THEATRE OF THE NO, Athens' first English theatre, presents KAFKA’S thought-provoking short story "REPORT TO AN ACADEMY", adapted by the acclaimed German theatre director Gabriele Jakobi, marking the 100th anniversary of the great author's death. This international theatrical performance, featuring the dynamic actor-director Robert McNamara, is coming from Washington for a limited engagement of just four performances on September 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 11th.



This provocative drama, serves as a reversal of Kafka’s “Metamorphosis,” exploring the transformation of an animal into a man. It breathes life into Kafka's dark parable, compelling audiences to reflect on critical issues surrounding free will, animal rights, and the ethics of vegetarianism.



The play centers on an intelligent ape named “Red Peter”, who was captured in a West Africa hunting expedition and sent to Europe on a ship. To effect his survival, Peter learns to mimic and imitate the ship’s crew from his cage. By evolving to behave like a human, he devises an escape. Ultimately, he presents his fascinating tale of transformation and the horrid details of his former ape life to a scientific Academy.



BIO — Robert McNamara ("Red Peter")

Robert McNamara is a seasoned actor and director with a distinguished career spanning theatre, film, and television since the early 1970s. A native of Washington, DC, he earned his B.A. from Georgetown University and an M. Litt. from Trinity College Dublin, where he founded the Dublin Stage One Theatre Company.

His notable performances include roles such as Kenneth in The Ginger Man, Ulysses in The Caveman Cometh, and Agamemnon in Agamemnon, which he also directed. McNamara's film credits include The Messenger, America’s Most Wanted, and the cult classic The Exorcist. He currently serves as the Artistic Director of Scena Theatre in Washington, DC, where he directs innovative productions and tours extensively in Europe.

About THEATRE OF THE NO: Theatre of the NO is Athens' first English theatre, which opened its doors on April 18, 2024, with Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot." The theatre established itself as a hub for artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and dialogue within the local and global community. With a diverse repertoire that includes classic and contemporary plays, poetry, experimental theatre, opera, live music, and stand-up comedy. Theatre of the NO strives to challenge and inspire its audience, creating transformative experiences.

Performance Details

Αdaption – Direction: Gabriele Jakobi
Cast: Robert McNamara
Marketing Communications Agency: deancreative.com
Communication and Public Relations: Eleftheria Sakareli
Production: FAIL BETTER PRODUCTIONS

PERFORMANCE DATES

Tuesday 3nd and Wednesday 4th September at 20.00
Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th September at 20.00
Duration: 55’
Tickets: 15€

(20 tickets at the special price of €5 available at the theatre's box office. Required arrival by 19:00).

Traveling Romanian comedian Victor Patrascan will perform in Greece this September!

The international comedian Victor Patrascan is set to bring his unique brand of humor to Greece this autumn. Often referred to as ‘the Comedy Nomad’, Victor is known among his comedy peers for organizing the biggest self-produced tour of Europe and beyond.

With no place to call home, Victor practically lives on the road touring constantly. For the past four years, he performed in about 50 countries, bringing laughter to audiences with his clever observations and engaging storytelling.

Victor will bring 2 entirely different shows to Greece: ‘Failing in Love’ where he will touch on subjects like love, relationships, identity and gender and ‘Stand up Comedy in Broken English’ where Victor sharply skews ideas of nationality, hatred, race, religion and stereotypes.

Victor weaves his unique experience as a vagabond into his performances. Audiences are invited to see themselves reflected in the eyes of a performer who has uprooted himself from his national roots. While he jokes about the stereotypes of every nation he has visited, he also highlights how absurd identity can be. Victor will be performing in multiple cities, promising a unique and thought-provoking experience for comedy lovers and dilettantes alike!

4th September • Stand up Comedy in Broken English • Patras at Act Theater

5th September • Failing in Love • Athens at Arch Live Stage

6th September • Stand up Comedy in Broken English • Athens at Arch Live Stage

7th September • Stand up Comedy in Broken English • Thessaloniki at Theatro Amalia

8th September • Failing in Love • Thessaloniki at Theatro Amalia

All the shows will be performed entirely in English!

Summer is the perfect time to slow down and truly unwind. With longer days and warmer weather, it's an ideal season to focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Here are some practical tips to help you achieve genuine rest and relaxation this summer.





