيار على الصحابي عبد الله بن حذافة السهمي لتوصيل رسالة الرسول رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلم لملك الفرس ، فأعدّ نفسه لخوض الرحلة و ودع أهله ، و مضى في طريقه وحده ليس معه سوى الله تعالى.

أيام عديدة و ليال طوال بعدها وصل بن حذافة رضي الله عنه أرض فارس، فورا استئذن بالدخول على ملك الفرس بعد أن أبلغ الحاشية بفحوى الرسالة التي يحملها.

أذن كسرى ملك الفرس لعبد الله بالدخول، و دعا عظماء فارس من أجل حضور المجلس، دخل عبد الله على الملك ببساطة الأعراب، و هو يرتدي عباءة رقيقة الحال ، غير أنه كان مشدود القامة و يبدو عليه كبرياء الإيمان و شموخ الإسلام .

وجه كسرى أحد رجاله ليأخذ الكتاب الذي يحمله بن حذافة ، و لكنه رفض قائلًا: "لا ؛ إنما أمرني رسول الله صلّى الله عليه و سلم أن أدفعه لك يدًا بيد، و أنا لا أخالف أمرًا لرسول الله” ، فنظر كسرى إلى رجاله قائلًا :”أتركوه يدنو مني” ، فاقترب عبد الله حتى أعطاه الكتاب.

اختار ملك الفرس مواطنا من أهل الحيرة ليقرأ عليه الكتاب، فبدأ بالقراءة: ”بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم، من محمد رسول الله إلى كسرى عظيم فارس ، سلام على من اتبع الهدى.. ” ، بعد أن قرئت الرسالة، ثار كسرى غاضبا و قال: "عبد حقير من رعيتي يكتب إسمه قبل إسمي" لكون الرسول صلى الله عليه و سلم بدأ نص الرسالة بإسمه، فجذب الرسالة بقوة و قام بتمزيقها، ثم أمر بن حذافة بالخروج.

خرج الصحابي بن حذافة و هو يحدث نفسه قائلا :”و الله ما أبالي على أي حال أكون بعد أن أديت كتاب رسول الله” ، ثم امتطى راحلته و مضى، و حينما هدأ كسرى أمر بإحضاره، و لكن رجاله لم يجدوا له أثرًا في أي مكان.

عاد بن حذافة إلى رسول الله صلّى الله عليه و سلم فأخبره بما حدث من كسرى، فقال النبي: ( مزّق الله ملكه )، فيما هم كسرى بالكتابة إلى نائبه على اليمن ليأمره بأن يبعث رجلين إلى هذا الرجل الموجود بالحجاز و هو يقصد "النبي" ، و ذلك ليحضراه إليه.

وصلا الرجلان المبعوثان من كسرى للطائف و هناك سألا عن النبي، فعلما أنه في يثرب و مضيا حتى وصلا رسول الله صلّى الله عليه و سلم ، ثم أخبراه برسالة كسرى إليه كي يذهب معهما حتى لا يهلك ، فابتسم النبي قائلًا: ( ارجعا إلى رحالكما اليوم و أتيا غدًا ).

و في ذلك اليوم استجاب الله دعاء رسوله صلى الله عليه و سلم حين دعا على كسرى أن يمزق الله ملكه فقامت في تلك الليلة ثورة كبيرة ضد الملك ثورة من داخل الأسرة الحاكمة نفسها حيث قام ابنه شيرويه بن كسرى بثورة على أبيه فقتله و أخذ الملك لنفسه فأعلم الله سبحانه و تعالى رسوله صلى الله عليه و سلم بخبر هذه الثورة و هلاك هذا الملك المغرور.

في اليوم التالي ذهب الرجلان إلى الرسول ثم قالا :”هل أعددت نفسك للمضي معنا إلى لقاء كسرى” ، فقال لهما الرسول: ( لن تلقيا كسرى بعد اليوم، فلقد قتله الله، حيث سلط عليه ابنه في ليلة كذا من شهر كذا ) ، اندهش الرجلان و انطلقا إلى نائب اليمن ليخبراه بما يقول رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم.

علم نائب كسرى على اليمن "باذان" بما حدث قال: "لئن كان ما قاله محمد حقًا فهو نبي و إن لم يكن كذلك فسنرى فيه رأيًا" ثم ما لبث أن علم بمقتل كسرى على يد ابنه شيرويه ، فأعلن بازان دخوله في الإسلام و من كان معه في بلاد اليمن من الفرس.

أمر الملك الجديد شيرويه بن كسرى في رسالة له إلى باذان أن لا يهجو رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و لا يفعل به شيئا حتى يأتيه أمره، و صدق الله سبحانه و تعالى إذ يقول: ﴿ يَا أَيُّهَا الرَّسُولُ بَلِّغْ مَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِنْ رَبِّكَ وَ إِنْ لَمْ تَفْعَلْ فَمَا بَلَّغْتَ رِسَالَتَهُ وَ اللَّهُ يَعْصِمُكَ مِنَ النَّاسِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْكَافِرِينَ ﴾ [المائدة-67].

[dwellordream]

“The word ordo has been widely used by Mongolists for decades to refer to the Mongol royal encampment. The Turkish term appears originally to have referred to the group of tents belonging to the elite cavalry of the khan in the middle of which stood the yurt of the ruler. The Persian chroniclers used it when specifying where the king or other member of the royal family was at a certain time.

...A clearer definition has been offered by Christopher Atwood, who defined the ordo as ‘the great palace-tents and camps of the Mongol princess, princes and emperors, which served as the nucleus of their power.’ Thus, the ordo functioned not only as the nucleus of family and social life, but also a center of economic activity, with horses, cattle and trade being organized around it.

...Similarly, Ibu Battuta observed the mobility of the Mongol ordos on his visit to the territories of the Golden Horde in the fourteenth century. He wrote: ‘On reaching the encampment they [the Mongols] took the tents off their wagons and set them upon the ground, for they were very light, and they did the same with mosques and shops.’ So, the ordos comprised not only the dwellings of the Mongols but also their places of worship and economic exchange.

...Studies of nomadic societies generally indicate that women were in charge of the household while men were usually committed to hunting and war. As Rossabi has noted, the Mongols were a patrilineal society in which men owned most of the family wealth garnered by conquest, which was administered at home by the women.

When the Mongols became richer through the accumulation of wealth garnered by conquest, the men were able to marry more women and distribute their property among them to be managed. So, following this pre-imperial custom, the main wives of a ruler or male member of the royal family had their own ordos or appanages where property, cattle, and people were accumulated and administered by women.

However, Mongol women were not altogether barred from holding property. Some women did receive property from their husbands (in the form of dowries), ruled their respective ordos and used them to fulfill their own political agenda.

...All women who were entitled to rule an ordo were the chief wives of the rulers or other members of the royal family; the difference resides in how they came to be khatuns. Mongol women increased their right to property as they went through the stages of life. Among Altaic societies in general it has been observed that when the woman is not married, her status is low, and she is economically dependent on her family because her ‘legal personality is of the lower order’.

Once she is married, she acquires control over her marriage dowry, increasing her economic status in the family household. Finally, it is when she has borne a son that she is fully entitled to dispose of property and administer not only her personal wealth but that of her minor sons in the event of the death of her husband.

...Rubruck provides a clearer picture of the construction of these individual queenly ordos in the Mongol court, mentioning that ‘married women’ themselves drive the carts when their dwellings are transported and when they are unloaded from the cart the group of tents that forms their ordos are distributed hierarchically from west to east in the encampment, commencing with the chief wife and followed by the others ‘according to their ranks’.

He continues by describing how the Khan spent one night in the ordo of one of his wives and on that day ‘the court is held there, and the gifts which are presented to the master are are placed in the treasury of that wife’, thus shedding some light on the distribution of wealth among these ladies.”

- Bruno De Nicola, “Women and the Economy of the Mongol Empire.” in Women of Mongol Iran: The Khatuns, 1206-1335

[aboutanancientenquiry]

Herodotus and previous forms of accounts of events (especially Persian, Assyrian, and Egyptian)

In investigating the neighborly regions of Greece proper, in Thrace, Macedonia, Egypt, Asia Minor, Scythia and Libya, Herodotus observed the people falling under the yoke of Persian influence or oppression and argued that Greece was inevitably next. Â Here we can observe clearly the purpose of the circular composition of the author’s writings: they served not as meaningless diversions but as crucial elements in detailing the central topic of the rise and expansion of the Persian Empire and in critical support of the thesis that imperialism was the force responsible for inspiring the actions of the conquerors. This study is in stark contrast to the pre-existing chronicles, from Homer, with which we have already examined, in which the Gods meddle in causing war and strife, and against the Assyrian, Persian and Egyptian accounts, which differ perhaps more startlingly:

In the Persian account we are lead to believe that the king waged war against a rebelling province because he had been sent on a divine mission by the god Ahuramazda, who also by some way legitimized his rule[xiv]:

King Darius says: There was no man, either Persian or Mede or of our own dynasty, who took the kingdom from Gaumâta, the Magian. The people feared him exceedingly, for he slew many who had known the real Smerdis. For this reason did he slay them, ‘that they may not know that I am not Smerdis, the son of Cyrus.’ There was none who dared to act against Gaumâta, the Magian, until I came. Then I prayed to Ahuramazda; Ahuramazda brought me help. On the tenth day of the month BâgayâdiÅ¡ [29 September 522] I, with a few men, slew that Gaumâta, the Magian, and the chief men who were his followers. At the stronghold called SikayauvatiÅ¡, in the district called Nisaia in Media, I slew him; I dispossessed him of the kingdom. By the grace of Ahuramazda I became king; Ahuramazda granted me this kingdom.

