Reading a random paragraph in Plutarch’s Life of Alexander, we could easily picture the king solemnly entering the Throne Room of his imaginary Palace on the way to his birthday party.
“He put on his helmet, but the rest of his armor he had on as he came from his tent, namely, a vest of Sicilian make girt about him, and over this a breastplate of two-ply linen from the spoils taken at Ipsus. His helmet was of iron, but gleamed like polished silver, a work of Theophilus; and there was fitted to this a gorget, likewise of iron, set with precious stones. He had a sword, too, of astonishing temper and lightness, a gift from the king of the Citieans,... He wore a belt also, which was too elaborate for the rest of his armor; for it was a work of Helicon the ancient, and a mark of honor from the city of Rhodes, which had given it to him”.
Well, the event is much less romantic. Plutarch’s description fits Alexander as he is leaving his tent
before the
Dressed to impress!
Happy birthday, Alexander!
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