1. Create a Relaxing Environment



Your surroundings play a significant role in your ability to relax. Transform your space into a calming retreat by:

Decluttering: A tidy space can lead to a tidy mind. Clear out any unnecessary items and keep your environment organized. Nature Elements: Incorporate plants, flowers, or even seashells into your decor to bring a touch of nature indoors.

Soft Lighting: Use soft, warm lighting, such as candles or fairy lights, to create a soothing atmosphere.

2. Disconnect from Technology



Constant connectivity can be a major source of stress. This summer, make a conscious effort to:

Set Boundaries: Limit your screen time, especially before bed. Designate specific times of the day to check emails and social media.

Digital Detox: Consider a digital detox by spending a day or weekend without electronic devices. Use this time to engage in offline activities.

3. Embrace Outdoor Activities



Summer offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Engaging in outdoor activities can significantly boost your mood and reduce stress:

Beach Days: Spend a day at the beach soaking up the sun, swimming, and building sandcastles.

Nature Walks: Take a walk in the park or a hike in the mountains. Nature has a calming effect that can help you feel more relaxed.

Picnics: Plan a picnic with family or friends. Enjoying good food and company in a natural setting is a perfect way to unwind.

4. Practice Mindfulness & Meditation



Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for relaxation. They help you stay present and reduce anxiety:

Morning Meditation: Start your day with a short meditation session to set a calm tone for the day.

Mindful Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises throughout the day to center yourself and alleviate stress.

5. Indulge in Leisure Activities



Summer is a great time to engage in hobbies and activities that bring you joy:

Reading: Find a cozy spot outdoors and lose yourself in a good book. Gardening: Spend time in your garden planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Gardening is therapeutic and rewarding.

Crafting: Explore creative activities like painting, knitting, or DIY projects.

6. Prioritize Restful Sleep



Quality sleep is essential for relaxation and overall health. Ensure you’re getting enough rest by:

Setting a Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.

Relaxing Before Bed: Establish a pre-sleep routine, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to calming music.

7. Stay Hydrated & Eat Light



Your diet plays a crucial role in how you feel. During summer, focus on:

Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Infuse your water with fruits like lemon, cucumber, or mint for a refreshing twist.

Light Meals: Opt for light, nutritious meals such as salads, smoothies, and grilled vegetables. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can make you feel sluggish.

8. Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones



Connecting with family and friends can be incredibly rejuvenating:

Family Gatherings: Plan barbecues, game nights, or movie nights with loved ones.

Social Activities: Join local summer events, festivals, or community gatherings to meet new people and enjoy shared experiences. 

 

THEATRE OF THE NO, Athens' premier English-speaking theatre, presents a unique double bill featuring two contemporary plays: "Focus Group" by Marco di Stefano and "Resistance in a Time of Peace" by Jibbe Willems.

Under the direction of Chará Lianou, these plays explore both the personal and political, taking the audience on a thought-provoking and poetic journey of discovery and revelation.

Opening on Friday, August 9th, for a limited run through to September 16th.

The show opens with "Resistance in a Time of Peace", a captivating solo piece that follows a woman stranded in her car in an isolated setting, sparking reflections on the course of her life to this point. As she considers an escape from reality, and from the stifling routine of an unfulfilled romantic relationship, she embarks on an inner quest. A powerful monologue about how difficult it is to resist decisions that are in line with the expected course of events.



The closing performance is "Focus Group". The plot centers on Carla, a newcomer excited to lead a focus group in her new, well-paid and secure job. After all, this is just a team doing market research. What could go wrong? For members of this particular focus group, almost everything.



In this controversial and provocative work that explores the relationship between companies and consumers, supply and demand, truth and falsehood, reality and fantasy, the product under evaluation confronts the group members with perhaps the most basic existential question of man. The choice between life and death. A choice that is always pending.

About the Authors

Dutch playwright Jibbe Willems, with a rich background as an actor and director, has showcased his works in countries such as France, Mexico, the USA, and China, and has been distinguished at festivals like Avignon 2022.

Italian playwright Marco di Stefano, founder of the company "La Confraternita del Chianti" has brought to life the international project "Pentateuco" and collaborated with prestigious institutions like the Venice Biennale and the Croatian National Theatre, presenting works in Germany, Spain, and France.