The Assyrians who preceded the Persians adopted a similar propaganda style, and went beyond to actually claim that the king was a god himself by the name of Assur. When the city of Ashkelon rebuffed the king’s demands to surrender to the Assyrian yoke in submitting tribute of precious vessels and treasure, the king, by virtue of his divine will and in the spirit of justice, must have conquered the offender[xv]:

Sennacherib, the great king, the mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters, the wise shepherd, favorite of the great gods, guardian of right, lover of justice, who lends support, who comes to the aid of the destitute, who performs pious acts, perfect hero, mighty man, first among all princes, the powerful one who consumes the insubmissive, who strikes the wicked with the thunderbolt[xvi]; the god Assur, …, he has brought the black-headed people in submission at my feet; … But Sidka, the king of Ashkelon, who had not submitted to my yoke…, I tore away and brought to Assyria. Sharru-lu-dari, son of Rukibti, their former king, I set over the people of Ashkelon, and I imposed upon him the payment of tribute: presents to my majesty. He accepted my yoke. In the course of my campaign [cities which] had not speedily bowed in submission at my feet, I besieged, I conquered, I carried off their spoil.

Lastly in an Egyptian account of the battle of Megiddo (1482 BCE) we are introduced to an absurd description of how the King besieged the city, followed by a moral condemnation of the enemy, implying that “the other” was conquered because of his evil and immoral nature[xvii]:

It was walled about with its thick wall. Its name was made: “Menkheperre Thutmose III-is-the-Surrounder-of-the-Asiatics.” People were stationed to watch over the tent of his majesty; to whom it was said: “Steady of heart! Watch.” His majesty commanded, saying: “Let not one among them come forth outside, beyond this wall, except to come out in order to knock at the other door of their fortification.”

Now, all that his majesty did to this city, to that wretched foe and his wretched army, was recorded on each day by its the day’s name. Then it was recorded upon a roll of leather in the temple of Amon this day.

To a modern reader these excerpts may clearly be interpreted as propaganda bordering on mythology but to Herodotus they were posed as frustrating status quo language for describing the actions of governments. For Herodotus changes of fortune in battles and the movements of armies are the result of the decisions of generals and kings (9. 49) and their locations were selected due to tactical considerations (9.28). While gods and transcendent moral forces manipulate the worlds of Homer, Menkheperre, Sennacherib and Darius, Herodotus challenged this traditional claim with evidence of human “fanatical greed” [xviii] and ambition, manifest most potently in imperialism. It was in this fashion that Herodotus challenged notions of causality that Thucydides would altogether reject as foolish superstition with atheistic fervor in his writings; adopting the former’s doctrine that man is the force of change. Today a historian invoking the muses or the guidance of gods in his writings would be immediately dispelled from academia, while in the times prior to Herodotus, such claims were commonplace and institutional, greatly muddling the understanding of the past.

It is worth noting that Herodotus did not completely discard the influence of gods, perhaps as a nod to the Homeric tradition, claiming that while choice was ultimately within the domain of man, and that while man was the mover behind change, the gods could intervene in matters of justice, although in unforeseen and subtle ways.

From the post “Herodotus: Father of History ?”, posted on the blog of the historian Chris Krause “The Faith of an Heretic” (http://www.krauselabs.net/chris-krause/ )

[naussensei]

King of Conquerors: The Rise of a King

by

XianKar

Summary:  Join Waver in his journey to Alexanders’s past before becoming Alexander the Great, meeting the Ionian Hetairoi, facing wars for power and a new enemy that will lead us closer to the Root. 

Note that his is an interactive fic; you choose the ending. Choices start in Chapter 19.

Tags: Time travel, Ancient Greece AU, Historical Fantasy, Adventure Romance, Politics and War, Ionioi Hetairoi, Childhood Friends, Slow burn, Bromance, Bromance to Romance, Some references to ancient gods and lore.

Fandoms: Fate/Zero, Fate/stay night, Fate/Grand Order, Lord El-Melloi Case Files. (Although can be read without much previous knowledge of fate universes)

Characters: Waver Velvet/Lord El-Melloi II, Alexander/Iskander, Hephaestion (OC), Hephaestion (faker), Merlin. Other original characters based on historical characters.

Words: 63.535

Chapters:19/20+

Schedule: Weekly update

Link to entire work: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17737967?view_full_work=true

Keep reading for chapter update below

Chapter 19 : In the Front Line 

Notes:

There are two routes from here, each one with also different endings to choose from. This is the first choice you can make. Please comment with your preferred option. The option with more votes will be posted first, however, both will be posted.

The desert was calm and silent under the light of the stars. A warm wind blowing against the endless dunes; the sand burying the remains of the corpses left by the crows.

But the heat of the desert did not reach the comfort of Waver’s tent, where he rested after a long battle. He was lying on the carpet that served as his bed. After a long yawn and a stretch, he sat on the carpet, his eyes catching his own reflection on a silver tray by his bed. He barely recognized the man in front of him. He had gotten so used to having his hair tied, he had not noticed it had grown past his shoulders. His skin had also gotten some color under the sun.

He smiled, briefly, pleased by the image in front of him, then skillfully dressed himself in his favorite robe to join his friends outside.

“There he is!” Said Alexander, rising a cup when he saw Waver coming out of his tent. “Come join us!”

Macedonian soldiers chanted and laughed, drank and cheered. Waver walked among them, finding a place on the ground between Alexander and Hephaestion. Ptolemy joined them, handing Waver a golden cup full of wine.

“You did well today!” Alexander praised his soldiers, energetically. “Another great victory for the Macedonian army!”

The men cheered and clapped.

“Especially Waver!” Added Ptolemy. “I was surprised. You have become a fine soldier”

“I barely managed to raise a barrier to protect us”. Waver denied. He stared at his wine, hesitant.

“Drink!” Alexander ordered, wrapping an arm around Waver’s neck with clumsiness.

“You are drunk.” Noticed Waver, a strong scent of alcohol on Alexander’s mouth.

“Nonsense!” He said with a smile, bringing his cup to Waver’s lips.

“I’m not a baby! I can drink by myself!” He yelled, slightly annoyed. He took the cup away from him and had a sip of wine.

“Baby Waver.” Alexander chuckled, delighted, pinching one of Waver’s cheeks.

“Stop it”. Waver grabbed his hands. Alexander lost his balance and fell forward. The wine spilled all over them.

Ptolemy grabbed Alexander by his clothes and lifted him in the air, barely able to stand straight himself.

“Look what you have done,” He said, “Now he needs another one”.

“You are both drunk…” Waver sighed. “Hephaestion, say something…”

But Hephaestion was already passed out on the ground.

“How the hell did you all get so drunk while I was away?!” He yelled in frustration. “How long did I sleep?!”

“Come on, Waver”, Ptolemy, ignored him, pouring more wine into Waver’s cup. “We’ve been in this Zeus-forsaken desert for months now. We have finally taken the advantage and made the Persians fall back! It is time to celebrate!”

“The Persians!” Suddenly yelled Hephaestion as he heard that word.

“No, you dumb drunk,” Alexander smacked him softly on the head, “They are already gone”.

“Who are you calling dumb, you idiot?”

Hephaestion pushed him. Alexander hit his back against Ptolemy, whose cup slipped his hands, spilling the wine again.

“Alright that’s it…” Ptolemy turned to hit Alexander but got Hephaestion instead.

Waver took a deep breath, ready to witness another pointless fight between the three of them.

“Here we go…” He said, rolling his eyes. This time he poured himself some wine.

“Alexandros,” Parmenion interrupted them. “A letter from your mother”

The three of them instantly stopped and turn to Parmenion. Alexander sobered up a little to read the letter.

Waver and the rest studied the prince’s face, slowly brightening as he read it.

“And?” Asked Waver, impatient.

“She is doing well in Epirus,” he said as he rolled back the paper. “Her brother’s troops are taking over in the northern front. It seems like they have stopped the Persians over there as well.”

Alexander paused to pour himself more wine.

“The good news is that my mother said we will meet in Pella very soon”.

“That’s great news!” Observed Waver.

“Finally!” Hephaestion said, lying down on the ground, “I miss my bed”.

“I’m sure Cleo will be the happiest to see us, right Ptolemy?” Alexander’s eyebrows raised and fell several times watching Ptolemy’s joy on his face.

“R-right”. He said, suddenly serious. “She will be happy to see us. All of us”.

Alexander and Hephaestion exchanged looks and smirked at Ptolemy in a suggestive way.

“What are you looking at?!” He asked, aggressively.

Waver giggled, and so did they.

Alexander now got on his feet. He stood tall, cup in hand, turning to his soldiers.

“The war has finally come to an end!” He announced. Everyone turned to him.

