#alexanders

[pop-art-sixties-seventies]

Elles ne marchent pas, elles glissent. Leur jupe scooter est une révolte textile. Ni longue pour servir, ni courte pour plaire — juste assez pour foutre en l’air les conventions et danser dessus. Elles sont trois, elles sont mille, elles sont groove. Et pendant que les garçons s’ennuient dans leur costume trois-pièces, elles inventent demain avec des plis et des couleurs criardes.

[whencyclopedia]

Alexander's Siege of Tyre, 332 BCE

After defeating Darius III at the battle of Issus in November 333 BCE, Alexander marched his army (about 35,000-40,000 strong) into Phoenicia, where he received the capitulation of Byblus and Sidon. Tyrian envoys met with Alexander whilst he was on the march, declaring their intent to honour his wishes.

Causes of the Siege

Alexander's request was simple: he wished to sacrifice to Heracles in Tyre. (The Phoenician god Melqart was roughly the equivalent of the Greek Heracles.) The Tyrian's recognised this as a Macedonian ploy to occupy the city and refused, saying instead that Alexander was welcome to sacrifice to Heracles in old Tyre, which was built upon the mainland. Old Tyre held no strategic importance - it was undefended and the Tyrian navy was stationed in the harbours of new Tyre.

The Tyrian refusal to capitulate to Alexander's wishes was tantamount to a declaration of war. But, despite the youthful Alexander's growing reputation, the Tyrians had every reason to be confident. In addition to a powerful navy and mercenary army, their city lay roughly half a mile (0.8 km) offshore, and, according to the account of the historian Arrian, the walls facing the landward side towered to an impressive 150 ft (46m) in height. Whether they actually stood that high is doubtful and open to debate, but even so, the defences of Tyre were formidable and had withstood a number of mighty sieges in the past. The Tyrians began their preparations and evacuated most of the women and children to their colony at Carthage, leaving behind perhaps 40,000 people. Carthage also promised to send more ships and soldiers.

Alexander was aware of Tyre's supposed impregnability and convened a council of war, explaining to his generals the vital importance of securing all Phoenician cities before advancing on Egypt. Tyre was a stronghold for the Persian fleet and could not be left behind to threaten Alexander's rear. In a last-ditch attempt to prevent a long and exhaustive siege, he despatched heralds to Tyre demanding their surrender, but the Macedonian's were executed and their bodies hurled into the sea.

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[periodically80s]

[jillraggett]

Plant of the Day

Thursday 21 March 2024

The biennial Smyrnium olusatrum (alexanders) originates in the Mediterranean meaning that it thrives close to the south coast of Britain. It is a rather invasive, edible, flowering plant known for its rapid growth.

Jill Raggett

[blogbirdfeather]

Alexanders - Salsa-de-cavalo (Smyrnium olusatrum)

Cruz Quebrada/Portugal (17/03/2025)

[Nikon D7100; AF 105mm Micro-Nikkor F2,8 with Raynox Macroscopic Lens M-250]

[dansnaturepictures]

19/03/2024-Radipole Lake and Portland

Photos taken in this set are of; views at both on a blustery day, beautiful Purple Sandpipers at Portland it was a pleasure to see this stunning group of birds my first of the year a precious species, Great Black-backed Gull at Portland, bluebells at Radipole perhaps my first of the year and perhaps the earliest I've ever seen this iconic flower in a year, Alexanders and Mute Swan at Radipole, the gorgeous and rustic sight of the Little Owl in the quarry at Portland my first of the year and what an honour to see one here again I love watching this bird, some of my first scurvygrass of the year one of the few flowers braving the headland at Portland Bill and my first cow parsley of the year at Radipole.

I also enjoyed seeing my first Sand Martins - bat like birds flitting through the air it's such a key moment of spring when the hirundines return - and possibly cukooflower of the year at Radipole and my first Razorbills, Shag and Gannet of the year and my first ever yellow field cap mushrooms at Portland as my bird year list soared to 149 the second highest one of my year lists has been at on this date in a year behind last year. Reed Bunting, Mediterranean Gull and Marsh Harrier at Radipole, Rock Pipit and Oystercatcher at Portland and Skylark seen from the car travelling between the two and primroses, bee and turkey tail fungi at Radipole were other highlights on an unforgettable day to bring to end my patch of leave around the weekend. A brilliant and packed few wild days.

[oliverstarkfame]

Connect✉️Alexander

Oli: Pinch me please, the Alexander Skarsgård swiped on me?! Today is the best day. Big fan, I will try to be cool about this. @askcrsgards

[rcannon992]

Alexanders: a 'forgotten vegetable'

[murderbotched]

[cestfromage]

Too Many Plans

Too many plans ruins the life. Is that the saying? I guess I need to think again about what I want the next few years to look like. Do I want to focus on this, or that? Or the other thing? How important is money and where does that come from? How much travel is enough travel? How important is it really to have a significant (That is the weirdest sounding “c”) other in my life? And what time…

[charlesoberonn]

Tell me you know nothing about history without telling me you know nothing about history

[zegalba]

Alexander McQueen "Armor" Handbag AW07

[fuckonami]

Security Units have morning routines too.

[girlnephew]

[blogbirdfeather]

Hoverfly on Alexanders - Mosca-das-flores sobre salsa-de-cavalo (Smyrnium olusatrum)

Cruz Quebrada/Portugal (10/02/2024)

[Nikon Coolpix P900; 200mm; 1/320s; F6,3; 100 ISO]