Performance Details:

"FOCUS GROUP"

Text: Marco di Stefano
Adaptation & Direction: Chará Lianou
Cast: Konstantinos Adraktas, Michalis Theodorakis, Anestis Ischnopoulos, Anastasia Bougiaka, Giorgos Chatzikyriakos

"RESISTANCE IN A TIME OF PEACE"

Text: Jibbe Willems
Direction: Chará Lianou
Performance: Marita Tzatzadaki

Movement Direction: Maria Vathi
Costumes: Maria Tsioti
Set Design: Chará Lianou
Lighting Design: Fernanda Balcells
Set Construction: Dimitris Mellos
Poster: Νikos Stavrou Photography
Trailer: Nikos Pagonakis
Communication & Public Relations: Eleftheria Sakareli

Performance Dates:

From August 9th to September 16th
Every Friday to Monday at 20:00
Duration: 90 minutes
Tickets: 15€ Presale

*20 tickets at the special price of €5 available at the theatre's box office (Required arrival by 19:00).

Summer is the perfect time to unwind with your family, and what better way to do that than with a movie night? Whether you’re escaping the heat or having a cozy indoor day, Netflix has a fantastic selection of family-friendly movies that everyone will enjoy. Here are some top picks for movies to watch with your kids this summer, along with their suitable age ranges.

1. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (Rated PG, Ages 8+)

A delightful and heartwarming adventure about a quirky family trying to save the world from a robot apocalypse. Full of humor, action, and important messages about family and technology, this movie is a hit with both kids and adults.

2. The Willoughbys (Rated PG, Ages 8+)

This visually stunning animated film tells the story of four siblings who, feeling neglected by their parents, embark on an adventurous quest to create a new family. With its unique animation style and heartfelt storyline, it’s sure to captivate your family’s imagination.

3. Over the Moon (Rated PG, Ages 6+)

A beautifully animated musical adventure that follows a young girl named Fei Fei, who builds a rocket to travel to the moon in search of a mythical Moon Goddess. This film combines Chinese folklore with a touching story about love and loss, making it both entertaining and educational.

4. Paddington (Rated PG, Ages 6+)

Join the lovable bear Paddington as he navigates life in London with the Brown family. This charming film is full of humor, heart, and important lessons about kindness and acceptance. It's a great choice for a light-hearted family movie night.

5. Ralph Breaks the Internet (Rated PG, Ages 8+)

In this sequel to "Wreck-It Ralph," Ralph and Vanellope venture into the expansive world of the internet to find a replacement part for Vanellope’s video game. This movie is packed with humor, action, and clever references to internet culture that will entertain both kids and adults.

6. The Secret Life of Pets 2 (Rated PG, Ages 6+)

This fun-filled sequel follows the adventures of Max and his pet friends as they explore new adventures and face their fears. It’s a delightful and humorous look at what our pets do when we’re not around, with plenty of laughs for the whole family.

7. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Rated PG, Ages 8+)

The final installment in the beloved "How to Train Your Dragon" series sees Hiccup and Toothless discover a hidden world of dragons. This epic conclusion is filled with breathtaking animation, emotional moments, and thrilling adventures that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

8. Finding ‘Ohana (Rated PG, Ages 8+)

A modern-day adventure that takes inspiration from classics like "The Goonies," this film follows two siblings from Brooklyn who discover their Hawaiian heritage on a summer trip. Filled with treasure hunts, cultural discoveries, and family bonding, it's a perfect summer movie.

9. The Croods: A New Age (Rated PG, Ages 6+)

Join the prehistoric Crood family as they encounter a more evolved family, the Bettermans. This fun and colorful adventure is filled with laughs, action, and important messages about family and friendship. With these fantastic options, your summer movie nights are sure to be a hit. So grab some popcorn, get comfy, and enjoy these wonderful films with your kids!

Zoe Fitsiou and Milena Kontou delivered an outstanding performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, clinching the bronze medal in the women’s lightweight double sculls on Friday. The event, held at Vaires-sur-Marne, saw the Greek duo finish behind Great Britain, who took gold, and Romania, who secured silver.

This achievement marks Fitsiou and Kontou’s debut at the Olympics, contributing to Greece’s medal count and making it the country’s fourth medal in Paris. It also adds to Greece’s legacy in rowing, representing the sixth Olympic rowing medal in the nation’s history.

Earlier in the competition, Petros Gkaidatzis and Antonios Papakonstantinou also won bronze in the men’s lightweight double sculls. The Greek pair finished behind Ireland, who took gold, and Italy, who earned silver.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

Greek swimmer Apostolos Christou made history on Thursday by winning the silver medal in the men's 200m backstroke at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Christou’s remarkable performance set a new national record with a time of 1:54.82, securing Greece’s first Olympic medal in pool swimming in 128 years.