“You have fought bravely! And those who have perished, may their souls watch over us from the stars, among Orion and the heroes, and grant us a safe journey home!”

The men clamored with enthusiasm, chanting Alexander’s name.

“But this victory we owe to every single one of you!” He continued.

“To Ptolemy, the wise and cautious, we owe our impeccable defense!”

He paused to appreciate the round of applause. Ptolemy scratched his head nervously, slightly blushing, then smirked.

“Hephaestion’s bravery for bringing us our greatest offense!” He grabbed Hephaestion’s wrist and lifted his hand. Hephaestion smiled humbly.

“And Parmenion’s experience, guiding us with the right strategy”. He raised his cup towards the man, who answered with a nod of acknowledgement.

“And last but not least…”

Alexander lowered his voice, slowly turning to Waver.

“Waver’s kindness and perseverance, whose compassion for the needed will always be remembered”.

Waver’s heart suddenly stopped, feeling all the eyes on him at once. Alexander gave him a warm smile.

Waver looked around him. Dozens of gentle faces of gratitude moved him to tears.

“Cheers!” They all said in unison, clashing their cups, splashing wine everywhere. Everyone drank, except Waver, who subtly put his cup down. He smiled and wiped his tears of joy.

But the smile quickly faded. Something begun to bother him.

“I think I’m a little drunk,” He excused himself, getting up. “I’ll call it a night”.

“Huh?” Alexander turned to him, disappointed. “So early?” He grabbed his hand with clumsiness.

Waver smiled at him.

“Thank you”. He said, gently letting go of his hand. Then slowly headed back to his tent.

-

With his head against the pillow, Alexander’s words kept echoing in Waver’s mind.

“…Waver’s kindness and perseverance, whose compassion for the needed will always be remembered”.

He wondered how many people would actually remember him years from now.

He turned to his side, giving it some more thought.

He thought of how many people had helped him in the past, and how he remembered every single one of them. He thought of the old couple in Japan, waiting for him to write them a letter. Mister… what was his name?

He closed his eyes, thinking so hard had made him suddenly tired.

Waver…

Someone called. The voice of a man, soft yet playful. Like a childish melody. A sudden scent of flowers in his nose.

You need to go back…

“Back where?”  Waver wondered.

The memory of the Clock Tower appeared in his mind.

“I NEED TO GO BACK!” He suddenly jumped from the carpet; eyes opened wide.

The past few months he had been so focused on surviving the war against the Persians that he had completely forgotten about finding a way to return to the present. He had gotten used to his new life in ancient Greece, nearly forgetting about the comfort of the modern days.

He panicked for a moment.

He was never supposed to help in this war that much. Even if he had not been using his magic against the Persian soldiers. He was never meant to be remembered by these people. He was probably not even supposed to stay in a different time for that long. He recalled his deceased professor Lord El-Melloi’s words in his first lessons.

“…Not only will you affect the past with your interactions, but also your entire being. If you alter something from the past, even your existence may never occur in the future…”

A cold sweat ran down his face.

He tried to remember his life in London. He pictured his apartment, the classroom, the Clock Tower. Everything still fresh in his mind after thinking hard. But… what had he been doing before that?

His thoughts were all jumbled. He shook his head a couple of times. What was he doing in Japan back then? Why couldn’t he remember that old couple’s names?

The image of a grail and the clash of swords flashed through his memories.

Then, a horse. A chariot. A red cape. And golden chains.

“Rider”. He whispered. The blurry image of a man haunted his memories. His face remained in the shadows.

“This is bad…” He told himself. “I need to get out of here, soon.”

He took a moment to gather his thoughts. But something else was disturbing him now.

“Help!”

He heard people screaming outside.

“Somebody! Help!”

Indistinct cries in the distance.

Little by little, soft lights appeared from different directions around the tent. Waver felt suddenly hot.

“A fire?” He thought, wiping the sweat from his forehead. His eyes caught on his wrist, where his bracelet glowed bright blue.

“I need to find Alexander!”

He rushed out of the tent. A strong smell of smoke and gunpowder. Fire arrows falling from the sky, like shooting stars. The Macedonians ran around the burning tents in circles, food and war loot already reduced to ashes.

“Alexander!” Waver looked for him, but the smoke made it hard for him to see.

He rushed to the place they were gathering a moment ago, but there was nobody there.

“Alexander!” He called again, sore throat, eyes itchy. “Hephaestion! Ptolemy! Parmenion! Where are you?!”

He looked around but could only see Macedonians wandering erratically. A few horses ran loose in different direction. He hid under a broken chariot, fearing for the Persians to find him.

“Wait a moment”, he realized. “I don’t see any Persians”.

He looked again. He could only see men in Macedonian armors. He glanced down at his bracelet; the blue gleam was still there.

“This can’t be anything good”, he feared.

Another blueish gleam caught his eye from the other side of the camp.

“Alexander!”

He could distinguish the prince’s silhouette behind the screen of smoke. He rushed towards him.

A second shape appeared as the wind blew away the smoke. A Macedonian soldier held a spear through Alexander’s leg.

The prince fell, blood pouring onto the ground.

Waver ran even faster.

He watched the soldier lift his spear one more time.

Waver searched for Alexander’s dagger on the ground beside him. Without thinking, his body moved, picking up the sword to slam it with all his strength against the spear. His arms were shaking; he could feel the vibration of the clashing metals down to his elbows.

The soldier stepped back. Eyes golden and gray staring at him with an empty expression.

The soldier pointed the spear at him; Waver charged again. This time the soldier blocked Waver’s blow in a single movement, sending him several meters away.

“Waver…” Alexander called, helpless, half conscious from the ground.

But the soldier was fast.

Before he could even see anything, Waver felt a sharp blade in the middle of his chest.

“Waver!” Cried Alexander, watching him bleed with a dagger in his chest. He tried to get up, but the soldier now ran to Alexander, holding him against the ground.

Waver remained still, like frozen in time. A magical pentagram appeared underneath Waver’s feet, and a hand materialized around the dagger.

Alexander could not see well with the soldier holding his head against the ground, but he glanced at the shadow that now held Waver in its arms.

“It’s the creature…” He feared the worst. “It’s Zurvan…”

Tears of rage clouded his eyes.

“Why?!” The prince yelled, struggling in vain. “A Macedonian…. How could you do this to your own people?!”

“My own people?” A female voice reached his ear. He saw the soldier remove her helmet, letting her purple locks fall to her shoulder.

“My own people tried to kill me”, she whispered to his hear, still holding him against the ground. “They thought I was a monster, cursed by the gods. Your people”.

“Who are you?”              

“Anonumos”. She used the Greek word for “nameless”.

“I was never given a name” She continued. “Raised to become a shadow, with no will of my own.”

“What do you want? Revenge?”

What did she want indeed? The girl had no answer.

To her surprise, Alexander grabbed her hand.

“Let me help you…” He said, panting, “I am sorry for what you have suffered- But, please, do not let my friends suffer”.

“Help?” She wondered. What did he mean by that? The touch of his hand had a certain warmth she had never felt before. She reached for his hand, hesitant.

Her thoughts were disrupted by an arrow piercing her shoulder.

“Get away from him!”

Hephaestion’s voice gave Alexander hope.

“Waver…”, Hephaestion turned to him, gasping with horror at the image of Waver being consumed by a shadow. He shot an arrow at it, and the creature vanished before it could materialize completely.

Waver fell on the ground, unconscious, the magical circle still active underneath him.

“No…” Anonumos let go of Alexander for a moment, turning to Hephaestion.

He recognized the slave girl’s distinctive eyes, even in the Macedonian uniform she was wearing.

“You?” He said, pointing an arrow at her.

The girl heard Alexander move behind her. Without turning, she threw her spear at Alexander’s other leg to pin him to the ground. Alexander cried in pain, nearly fainting. His head became lighter as he felt the blood leaving his body.

“Hephaestion”. The girl whispered. Her words traveled to Hephaestion’s brain, as fast and stinging as poison.

An intense headache forced Hephaestion to drop his bow.

His knees week, his blood boiling. He was losing control of his own body. A loud beeping in his ears was driving him insane.

“What are you doing to me?!” He twitched in the ground, covering his ears. A burning fever taking over him.

“Do it”.

“Get out of my head!”

He looked up; eyes as black as the night. A deep groan escaped his throat, like a wild beast.

“You and I are the same, Hephaestion”. The girl whispered, walking closer to him. “Is this what you really want?”

Hephaestion got on his feet. His body shivered, yet he managed to pick up his bow. He struggled to tense the string to point an arrow at her.

She stared at him. A hypnotizing glare. Hephaestion’s body did not respond to him anymore.

I’ve looked deep into your heart. This is what you truly want. We are the same; I am your blood. Whatever you want, I want it too.

He heard her speak these words in his head.

No…

He opened his mouth but only a loud growl came out.

The beeping in his ears became louder, now unable to hear anything else. His sight faded to black.

Anonumos’ glare slowly shifted towards Waver.

Hephaestion’s eyes followed hers, his hands shaking as they slowly moved to point at Waver.

Hephaestion: A. Breaks free from Anonumos’ control B. Loses control and is consumed by darkness

Notes 2:  I would like to thank all the readers and supporters that have followed this story, and especially thank the people who have commented and expressed their preferences and/or possible endings. Thank you for your patience, now the time has come!

