11-25-2003, 02:52 AM
Quote:</em></strong><hr>Alexander executed the descendants of Greeks who fought for Persia when he encountered these unfortunous people as far away as Central Asia.<hr><br>
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[url=http://www.mpt.org/programsinterests/mpt/alexander/journey/episode_3/arac_alex.html" target="top]The Massacre of the Branchidae:[/url]<em>As Alexander's men moved north into the interior of Sogdia pursuing the Persian general Bessus, they came upon a small walled town. Much to their surprise, they were greeted by townspeople who spoke Greek. The residents identified themselves as descendants of the Branchidae, the family of priests who were the guardians of the famous oracle at Didyma. But Alexander must have known their true story. The Branchidae were banished there because they had handed their sacred temple over to invading Persians in exchange for their safety.<br>
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The unarmed Branchidae welcomed Alexander, and immediately surrendered their city to him, holding olive branches out so his men could see their intentions. But peace was not in Alexander's mind. His phlanxes had already surrounded the city. At his signal they attacked, killing every man, woman, and child there. They destroyed the city as well, even tearing up the foundations of buildings so that not a trace of the city remained.<br>
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In his official report, Callisthenes rewrote history, labeling the incident an act of revenge for Xerxes' defilement of the temple at Didyma. His audience could understand and sympathize. The Branchidae deserved their fate. The utter savagery of Alexander's troops could be excused.</em><br>
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[url=http://www.mpt.org/programsinterests/mpt/alexander/journey/episode_3/arac_alex.html" target="top]The Massacre of the Branchidae:[/url]<em>As Alexander's men moved north into the interior of Sogdia pursuing the Persian general Bessus, they came upon a small walled town. Much to their surprise, they were greeted by townspeople who spoke Greek. The residents identified themselves as descendants of the Branchidae, the family of priests who were the guardians of the famous oracle at Didyma. But Alexander must have known their true story. The Branchidae were banished there because they had handed their sacred temple over to invading Persians in exchange for their safety.<br>
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The unarmed Branchidae welcomed Alexander, and immediately surrendered their city to him, holding olive branches out so his men could see their intentions. But peace was not in Alexander's mind. His phlanxes had already surrounded the city. At his signal they attacked, killing every man, woman, and child there. They destroyed the city as well, even tearing up the foundations of buildings so that not a trace of the city remained.<br>
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In his official report, Callisthenes rewrote history, labeling the incident an act of revenge for Xerxes' defilement of the temple at Didyma. His audience could understand and sympathize. The Branchidae deserved their fate. The utter savagery of Alexander's troops could be excused.</em><br>
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