Christou’s silver marks a monumental achievement for Greece, as the previous seven swimming medals were all earned at the 1896 Athens Olympic Games. The most recent honor before Christou's victory was an open water silver medal by Spyridon Gianniotis at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

A Stellar 2024 for Christou

The 27-year-old swimmer has had an impressive year. His journey began with a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke at the Doha World Championships in February. He continued to shine at the European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade, where he clinched gold in both the 50m and 100m backstroke events and contributed to the Greek men's 4x100m freestyle relay team, which won bronze.

A Historic Day

Christou dedicated his silver medal to his family, calling Thursday the best day of his life. His performance not only brought pride to Greece but also highlighted his remarkable talent and determination.

Greece's Success in Paris

Christou’s achievement follows another significant win for Greece at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. On Wednesday, July 31st, judoka Thodoris Tselidis secured a bronze medal in the men’s -90kg weight class, earning Greece its first medal of the Games.

Final Standings in the 200m Backstroke

Gold: Hubert Kos (Hungary) – 1:54.26
Silver: Apostolos Christou (Greece) – 1:54.82
Bronze: Roman Mityukov (Switzerland) – 1:54.85

Apostolos Christou’s silver medal is a historic milestone for Greek swimming, marking a triumphant return to the Olympic podium after more than a century.

Podcasts have become an integral part of our daily lives, offering a wealth of knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Whether you're a history buff, a true crime aficionado, someone looking to improve your well-being, or even if you just want to improve your Greek, there’s a Greek podcast out there for you.

Here are some of the best Greek podcasts you should tune into right now!

Archaeostoryteller



Hosted by Theodoros Papakostas, Archaeostoryteller delves into why archaeology is the most enjoyable science. Papakostas brings the ancient world to life, showing how it can move us, frighten us, entertain us, and make us proud of our ancestors when they excelled, and of ourselves when we do better. He passionately explains that the past is an intrinsic part of us, awakening something within us when we come to know it.

Episodes We Loved:

Thousands of visitors gathered for the 13th year at the top celebration of the country’s biggest mountain trail running event, Zagori Mountain Running, held in Zagorochoria on July 19-21, 2024, with starting and finishing points in the village of Tsepelovo. The stone-built villages, traditional bridges, and unique attractions of Epirus, such as the Vikos Gorge, Vradeto Steps, Voidomatis River, Aoos Gorge, the imposing peaks of the Tymfi mountain range, the impressive Dragon Lake, and the protected natural wealth area of the Vikos-Aoos National Park, along with the rich biodiversity and excellent weather conditions, made the perfect setting for the biggest mountain running event in Greece.

More than 2,800 athletes, from 3 to 79 years old, and more than 11,000 visitors, visited Zagori for the three-day event, in a place included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, to experience this great festival of mountain sports tourism, share authentic experiences, and create memories in the place beyond the mountain. Athletes from 35 countries and 4 continents participated, including United States of America, Canada, Argentina, Colombia, China, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Poland, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, North Macedonia, Cyprus, and Greece.

Nearly all participants remained in the area for a minimum of three days, further promoting the Epirus Region and Municipality of Zagori tourism and boosting the local economy and businesses.

The official opening of Zagori Mountain Running 2024 took place on Friday, July 19, featuring a welcome and race presentation by the organizing committee, Mara Kalogirou, Vassilis Tzoumakas, and Alexandros Kalogirou. As part of this year’s event, the collectible bracelet of Zagori Mountain Running 2024 was presented, supporting the Bone Marrow Donor Center of the University of Patras (KEDMOP) – “Give Life” covering all costs for the laboratory analysis and storage of samples collected during the race days by the volunteer team “Dream Team – Give Life”.

Competition in the Place Beyond the Mountain

On Saturday, July 20, the TeRA race (60km) started, with a length of 60 kilometers and a positive elevation gain of nearly 4,000 meters. On the same day, the Half Marathon (21km) also started, featuring a unique route that crosses four traditional villages and bridges, including Hatsiou, Kokkori, and Tritoxo. 2 On Saturday afternoon, Tsepelovo was filled with smiles as over 400 children participated in the beloved race for the young friends, ZAGORAKI, supported by ZAGORI Natural Mineral Water. The first race day concluded with the Fun race (5km), which took place around the village of Tsepelovo, on a moderately challenging route with +240 meters of positive elevation, ideal for all those who wished to start mountain running.