[jeannereames]

Dr. Reames, I wanted to ask you, do you have a theory as to why Alexandros took Roshanak with him to war when she was pregnant? He also did the same with Estateira, but why, wouldn't it have been easier to leave them in a safe place and wait until the baby was born? Also, being pregnant, they would have also needed a midwife for when the baby was born and Roshanak should have had ladies-in-waiting and staff to take care of the baby, that's a lot of people, plus it would have added more pressure on the soldiers to protect the camp. Not to mention that there should have been an increase on food and control over it . I think Alexandros made it pretty complicated for himself.

By the time Alexander married Roxana, he’d begun his transition to King of Asia, and so borrowed a lot of Persian royal customs, including the tradition of a Royal Progress. Unlike Assyrian kings, who’d tended to hole up in their royal cities when they weren’t off to war, Persian kings toured their kingdom, keeping tabs on it. There were three/four “capitals” (Persepolis-Parsagadae, Susa, Ekbatana, and Babylon), in which the king took up residence for part of the year. But he sometimes traveled elsewhere, too.

Remember that ginormous tent Alexander captured after Issos? That was the king’s “mobile palace,” and the women’s tent was a moving harem. There was also a treasury, secretariat, etc. Think of it all like a tour bus, or—if you’re familiar with the weird US/Canadian habit of motorhomes—the really big ones that people drive the country in, sometimes year-round—that was the ancient equivalent. And the Persians had made a science of it.

Alexander simply latched onto that, as it fit quite well with his own foot-loose and fancy-free mode of rule. He didn’t like to be nailed down anyway, for any length of time.

Ergo, while, yes, there was a harem at the various palaces, it was not that unusual for the Great King’s chief wife and family to travel with him. That’s WHY Alexander wound up with Darius’s family after Issos. The Greeks (and later Romans) thought it was nuts, proof that Darius hadn’t taken Alexander seriously. But in fact, he’d taken him very seriously—so much so that he picked up his entire court and took it on the road to confront him.

If you’re curious about some of these customs, I recommend Lloyd Llewellen-Jones’s (2014) King and Court in Ancient Persia. He just came out with a general book on the Persians, but I prefer Maria Brosius’s A History of Ancient Persia. His earlier book, however, is good and written for a general audience.

So, in short, Alexander was merely doing what Persian kings had done before him by keeping Roxana with him. While in India, he does seem to have divided the base camp from the fighting army when fighting was imminent (as did the Persians: Darius’s staff, treasury, and the women had been left at Damascus while Darius himself went to chase down Alexander). And certainly, Alexander didn’t take the big stuff through Gedrosia. So, he definitely kept a sense of “danger” versus “leisure” travel.

But that’s why she remained with him when he was traveling on the kingdom outskirts. Once he returned to the Persian heartland, it’s less clear where the women were: whether in Susa (where the weddings occurred), or if they followed Alexander to Babylon and then Ekbatana (where Hephaistion died), and then back to Babylon. I’m betting they were taken to Babylon at least, as that seems to be where Alexander intended to make his new capital, in keeping with his “King of Asia” theme (as opposed to Great King of Persia ruling over Asia).

Hope that makes it a little clearer how the mobile court worked.

(I haven't forgotten your other question, but it's more complicated. Did a couple shorter.)

[aphroditelovesu]

The Lost Queen - XII

— summary: You woke up near a military camp without remembering how and why you got there, you didn’t understand why they were dressed like ancient Greeks, all you knew was that you weren’t safe and you needed to get out of that place as soon as possible. Too bad for you that you found yourself attracting unwanted attention from the Macedonian King and he won’t let you go so easily.

— genre: yandere, dark!au.

— warnings: time travel, obsessive and possessive behavior, murder, mention of torture, kidnapping, angst, fluffy (very rarely), dub-con, possibly smut.

— pairing: yandere!alexander the great x female!reader, yandere!generals x female!reader.

— word count: 3,070.

— tag list: @devils-blackrose, @faerykingdom, @hadesnewpersephone, @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 , @kadu-5607, @zoleea-exultant, @borntoexplore11-blog, @silmawensgarden.

— the lost queen series masterlist.

Chapter 12

When you regained consciousness, you were no longer in the Macedonian war camp.

You knew this because your body was lying on something soft and comfortable, softer than your cot and far more comfortable than anything you had experienced during your time here.

Your eyes looked around, looking at everything with fear and curiosity. You quickly realized you were in some kind of tent and a luxurious one at that. There were exquisite tapestries and gold, lots of gold. It was a richness that you could only imagine, seen only in old period films and something you never thought you would ever witness.

It was beautiful. And disturbing. Absolutely disturbing.

You were no longer with the Macedonians, you knew just by looking at the wealth that tent had. Not even Alexander's tent had so much wealth, he preferred to maintain a more Spartan style, a way of getting closer to his soldiers and generals. You respected him for that.

You had no idea where you were and who you were with. Genuine dread and fear filled your insides and you had to try to hold back the rising bile, the imminent urge to vomit that took over your aching body.

Now was not the time to vomit. You needed to find out where you were, what had happened and how to get out of there.

You carefully got up from the small bed you were half-sitting and half-lying on and began trying to walk through what appeared to be the opening of the tent. You stopped abruptly when the flap opened and you had to stay strong when the person you least expected appeared in front of you.

"Perdiccas." You whispered his name, your legs shaking weakly and your heart beating wildly. You were about to have an anxiety attack and needed to try to stay alert.

Perdiccas looked at you, concern shining in his dark blue eyes. He stepped forward and gently held your shoulders.

"Are you well?" He murmured, looking at your face, searching for any sign of a bruise. You shook your head in denial, trying to understand what the hell was going on.

You were no longer in the Macedonian camp, that much was obvious, so why was Perdiccas here too?

"W-Where are we?" Your voice cracked a little.

Perdiccas shook his head, "You will find out soon enough. You must rest now."

"What do you mean by that? I..." You felt yourself being pulled more and more by the panic that was growing inside you. No, you didn't want to go through all that shit again.

"Everything will be fine." Perdiccas assured, "They swore to me that you would not be harmed."

They? Who were they?

"Who are you talking about? Perdiccas, what's going on? Who are they?" Your mind seemed to spin with every question you asked.

Perdiccas pursed his lips and sighed heavily and after a moment's deliberation, he replied, "The Persians."

"The Persians." You repeated his words, trying to make sure you heard him right. The Persians, yes. You were with the Persians. You and Perdiccas.

Perdiccas just nodded, unsure of what to say. He had thought during the hours when you were blank on what exactly to say to you, but everything he had rehearsed had gone to waste.

"Why are we with the Persians?"

Perdiccas bit his lower lip as he contemplated your words. He didn't seem to want to tell you but you were going to find out one way or another.

"Because I brought us here." That's all he said.

You nodded your aching head, trying to stay calm. Perdiccas brought you here.

"Why?"

"Because then we can be together." He murmured, looking at your face calmly.

As his words registered in your mind, you replied weakly, "You betrayed Alexander." It wasn't a question, but a statement.

"Yes," Perdiccas began to walk in a circle, "I did it for you. For us."

You looked at him, your eyes flashing with anger, "Do you realize what you did? Alexander is going to kill you!"

"I did what I had to do. Darius offered me a good deal and I couldn't say no."

"W-What did he offer you?" The words were louder than a whisper, but he heard them well.

Perdiccas approached you and placed his hands on your bare shoulders, "That you would be mine in exchange for information about Alexander."

Your heart began to beat painfully inside your chest and a wave of nausea took over your body. You pushed Perdiccas away and unable to hold back the bile, you vomited on the floor of the tent and some on Perdiccas' boots.

Perdiccas just looked at you with cold, hard eyes. He didn't seem disgusted but rather irritated.

"So it is true."

You looked at him confused, your breathing labored and the bad taste of vomit on your lips. How you wish you had a toothbrush now.

"You are pregnant." He said, clenching his fists.

You didn't respond, you just closed your eyes, trying to hold back another wave of nausea.

"It's all good." Perdiccas said, placing a hand on your head, "Soon you will be free of this burden."

You opened your eyes quickly, scared of what those words could mean.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of you. Now come, let's get you cleaned up and you'll be introduced to Darius."

When Perdiccas helped you straighten up, you didn't fight it. Fear paralyzed you. Perdiccas seemed very calm about the news of your pregnancy and something told you that what he was planning would not be good. But you wouldn't let him hurt your baby.

You would kill him before that.

A few days after your wedding night, at the Macedonian War Camp.

Perdiccas was in his tent, with a cup of wine in his hands and the other gripping his sword tightly. He was livid. The wedding was over but the sounds of the festivities still echoed through the camp for days. The soldiers all seemed excited about their choice of Queen.

Although you were clearly a foreigner and an unknown, you had earned their respect during your time there. You helped the injured, helped save Cleitus, and worked with the doctors to heal them. You were a kind of hero to the soldiers and they adored and respected you.

Perdiccas liked knowing that you wouldn't have any problems with them, but he hated the fact that you married a man other than him. He felt sick just thinking about your wedding night, about Alexander taking your virginity, about him entering you and hearing the sweets sounds your lips would produce. And in the nights that followed, he pretended not to notice that Alexander seemed to spend most of his nights in your tent.