On Sunday, July 21, the Zagori Classic Race (33km) started. A new stunning 33- kilometer route with a positive elevation gain of 2,100 meters, passing through 7 villages of Zagori, offering participants an incredible opportunity to discover their limits and enjoy the beauty of the mountain landscape. The Forest race (10km) followed. One of the most beautiful races of Zagori Mountain Running, which took place in a unique forest landscape. The Challenge race (60+33km) was the innovation of this year’s event, giving participants the opportunity to run both the TeRA (60km) and the Zagori Classic Race (33km), running two races back-to-back in 2 days.

In the TeRA 60km race, in men’s category, Dimitris Seletis finished first with a course record, Dimitris Eleftheriou was second, and Theodoros Zisis third. In the women’s category, Maria Xanthou finished first, Nikoletta Tzavara was second, and Lemonia Panagiotou third.

See all temporary results of the TeRA 60km here.

In the new Zagori Classic Race (33km), in men’s category, Vasilis Balamotis finished first, Theodoros Ziakkas second, and Georgios Natsiopoulos third. In the women’s category, Fotini Meidani finished first, Marianna Barouti second, and Georgia Kanouta third.

See all temporary results of the Zagori Classic Race (33km) here.

In the new Challenge (60+33km) race, in men’s category, George Dimoulas was the winner, Christos Sakkas was second, and Nikos Rodopoulos third. In the women’s category, Lemonia Panagiotou took the first place, followed by Christina Chanou in the second place, and Fotini Theochadari in the third place.

See all temporary results of the Challenge (60+33km) here.

In the Half Marathon (21km) race, in men’s category, Giorgos Stamoulis finished first with a course record, Nikos Ponireas was second, and Emmanouil Pourikas third. In the women’s category, Isabella Kotsacheili finished first with a course record, followed by Lamprini Liouta in the second place, and Theriani Tsiati in the third place.

See all temporary results of the Half Marathon (21km) here.

In the Forest (10km) race, in men’s category, Giorgos Stamoulis finished first again with a course record, Stavros Gkinis was second, and Charalambos Delis third. In the women’s category, Chrysoula Vlissarouli and Pauline Bec finished first together, with Zoe Andrikopoulou finishing in the third place.

See all temporary results of the Forest (10km) here.

In the new Fun (5km) race, in men’s category, Nick Lampropoulos finished first, Orestis Papagiannis second, and Athanasios Zemadanis third. In the women’s category, Chrysoula Antonopoulou finished first, Melina Pargana second, and Maria Kazakou third.

See all temporary results of the Fun (5km) here.

ZAGORI Natural Mineral Water supported this year’s Zagori Mountain Running as the Grand Sponsor, providing essential hydration and refreshment to all athletes, and also served as the Title Sponsor of the children’s race ZAGORAKI. ZAGORI could not be absent from this event given the company’s unwavering commitment to promoting sports and fair play, alongside the healthy diet it serves with its high-quality products. In this place, “beyond the mountain”, water is known as ZAGORI.

Once again, the top outdoor clothing and equipment company, The North Face, supported the 13 th Zagori Mountain Running as a Grand Sponsor. The North Face team supported the efforts of all runners at the special cheer-up areas, encouraging them every step of the way, while athletes who completed the TeRA and Classic Race 33km received unique finisher gifts from the company, reminding them of the strength, persistence, passion, and challenges they successfully overcame. Visitors admired and tried out the VECTIV Summit Pro series at The North Face booth, while the young explorers safely enjoyed the climbing wall of The North Face.

The Fifth Element company was once again a Grand Sponsor of Zagori Mountain Running, offering cash prizes and gift vouchers to athletes. The Fifth Element store, known for its dedication to high-quality sports and outdoor gear, played an active role this year in supporting environmental conservation. They contributed to the protection of nature and respect for the environment by backing the efforts of the Vikos–Aoos National Park. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this year's collectible Buff® for Zagori Mountain Running 2024, which celebrates the seven most iconic peaks of Mount Tymfi, will be allocated to this cause.