Perdiccas wanted to gut Alexander for this.

Gripping the cup of wine tighter, Perdiccas' knuckles turned white. The more he thought about it the angrier he became. He needed to control himself or he would end up walking into Alexander's tent and doing something he would regret.

Well, maybe he wouldn't regret it so much, but he didn't want to die now. Not when he had you to conquer.

Sighing heavily, he stood up from his chair and put away his sword. He wanted to sleep, he didn't want to think about you in Alexander's arms.

But the gods had other plans for him. Perdiccas frowned when a messenger entered his tent without asking permission. He didn't recognize him as one of his men. Maybe it was a message from you? He was excited by the prospect.

"General Perdiccas?" The messenger asked in broken greek. Perdiccas heard a strong accent and he didn't like it at all.

He quickly reached for his sword and in one swift movement, Perdiccas cornered the man.

"Who are you?" He growled, his sword pressing into the man's throat.

The messenger gasped, "I-I bring a message from King Darius." His words were harsh and scared, but Perdiccas understood them perfectly.

Darius. The fucking King of Persia.

Darius send him a letter. Why?

"Why?" He asked, still not removing the sword from the man's throat.

"A proposal." The messenger murmured and pointed to the sword, "Can you take it out? I just want to talk."

Perdiccas stared at him with a raised eyebrow but nodded and slowly removed the sword from the messenger's throat. The man stood up and introduced himself.

"I am Aslan."

"I don't care who you are. Just tell me why you're here and why I shouldn't report you to Alexander."

Aslan muttered something in persian and said, "Darius has a proposal for you.

"Which proposal?"

"One that might be of interest to you. One that involves your new Queen—" Aslan couldn't even finish the sentence before Perdiccas had him cornered again.

"What about her? Is she in danger?! ANSWER ME!" Perdiccas growled furiously in the messenger's face. Aslan swallowed.

"She's not in danger!" Aslan managed to choke out, "She'll be fine. I just came to talk."

Perdiccas narrowed his eyes and slowly walked away, "Say it at once."

Aslan straightened his robes and said, "Here is a letter from Darius." He handed him a papyrus envelope.

Perdiccas took it suspiciously and said, "I can't read persian."

One corner of Aslan's mouth turned up, "It's written in greek."

Perdiccas sighed and opened the letter, reading its contents.

''General Perdiccas,

I address you in this correspondence to propose an agreement that I believe could be of great interest to both of us. I have been aware of your feelings towards your new Queen, as well as the supposed tension towards your King since he married her.

I therefore present my proposal: if you are willing to share information that could contribute to the success of our endeavors in this war, I undertake to assist you in fulfilling your wishes in relation to the Queen. She will be entirely at your disposal, whether to join you in marriage or to be taken as a concubine, as you wish. I assure you that all measures will be taken to guarantee your well-being and safety.

If you agree to the proposed conditions, I will take the necessary steps to transfer you from your camp to mine. I await your response.

Yours sincerely,

King Darius III.''

Perddicas's eyes widened as he read the bold content of this letter. When he finished, he took it to a candle and set it on fire. Destroying any possible evidence.

Aslan watched him with interest.

Perdiccas turned to the persian messenger, his eyes shining with determination and mischief, ''Tell your King that I accept his proposal.'' There was no hesitation and not an ounce of remorse. He had made his choice.

Aslan smiled mischievously and nodded.

Perdiccas stared at the candle with a dark expression. You would be his. It was everything he needed. He knew he would be turning a traitor, but he didn't care. The prospect of living a life with you was more than he could have wanted.

Maybe he would be cursed by the gods for this choice but it would all be worth it if he could hold you for a moment, feel the taste of your lips again, touch your body, join you as one.

It would all be worth it for you.

A few days before your kidnapping,

You walked around your tent bored and distressed. It had been a few days, weeks in fact, that you had been feeling increasingly anxious and this was due to several reasons. One of the main ones was that you noticed a significant change in the story.

You were supposed to go to Sogdian Rock, where Alexander would meet Roxanne and marry her, but instead, he was preparing for a battle against Darius that you knew was Issus's. This was wrong, very wrong indeed. You had already changed history too much and you feared what those changes might mean for the future.

You needed to leave soon before you screwed everything up once and for all.

You took a deep breath and thought about your other problem. Your period was late. Okay, you didn't keep track of your menstrual cycle here, but you knew it should have come to you by now. You thought maybe this was due to the fact that you were no longer a virgin and that this could have changed your cycle, but that didn't make any sense.

The truth was what you feared. A few days ago, you started to feel strangely sick and had some nausea.

You assumed it was the food that was bad, but when those symptoms only increased, you knew the truth.

You were pregnant.

This was bad, very bad. You shouldn't be pregnant. You could not. Alexander should have taken years to have a child with Roxanne, not you. The idea of pregnancy was scary for you, what it could mean. This could keep you permanently stuck in the past but could also be catastrophic for the future.

You needed to find a way out. But you had no idea how to get back. Your only clue was that strange man in the market but you never saw him again, which left you with no way out.

''(Y/N)? Can I come in?'' You were startled when you heard a voice outside your tent. You took a deep breath and replied,

''Yes. Come in.''

The flap lifted and you smiled gently when you saw Leonnatus enter, dressed in a simple white chiton. He smiled widely and ran to hug you, pulling you tightly and crushing you in a bear hug.

You laughed softly and hugged him back. A few days ago, you found yourself very close to this officer, he seemed to like you and you liked him. He reminded you a little of Perdiccas, due to how kind he was to you.

''How are you?'' He asked when you separated.

''I'm fine.'' You mumbled and he raised his eyebrow.

''Tell me what's wrong.'' His voice was slightly harsh and you looked at him, ''Please.'' He added when he saw your incredulous expression.

''I...'' You sighed and sat down in a chair, ''If I tell you something, will you promise not to tell anyone?''

As soon as you uttered these words, the tent flap was opened again and Seleucus entered unannounced. You frowned and he gave you a guilty smile.

''Sorry. I couldn't help but hear you talking and I want to know too!'' Seleucus said, approaching you.

Leonnatus raised his eyebrow, ''You are a gossiper.''

You laughed when Seleucus looked at you indignantly. Oh, these two were comedy and you loved them for it. You were happy to have found an unlikely friendship in them.

''I am merely concerned for the well-being of our wonderful Queen.'' Seleucus defended himself.

''I'm sure you are.'' Leonnatus scoffed.

''Okay, okay! I'll say it but you two have to promise, no, swear to me that you won't say anything to anyone, you hear?'' You said nervously. Noticing your nervousness, both men nodded quickly.

''I…'' You took a deep breath, gathering courage, ''Well, I think I'm pregnant.''

Leonnatus smiled widely and Seleucus even jumped for joy.

''Ah, by the gods! That's great!'' Leonnatus said, very excited.

''YES! You have to tell Alexander! He's going to be so happy!'' Seleucus added, joining his fellow officer in his joy.

You quickly stood up, ''NO! You swore to me not to say anything!

They stopped celebrating and looked at you confused. That was good news, wasn't it?

Leonnatus approached carefully and placed his hand on your shoulder, ''Why?''

''Because I don't want him to know yet. I'm not sure if I'm pregnant or not, but I want to know for sure first.'' It was a half-truth and thankfully they seemed satisfied with it.

''Alright, let's not say anything.'' Seleucus said and placed a hand on your other shoulder, ''You have our word.''

You smiled in relief, ''Thank you.''

Leonnatus and Seleucus hugged you in a group, making you squeeze between them. You didn't push them away, instead feeling calm about having friends and allies who clearly cared about you. That was good and it hurt a part of you to know that you would have to leave them eventually.

But for now... You would just make the most of this time as much as you can.

Present day, at the Persian War Camp,

True to Perdiccas' words, you were washed and dressed by servants. You looked like a doll in the hands of these women and you hated this feeling of helplessness.

When they finally finished dressing you, you found yourself sitting in a chair, waiting to be called to meet Darius. A part of you was apprehensive, while another felt a twinge of excitement at being about to meet another historical figure.

Sighing, you grabbed a glass of water, drinking it slowly as you reflected on the gravity of the situation you found yourself in. It was clear that big problems lay ahead.

You stood up abruptly as the tent flap was pulled aside, your heart beating wildly as your eyes locked on the figure entering. The glass of water slipped from your shaking hand, falling to the floor with a muffled pop, the liquid spilling onto the carpet.

A chill ran down your spine as you recognized who stood before you. You instinctively stepped back, your hesitant footsteps echoing softly in the tense silence of the tent as the figure approached.

"It's... you...", Your words came out in a fragile, almost inaudible murmur, your body seeming to weaken in the face of the imposing presence in front of you.

It was him, the man from the market. The same person who, in some inexplicable way, had been the catalyst for your journey through time. Disbelief and fear intertwined in your mind as you tried to process the significance of this unexpected encounter.

''Hello, (Y/N). It's good to see you.'' The man said, smiling broadly, ''We have a lot to talk about, don't we?''