In the context of this year’s Zagori Mountain Running, the owner of My Adventure and Fifth Element and race organizer, Mr. Vassilis Tzoumakas, stated: “We are happy and proud that for the 13th year we managed to organize the biggest mountain running race in Greece with absolute safety and respect for the environment, achieving record participation with over 2,800 runners. Athletes from 35 countries experienced unique moments and boosted tourism and the economy of this area. We sincerely thank all our sponsors for their support, the Epirus Region and the Municipality of Zagori for standing by us from the beginning, all partners who helped in the implementation, and of course, the volunteers who are an integral part of this mountain running celebration”.

During the event, the Melissa Pasta Parties held at Tsepelovo High School provided the necessary energy and helped the recovery of the TeRA and 33km athletes with the support of Melissa pasta.

This year’s winner prizes were handmade sculptures made of plaster and resin, created by Christina Sotiropoulou under the supervision of Mr. Ioannis Kokkalis, Assistant Professor of the School of Fine Arts of Ioannina, produced at the Sculpture Workshop of the School of Fine Arts of the University of Ioannina.

ZAGORI Natural Mineral Water, The North Face, and Fifth Element Adventure Store were the event’s Grand Sponsors.

JEEP AUTOLINEA Ioannina was the Mobility Sponsor.

Neversecond, Melissa, NOMAD Premium Greek Honey, Costa Coffee, Dole, PINDOS, Gold Nutrition, Green Cola, Igloo, RACE FACTORY, Agrino, Neubria, APU, Polo, Buff, Desocks, Yfantis, Dodoni, Sportbook Publications, Bliz, and Ostracon were the event’s Official Supporters.

Zagori Mountain Running was organized by My Adventure in collaboration with the Region of Epirus and the Municipality of Zagori.

Northern Pindos National Park and the Vikos-Aoos Geopark were the event’s Institutional Supporters.

The smooth implementation of the event was significantly aided by the support of the Volunteer Samaritan Corps of the Ioannina Branch of the Hellenic Red Cross, the Cultural Association of Tsepelovo “Anastasios Tsouflis”, and all the volunteers who assisted during the races on the routes, at the feed stations, and the finish line.

#zagorirace2024 #zagorimountainrunning #zmr2024 #tymfissevensummits #theplacebeyondthemountain

 

In "Alexander: the Making of a God" (now on Netflix), we get to see some discoveries from Dr. Calliope Limneos-Papapakosta's excavation at Alexandria. Would Alexander's tomb be the greatest archaeological discovery?

Yes – and No. Yes, because it’s been sought for so long, speculated over so hard, and there’s a powerful mystique surrounding royal tombs (think – the Pyramids, the tomb of the first Chinese emperor, or … the Tombs of the Macedonian royals at Aigai, on which more below …). No, because I – like most sober, non-partisan observers and analysts – believe it’s been lost forever beneath the sea-waves that have long ago submerged the entire Royal Quarter of ancient Alexandria in Egypt.

Can we get our heads around the notion that Alexander had two fathers -- dual descent?

Olympias certainly did want everyone to believe that her firstborn son’s conception had something of the divine about it – though whether she fingered Zeus or an Egyptian-Greek variant of him, Ammon, is unclear. In another sense, regardless of what tale (myth) of his conception Olympias had put about, everyone would have accepted that Alexander as son of Philip II was at least descended from, even if not actually sired by, Zeus. This was because all Macedonian royals were considered to be lineally descended from Heracles, and Heracles was – in myth – sired by the greatest Olympian divinity of them all, Zeus.

Did Alexander believe that Artemis was present at his birth?

Artemis was indeed for all Greeks a goddess of childbirth – but she had no special Macedonian, let alone royal-Macedonian connections. Alexander’s Epirote mother much preferred Dionysus - and his house speciality of fermented grape-juice and associated ecstatic orgiastic rituals - to Artemis the perpetual virgin of the wild margins.

Murder at a Wedding

Why did Alexander have a falling out with his father, Philip?

Alexander too found the volatile, controlling Philip at best difficult, at worst impossible. So great had been his own estrangement, not too long before 336, that he had even gone into more or less involuntary temporary exile abroad. The issues between them were essentially personal, questions of power rather than of foreign policy objectives on which they were basically agreed.

And do you think it likely that Alexander and Olympias had a hand in Philip's murder?