— lady l: It took me a while to bring it but my days are busy and I barely had time to write! BUT, I hope the wait was worth it with this ending... Hahaha, what do you think will happen? 👀

I hope you enjoyed it and we'll see you in the next chapter, which won't take so long! Love you!! ❤️❤️

[bellonablake]

Jonsa Fanfiction Recommendations

Because season 8 is starting and I am filled with angst, have this list of fanfics I’ve enjoyed recently!

(I have no shame. Most of these are rated E.)

canonverse au

And the Geese Are Headed North Again by yekoc [E]

In the dark and honest part of her that Sansa is no longer afraid of, she had thought that Jon would die, and she was no sadder than she was relieved. In the months that she ruled Winterfell while the great war of men and wights waged around them, she felt herself growing into her power, sinking her roots back deep into the Northern soil. She enjoyed it, ruling. She was good at it. And at night, she had a wide bed and a door that locked and she was never cold. If Jon died in the war, she would miss him like she missed Robb and Rickon and Bran. She wouldn’t miss her husband.

Seeing him now, she notes the absence of the relief and joy that marked her first glimpse of him at Castle Black. Instead, she feels a too-familiar grief: my brother is gone.

you were born with a word on your tongue by Dialux [T]

Sansa leaves Winterfell to marry Prince Jon Targaryen, but the road south is treacherous beyond imagining; when Sansa is betrayed, she is all alone. Terrified, she assumes the personality of Alayne- a bastard from the Vale, who herds geese for the King.

[Goose Girl AU, where families have magic and Sansa is a princess in the North, but things get worse before getting better.]

time's been kind to you, my love by Dialux [E]

Sansa knows her loyalties lie with the Northern independence. Robb might have forgotten her, but she hasn’t forgotten him. Married to Tyrion, beaten by Joffrey- she’s never allowed herself to forget. Sansa has Stark engraved deep into her blood and bone. She’s been a quiet girl for long enough: wolves are protective of their own, after all, and it’s time she lived up to that.

[Aged up Jon and Sansa, set in an universe where, on Jon’s fourteenth birthday, Ned tells him his true parentage and Jon goes to Essos instead of the Wall; upon hearing of Sansa’s predicament in King’s Landing, he returns with an army.]

the demons around you by dropofrum (95echelon) [E]

When Jon came back for her, he came with dragons. Dragons, and an army, and the promise of a crown, but all Sansa had ever wanted was him.

(Or, the one in which Jon Snow knows his heritage, and the day Lord Stark betroths Sansa to Joffrey fucking Baratheon, he packs his things and travels to the other end of the world. The other end of the world turns out to be Astapor.

Astapor, and Daenerys Stormborn.)

Found In Forbidden Nights by alienor_woods [E]

In which Robb Stark still refuses to trade Jaime Lannister for his sisters, but Jon Snow decides if being an oathbreaker means he can tell strategy and politics to fuck off, then it's worth it to take matters into his own hands.

(It’s the after, though, that Jon and Sansa hadn’t bargained on.)

What a Disappointment by just_a_dram [E]

Sansa Stark and Jon Targaryen are married and neither of them is pleased about it. Set in a world where Rhaegar lives and Jon was raised in King's Landing as a legitimized bastard.

ain’t no grave can hold my body down / i’ll crawl home to her by kattyshack [E]

written for jonsa kink week on tumblr: day 1: dark jon + virginity kink:

Once the resurrected Jon Snow has retaken Winterfell with his cousin Sansa Stark at his side, he’s determined that the North will keep its queen — but Jon will take the woman for himself.

Snow Kisses by caesia [E]

The sky sends icy kisses falling against her cheeks, but Jon’s kiss still burns on her lips.

modern au

As Long As We're Going Down by alienor_woods [T]

Four years after Stannis Baratheon wins the Battle of the Blackwater, Sansa Stark finds herself summoned back to King's Landing to serve as a bridesmaid at Crown Princess Shireen's wedding. When King Stannis tries to marry Sansa off to his illegitimate nephew, Edric, she thinks quick and tells him she's already married--

--to her bodyguard, Jon Snow.

no such thing by dropofrum (95echelon) [E]

It's the same old story: Girl falls in love with prettyboy vigilante, girl falls in bed with insanely hot coworker, boy seriously contemplates a schizophrenic breakdown.

(Or, Sansa is Lois Lane, Jon Snow is some weird composite of Clark Kent and Batman, and for a story that was supposed to be funny, there's more angsty fucking in this one than I ever intended.)

i got only good intentions (so give me your attention) by kattyshack [E]

inspired by ang’s (@recklessflyboi) thirst for a jonsa fic based on this song, and this chat post by @porcelainsansa on tumblr:

Sansa: I am sorry, I just sneezed and liked your post by accident. Jon: And commented “damn daddy” on all my selfies? Sansa: I have the flu.

In Case of Fire by Jade_Masquerade [E]

After Sansa quarrels with Arya on the traditional Stark family fall camping trip, Jon finds himself unexpectedly sharing his tent, sleeping bag, and more.

A Summer of Snow by Jade_Masquerade [E]

Sansa spends her last few months before going off to college getting closer to Jon.

when we kiss: mmmm, fire by kattshack [E]

Sansa might be seeing someone casually, but thanks to Arya, Robb, and Theon, it’s Jon who’s got the inside track on how to get Sansa to take him seriously.

aka: the one where jon finds out that sansa has a daddy kink, and he uses it to seduce her away from the dating scene and into his arms, heeeey-oh!

Sex and Reps by caesia [E]

Some yoga instructors disdained weightlifting, but Sansa found the isolation of muscle groups and the repetitive motions entrancing. Jon and Sansa meet at the gym.

loving you’s a bloodsport by kattyshack [E]

Jon hadn’t begun the evening with a plan to bleed all over the Starks’ pristine white sitting room. But now there’s a scarlet stain on Catelyn’s Persian rug and Jon’s nursing a bloody nose in the kitchen.

Or: Catelyn Stark isn’t pleased when Jon Snow makes a spectacle of himself at her latest cocktail party, but her daughter certainly isn’t raising any objections to the way he chooses to defend her honor.

you know the way to make me lose control by kattyshack [E]

If you’d told Sansa Stark that she would one day find herself tabletop dancing with a shirtless Jon Snow to a Mariah Carey song at one of the Tyrells’ raucous parties… -well…- It’s just a lot to take in. Suffice it to say, she’d never quite expected this—and she certainly never expected what comes after.

Or, as advertised on Tumblr: the sweaty, grinding, fakeout makeout wallsex jonsa fuck fic

[militant-holy-knight]

Christian Solidarity: The Abyssinian-Adal War

That time when Portuguese Roman Catholics and Ethiopian Orthodox Christians fought against the Ottoman Empire and their Somali allies

During the Age of Discoveries, Portuguese sailors made several voyages into the East and gained contact with several peoples. One of them was the Abyssinian Empire (modern day Ethiopia) which was beset for more than a decade by their arch-enemies, the Adal Sultanate of Somalia. They intervened on the side of the Abyssinians not only because they were Christians (even if Oriental Orthodox), but because the Adals were aided by the Ottomans, who were the Portuguese’ arch enemies in the Indian Ocean.

Originally known in ancient times as the Kingdom of Aksum, Ethiopia was the second nation to adopt Christianity right after Armenia and before the Roman Empire itself. Legends claim that the Ark of the Covenant is guarded in the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion. They were an valuable Roman ally against the Yemenites, Arab tribes and the Sassanid Persians. That changed after the rise of Islam and the Rashidun Caliphate’s conquered the region that is today’s modern-day Sudan, cutting off the Ethiopians from the rest of Christendom.

Centuries have passed and power between different Islamic powers changed between the Rashidun, the Umayyads, the Abbasids, the Mamluks and etc., with the surrounding modern-day regions of Sudan and Somalia being Islamicized while Ethiopians were completely isolated and trying to preserve their cultural heritage. In 1240, they were ruled by the Solomonic dynasty, a noble house that claimed directed descent from the House of King David, whom Christ Himself descended to, and whose rulers belonged to the Abyssinian people. As such, Ethiopia was also alternatively known as the Abyssinian Empire.

Meanwhile in Europe, the Iberian kingdoms of Portugal and Spain finished the Reconquista - the period where their own land was under Islamic occupation - began voyages around the globe in order to reach East and get around the Ottoman Empire, which held a monopoly of trade over the precious Asian goods. Materialistic riches weren’t the only reason: the search for a mythical figure known as Prester John, a Christian king who ruled over a rich empire surrounded in a sea of pagans who was believed to be in either India or Africa. While the exact origin of it’s legend is unclear, it first emerged around the time of the Mongol invasions while the Crusades were still ongoing. At one point Genghis Khan (who was a Tengriist, not a Christian) was believed to be Prester John for having defeated the Kwarazmian Empire (modern-day Iran) and later his grandson Hulagu when he crushed Baghdad and ended the Islamic Golden Age.

The search for Prester John was of great importance because it was believed he could help the Christians in a future Crusade, and at the time, the Ottoman Empire was waging a jihad to invade Europe and had already conquered the whole Balkans and southern Ukraine. The Portuguese were already making several expeditions around the globe and managed to gain contact with Ethiopia which was considered a possible candidate for Prester John’s kingdom due to a delegation of Ethiopians ambassadors making themselves known to Europeans in 1306, though contact with them was sporadic at best. In 1520, they established relations with Emperor David II, whom they referred to as Prester John (or Presto João in Portuguese).

Ethiopia’s neighboring state, the Adal Sultanate, was in state of anarchy until it came under the control of Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi (”al-Ghazi” meaning the Conqueror), an Somali imam and warlord who would begin a whole new jihad with the Battle of Shimbra Kure in 1529. The victory came at a heavy cost but it solidified the Adal forces’ morale, providing proof that they could stand up to the sizable Ethiopian army. The tide of the war turned to Ahmad’s favor when the Ottomans provided him with cannon fire which terrified the Ethiopians and made them disperse in the Battle of Antukyah. For the next 13 years, the Adal jihad wrought terror on the Ethiopian highlands, with churches being desecrated and turned into mosques, cities plundered, non-Muslims oppressed, women and children taken as slaves and the emperors incapable of halting them. At the same time, the Portuguese were waging war with the Ottomans over sea hegemony and upon hearing the cries of help for his allies, they arrived in 1543 to help them.

The Portuguese commander Cristovão da Gama arrived one year after David II had died and his son Gelawdewos (Claudius) was the new Emperor. Gama’s forces were well equipped with a thousand arquebuses, an equal number of pikes and several bombards, and in the Battle of Bacente, they dealt the first serious victory against Ahmad’s 1000 jihadists with only 400 men and losing only 8 men. A mosque in the hill which used to be a church before being occupied by Ahmad’s men was re-consecrated as a church and a mass was held on the next day to Virgin Mary where both Portuguese Roman Catholics and Ethiopian Orthodox Christians prayed together.

The events at Bacente alerted Ahmad that a hostile army had entered the area, and he marched north to confront it, meeting Gama at Jarte. The imam made the first contact, sending a messenger to Gama to demand that the Portuguese force either leave Ethiopia, join the imam, or be destroyed. On the imam’s orders, the messenger produced the gift of a monk’s habit, an expensive insult to Gama. Gama responded with his own messenger, who delivered “a few lines in Arabic”, stating that he had come to Ethiopia “by order of the great Lion of the Sea” and on the “following day he [Ahmad] would see what the Portuguese were worth”, and delivered Gama’s own insulting gift: a pair of “small tweezers for the eyebrows, and a very large mirror – making him out [to be] a woman.”

Cristovão was proven right and the next two battles he dealt even more crushing defeats to Ahmad, who was sent with his tails between the legs and the population beginning to revolt against him. Now with the tide turned to his advantage, he pursued the imam to the south to confront him at Wofla. However, when he found him, Ahmad had many times the troops waiting for Cristovão as well as many more muskets which were provided by the Arabs and the Ottomans. Despite their bravery, the Portuguese were defeated and Cristovão da Gama was taken captive and brought to the imam’s tent. Ahmad was impressed with the Portuguese commander and tortured him in an attempt to convert Gama to Islam, probably to crush the Ethiopian’s resolve in making their ally renounce Christ and embrace Muhammad. But as an devout Catholic and a descendant of the brave Crusaders of the Reconquista that fought to drive out the Moors out of his land, he would not do it. And so Ahmad beheaded him like so many Christian victims of Islam before and after him.

While Gama’s death was a huge blow to his allies, the Ottomans were displeased with Ahmad’s decision since they were hoping to keep him hostage to be used to their advantage against the Portuguese in their greater war. When all seemed lost, Emperor Gelawdewos had joined the survivors, and seeing the number of men who flocked to the Emperor’s standard “we went to the Prester”, and “begged him to help us avenge the death of Dom Cristovão”, Gelawdewos agreed to march against the imam using the weapons they found stashed in their camp at the Hill of the Jews.

The Ethiopians and Portuguese faced the Adal and their Ottoman allies at the Battle of Wayna Daga where victory seemed lost with the Gelawdewos’ 9,000 troops against Ahmad’s 15,000. However, Ahmad was recognized by the Portuguese arquebusiers, who directed their combined firepower at him, and one of them shot the imam in the chest with a fatal shot. Even though numerical advantage was on their side, the imam’s followers immediately fled the battlefield when hearing about his death, since they followed a leader, not a cause and pragmatically looked to their own well-being - quite the contrast of the loyalty Cristovão inspired in his own men who were willing to fight to their deaths to avenge him. The moment the Somalis left their camp, the victorious Ethiopian army poured in, slaughtering everyone they encountered except for women and children. Among the women were numerous Christian captives, some found sisters, others daughters, others their wives, and it was for them no small delight to see them delivered from captivity.

Wayna Daga marked the end of the war as a stalemate between Ethiopia and Somalia (whose rivalry is traced from this crusade/jihad). Other problems would soon plague them like the Oromo migrations, but the Adal would not represent a serious treat to the Ethiopians again. Nevertheless, the war left an indelible mark in their history as the historian Paul B. Henze notes:

In Ethiopia the damage which Ahmad Gragn did has never been forgotten. Every Christian highlander still hears tales of Gragn in his childhood. Haile Selassie referred to him in his memoirs, "I have often had villagers in northern Ethiopia point out sites of towns, forts, churches and monasteries destroyed by Gragn as if these catastrophes had occurred only yesterday.

Nevertheless, it was thanks to the bravery and sacrifice of men like David and Cristovão that the local practices were preserved, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church still remains today.

Sources:

Between Islam and Christendom: travellers, facts, and legends in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance

The Portuguese Expedition to Abyssinia in 1441–1543.

[chaos-of-the-abyss]

After the misogynistic shitshow by Dumb&Dumber, do you have any recommendations (can be books/movies/shows/etc.) for series with women in power written well? Something that is, you know, beyond Dumb&Dumber's two brain cells to understand?

My apologies for how long it took me to answer this, anon.

I’ll be glad to point out to you some well-written stories of women in power. The issue is that I’m not certain what you mean by “women in power”. The most common interpretation that comes to my mind is a woman in political power, but there are several kinds, so I’ll give you a broader range of suggestions.

Now I have to say, I’m no expert in this topic, and I probably can’t give you as many recommendations as I’d like. Sorry about that. And also - all of these series I’m recommending have shortcomings, and none of them are perfect. I’ll make sure to list the (perceived, in my eyes at least) shortcomings of my suggestions. I do have to warn you first, though, that my descriptions contain minor spoilers.

*These are in no particular order

1. Tolkien

Whenever I’m asked a question about a series with well-written women, my first answer is always to read Tolkien’s books. The history of his legendarium spans thousands and thousands of years in earthly time, and even goes back to a time when time itself didn’t exist (a la the creation of the Ainur). There are many, many well-written female characters in the professor’s legendarium, and the best thing, to me, is that they’re varied. Tolkien doesn’t stick to one type of woman to serve as his female ‘icon’, so to speak, he writes women in many different kinds, and I can appreciate all of them.

Some examples: Galadriel is probably the most well-known, and I stan a wise, powerful, revered queen. Other examples include Varda Elentári (I literally worship her lol), Nienna Qalmë-Tári, Melian the Maia, Lúthien Tinúviel, Aredhel Ar-Feiniel, Morwen Eledhwen, and Idril Celebrindal.

Now for the shortcomings. I really only have one shortcoming when it comes to Tolkien, and that’s the fact that he never writes from the direct perspective of his characters, the way, say, GRRM does for ASOIAF. And while that style does have its great points which I enjoy to the fullest, such as leaving everything open for interpretation, it also prevents us from having a full look inside the characters’ heads and completely humanizing them. Although, actually, I tend to enjoy that aspect of Tolkien’s writing, as it allows me to explore and settle on my version of a character (which I usually do through writing fanfiction, lol). Still, this can be a drawback for some.

2. A Song of Ice and Fire

Assuming that ASOIAF’s ending won’t be like the ending for Game of Dumbasses, which I’m 99% certain it won’t be, GRRM generally does quite a good job when writing women in power in the midst of a world as misogynistic and shallow as ASOIAF’s world. He very realistically explores the rewards and consequences of their actions, personalities, and so forth. There is quite a large multitude of female characters in ASOIAF’s world, and they’re all quite varied as well.

Some examples: Daenerys Targaryen (my queen from this day until my last day), Arianne Martell (I love her I love her I love her), Asha Greyjoy, Sansa Stark (she’s become rather controversial as of late thanks to Game of Dumbasses, but I still like book!Sansa despite having my gripes about her), Arya Stark, Alysanne Targaryen, Rhaena Targaryen, and Margaery Tyrell. I might even tentatively name Cersei Lannister, who, while certainly not a good example or representation of a woman in power, is a very well-written example of the consequences that living in such a misogynistic, stiflingly patriarchal world such as ASOIAF’s.  

Now for the shortcomings. As much as I love ASOIAF, there are some rather sexist and racist themes in it, and also, the fact that there’s such detail about nudity, especially in Dany’s early chapters, when she’s a freaking thirteen-year-old, make me very uncomfortable.

3. Empress Ki

Unlike the others on this list, Empress Ki is not a book series (if it was, though - God, I would buy the books so fast). It’s a Korean drama set in Ancient China during the reign of the Yuan Dynasty established by the Mongol Kublai Khan following the life of a real-life historical figure, Empress Qi. Qi began as the daughter of a lower-ranking noble in Koryo (the name for Korea at the time), a vassal state of China. She was sold as a concubine for the emperor, Toghon Temür. Despite having an empress at the time, Toghon Temür fell in love with Qi and favored her. Eventually, Qi did become empress of the Yuan Dynasty.