I do think it very likely that Olympias had a hand in arranging Philip’s assassination – for, had Philip not been assassinated in 336, Philip and not Alexander would have led the planned Persian expedition that made Alexander’s name. Alexander would have been left behind at the Macedonian capital, Pella, to serve as Regent, a role he had performed (and exploited for personal advantage) already when only a teenager. By 336, Olympias had long ago fallen out with and been estranged from her husband. Over her son, however, she continued to exercise a powerful both attraction and domination. (He ‘joked’ that she charged him a high rent for the nine months she’d housed him in her womb.)

Tombs

Did Olympias' tomb or the tombs of Alexander's Persian wives ever get discovered?

Alexander’s mother Olympias was buried in Pydna, northern Greece – no question: written and documentary sources are agreed. But does the Tomb of Korinos house her tomb, as has been alleged? The jury is still out on that.

Alexander’s wives: he had three, simultaneously, all of them Iranian. The graves of none of them have been located.

What is Philip II's tomb like?

Only for Philip II (assassinated at Aigai in 336 BCE) has a seriously good case been made that his actual tomb has been located. Unfortunately, dispute continues over which of the earliest two of the three tombs excavated underneath the massive Aigai tumulus was his: was it Tomb I or II? Since II is more magnificent than I, in terms of its offerings, many have wanted it to be his, but there are legitimate doubts of a both chronological and osteological nature, suggesting that it is in fact that of Philip III Arrhidaeus, Alexander’s mentally impaired half-brother: Philip III of Macedon.

That would leave Tomb I for Philip II. One of its most famous features is an interior fresco depicting the abduction of Persephone (daughter of goddess Demeter) by Hades, eponymous ruler of the subterranean kingdom of the shades. (Tomb III is agreed to be that of Alexander IV, the ill-fated posthumous son of Alexander with his first wife, Rhoxane of (central Asian) Bactria or Sogdia.)

Alexander’s Death & Body Snatching

What caused Alexander’s Death?

How – or of what – Alexander died is one of history’s great mysteries. At one level, the question is binary: was it natural causes – or murder? If the former, what disease was it exactly that did for him at the tender age of nearly 33? If the latter, who – most – wanted him dead?

My historian’s instinct suggests that it was the unexpectedness, suddenness and prematurity of Alexander’s death, added to the king’s own known fears of assassination (but by force not poison), that gave rise to conspiracy theories of suspicious death – presumably by poisoning. More likely, in my view, is that he succumbed to some disease, his bodily resistance already fatally weakened due to a combination of near-death illnesses, grave war-wounds – and excessive alcohol consumption.

How and why did Alexander’s body get snatched?

As for how his – mummified – body ended up being buried in Egypt, first in Memphis, then at last in the new Egyptian capital he had founded, Alexandria, the story’s a bit complicated. Here are the headlines. Mummified in June 323 in Babylon, the corpse was somehow preserved there in southern Iraq until 321 when it was included in a grand cortege designed to transport it back to mainland Greece, for glorious reburial in the royal graveyard at Aigai (today’s Vergina). But near Damascus the caravan was intercepted, and the corpse hijacked, on the orders of Ptolemy son of Lagos, a Macedonian with whom Alexander had grown up and been educated, and whom Alexander had promoted to the highest status possible among his intimate Companions, that of one of his seven special Bodyguards.

Pharaohs: Alexander, Ptolemy, Cleopatra

Like the other Successors, Ptolemy had huge ambitions?

Under the immediate post-mortem carve-up of Alexander’s empire, Ptolemy became viceroy (satrap) of the vital province of Egypt. But he harboured grander ambitions: to emulate Alexander as Egyptian Pharaoh, even though he hadn’t a drop of royal blood in his veins. The capture of Alexander’s corpse as a talisman in 321 – and grandiose reburial in a specially built Mausoleum at Alexandria (the clue’s in the name) - were an earnest of his future intentions, realised in 305 BCE. Whence the ‘Ptolemaic’ ‘royal’ dynasty, culminating in the reign and suicide in 30 BCE of Cleopatra VII.

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Richard Marranca is an author who teaches ancient world, myth, and religion at Montclair State University. He writes for various print and digital publications, and his upcoming book, "Speaking of the Dead: Mummies & Mysteries of Egypt," will be published by Blydyn Square Books. Richard has had the honor of receiving a Fulbright to teach at LMU Munich and spent a semester in Athens during his doctoral studies at New York University. In his career, Richard has had the privilege of interviewing esteemed classicist Paul Cartledge on topics ranging from Alexander the Great to Greek philosophy.