Empress Ki, the k-drama, follows this history loosely, but it’s by no means historically accurate. Nevertheless, it paints a dramatized version of Empress Ki’s journey. What I like about the drama is that Empress Ki’s ambition is never framed as evil. She becomes very politically astute and manipulative, even vengeful, but maintains her heroism nevertheless. There was never even any hint of “Oh no, her ambition is making her evil™”. I liked that very much, and it was such a breath of fresh air after the vomit-inducing misogyny that D&D didn’t even try to hide in their writing.

Now for the shortcomings. Unfortunately, since this is set in the royal court of imperial China, where empresses and concubines all lived and all grasped for the emperor’s favor, there is a fair bit of cat-fighting going on between the women, a tired and overused trope. While it’s understandable because of the circumstances the women are in, it still tired me to watch. Empress Ki herself was also subject to being forced to behave, at least publicly, in a very narrow and stereotypical line of behavior for a concubine of the emperor, since she needed support. Imperial China was pretty misogynistic as well, and the k-drama is true to that kind of setting, though unfortunately never addressing or framing it as a particularly bad thing. But as I said, Empress Ki follows real history, and I understand why the writers couldn’t throw in something such as women receiving equal rights to being heirs or something to that effect.

4. The Nevernight Chronicle Series

The Nevernight Chronicles is set in a fantasy world with three suns, in which night only arrives once every few years. The main character is Mia Corvere, who is the daughter of an executed traitor in the Itreyan Republic. The story follows Mia as she goes on a journey for revenge against the people who killed her father, and her aim is to become an assassin of a cult, as she believes this would help her achieve her goals. Sounds cliche, right?

Despite this kind-of-overused trope (kid loses parent, becomes an assassin to avenge them), Nevernight caught my attention because Mia, our protagonist, isn’t exactly human. She’s a darkin, and has the power to bend shadows to her will. This power, though, comes with drawbacks. I can’t say too much more, as this isn’t a very well-known series and much more would be spoilers.

Admittedly, I’ve only read the first book and am still trying to get my hands on the second one. In any case, I’m recommending this because I very much enjoyed the way Mia, as an assassin, was written. There’s a very fine balance between her ruthlessness in trying to become a hired killer and the remnants of her morality. I also liked the writing style, although I suppose it’s not for some. The author uses footnotes to help with his worldbuilding, which I found kind of tedious at times unless the information in them was interesting.

Now for the drawbacks (besides the thing about the writing style, lol). I must warn you: although Mia is sixteen at the start of the series, this series is not classified as YA, but rather as adult fiction. And there’s good reason for that. It has some rather explicit descriptions of extreme violence, blood, and gore, and also, characters are put in mature sexual situations despite being only in their teens. Said scenes were pretty well-written in my opinion, but it still made me uncomfortable. There is also some underlying racism.

5. Game of Queens

Game of Queens . . . had its good points and its not-so-good points. The reason I’m putting it on this list is because it follows the story of the two Biblical queens, Vashti and Esther. As you may know, Vashti was ordered by her husband, the king of Persia Ahasuerus, to appear before him and his men in the men’s banquet hall, which was considered extremely scandalous and something no decent woman should ever do. Vashti refused, and because of her refusal, she was either deposed, exiled, or executed. The Bible doesn’t mention her again.

Ahasuerus’ second queen, Esther, was a Jew but had to hide it (I believe the Persian Empire disliked Jews or something to that effect, but frankly I can’t remember exactly why). However, Ahasuerus, influenced by his villainous counselor, almost ordered war on the Jews. To save her people, Esther revealed her identity as a Jew, putting herself at risk, and pleaded with Ahasuerus to call off the war, which he did.

Anyway, I very much liked Vashti and Esther’s characterization in the books, for different reasons. Vashti I liked because she began as a pawn: naive, carefree, wanting for nothing, and then she began to realize that she was being used. Her story in Game of Queens is about moving past and growing from the manipulated, unthinking child she was into a competent and intelligent manipulator herself. What I find noteworthy, though, is that despite her increasing cunning, she retains her gentle nature, and her kind personality never really changes. Too often have I seen stories where women lose innocence and become cold and hard as they learn to play the political game. And while I enjoy stories like that too, I admit it was very refreshing to see something different.

I liked Esther because she defied the norm of a woman during that era. Esther was a skilled horse rider, and strong and fit physically, not at all delicate. A moment I really, really liked in her story was when her aunt commented that she must be tired after a long journey, and Esther, raised more as her father’s son than her father’s daughter, replied that no, she wasn’t, and that she was very used to traveling much further distances.

Lastly, Vashti and Esther also became friends in Game of Queens, and I very much enjoyed reading the moments of their friendship. There’s no jealousy between them, no pettiness, no catfighting. Just two young women working together and becoming close.

As for the shortcomings, I disliked two things in particular: Amestris, Ahasuerus’ mother, is the classic power-hungry seductress who attempts to manipulate everything from behind the scenes. It’s not that I disliked her in and of herself - she was a very competent, very intelligent woman, but her character is such a stereotype that I felt it detracted from the story. She’s given no real backstory, no real motivation. The other thing I disliked is that Esther fell in love with Ahasuerus at first sight, based only on his handsome looks. For someone as witty, determined, and tough as Esther’s portrayal in Game of Queens, I was disappointed that her falling in love with Ahasuerus was such a swift process with no logical or emotional backdrop.

My dear friend @martaaa1506 also told me that the Wheel of Time series and the Witcher series are very good. I’d actually advise you to check her out for more recommendations, lol. 

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Wed., Mar., 11, 2020

St Sophronios Patriarch of Jerusalem

This Saint was born in Damascus. As a young man he became a monk at the Monastery of Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch in Palestine, where he met John Moschus and became his close friend. Having a common desire to search out ascetics from whom they could receive further spiritual instruction, they journeyed together through Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor, and Egypt, where they met the Patriarch of Alexandria, Saint John the Almsgiver, with whom they remained until 614, when Persians captured Jerusalem (see also Saint Anastasius the Persian, Jan. 22). Saint Sophronius and John Moschus departed Alexandria for Rome, where they remained until 619, the year of John Moschus' death. Saint Sophronius returned to the Monastery of Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch, and there buried the body of his friend. He laboured much in defence of the Holy Fourth Council of Chalcedon, and traveled to Constantinople to remonstrate with Patriarch Sergius and the Emperor Heraclius for changing the Orthodox Faith with their Monothelite teachings. After the death of Patriarch Modestus in December of 634, Sophronius was elected Patriarch of Jerusalem. Although no longer in the hands of the Persians, the Holy Land was now besieged by the armies of the newly-appeared religion of Mohammed, which had already taken Bethlehem; in the Saint's sermon for the Nativity of our Lord in 634, he laments that he could not celebrate the feast in Bethlehem. In 637, for the sins of the people, to the uttermost grief of Saint Sophronius, the Caliph Omar captured Jerusalem. Having tended the flock of his Master for three years and three months, Saint Sophronius departed in peace unto Him Whom he loved on March 11, 638.

Saint Sophronius has left to the Church many writings, including the life of Saint Mary of Egypt. The hymn "O Joyous Light," which is wrongly ascribed to him, is more ancient than Saint Basil the Great, as the Saint himself confirms in his work "On the Holy Spirit" (ch. 29). However, it seems that this hymn, which was chanted at the lighting of the lamps and was formerly called "The Triadic Hymn," was later supplemented somewhat by Saint Sophronius, bringing it into the form in which we now have it. Hence, some have ascribed it to him. Sources Greek Orthodox Archidiocese of America (GOARCH)

Genesis 4:16-26 NKJV

The Family of Cain

16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of [a]Nod on the east of Eden. 17 And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son—Enoch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech.

19 Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. 20 And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and [b]flute. 22 And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah.

23 Then Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech! For I have [c]killed a man for wounding me, Even a young man [d]for hurting me. 24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”

A New Son

25 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him [e]Seth, “For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed.” 26 And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him [f]Enosh. Then menbegan to call on the name of the Lord.

Footnotes:

Genesis 4:16 Lit. Wandering

Genesis 4:21 pipe

Genesis 4:23 slain a man for my wound

Genesis 4:23 for my hurt

Genesis 4:25 Lit. Appointed

Genesis 4:26 Gr. Enos, Luke 3:38

Proverbs 5:15, 6:3 NKJV

15 Drink water from your own cistern, And running water from your own well. 16 Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, [a]Streams of water in the streets? 17 Let them be only your own, And not for strangers with you. 18 Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth. 19 As a loving deer and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; And always be [b]enraptured with her love. 20 For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, And be embraced in the arms of a seductress?

21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, And He [c]ponders all his paths. 22 His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, And he is caught in the cords of his sin. 23 He shall die for lack of instruction, And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

Footnotes:

Proverbs 5:16 Channels

Proverbs 5:19 Lit. intoxicated

Proverbs 5:21 observes, lit. weighs

6:3 So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend.

New King James Version(NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. Source: Biblegateway.com