#poliorcetic

[jeannereames]

hello!!! Dr. Reamen, I wanted to ask, did the Ptolemies know that Alexander was not related to them or did they really believe their own propaganda about being descendants of ATG?

Just a quick clarification: the claim was that Ptolemy I Soter was the bastard son of Philip, so they weren't descendants directly of Alexander, but of Alexander's father, making them Argeads. The person who made the claim was almost certainly Ptolemy's creepy son Ptolemy Keraunos,* who nobody liked much. He kept flitting between Diadochi courts when he'd outworn his welcome, assassinated someone, or conspired to assassinate someone. Ptolemy himself replaced him as heir with his younger brother, which started his perambulations, looking for support.

This claim also seems to have been made after Ptolemy I's death (contra Tarn). Ptolemy Keraunos made it because he was (briefly) king of Macedon. This was after Kassandros died (another liked-by-nobody figure who's father also passed him over), and his sons killed each other until Demetrios Poliorketes killed the last one. After Demetrios died, things in Macedon went wiggy (or maybe wiggy-er), which is when Ptolemy Keraunos took over before being killed in battle with invading Gauls. Antigonos Gonatos finally stabilized Macedon and instituted the Antigonid dynasty, which lasted.

Yet if Ptolemy Keraunos was making a bid to be king of Macedon, you can see why being the grandson of ol' Phil would be quite useful. Yes, it gives the Ptolemies a connection to Alexander, but it's really the connection to PHILIP, who was much more popular back home in Macedon, that Ptolemy Keraunos wanted.

Did later Ptolemies believe it? Possibly. Certainly the further they got from its origin, the more likely they probably were to accept it without squinting too hard...or recognizing the timing problems. (Philip would have had to be really young when he fathered Ptolemy.**)

There was a long-standing tradition in Greece of divine descent for kings. The Argeads themselves claimed it to Zeus via Herakles. Having a connection to the divine Alexander would have been right in line with that.

------------

See N. L. Collins "The Various Fathers of Ptolemy I," Mnemosyne 50.4 (1997) 436-76.

I had a lot of fun with making Ptolemy Philip's son in Dancing with the Lion, and did make sure he was young, but in my author's note at the end, I also state that it's almost certainly false.

[airaglub]

Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus

After repelling Philip, Byzantium had to submit, some years later, to Alexander. It passed through the hands of his successors, Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus ; but on the death of the latter, regained its independence for another hundred years, until the power of Rome invaded the region of Thrace and the Hellespont. In return for the assistance it rendered to the Romans in their wars with Macedon and Antiochus, the senate conferred on Byzantium the status of a ‘ free and confederate city and it was not till the time of the Emperor Vespasian that it lost its privileges and became an ordinary provincial town (73 A.D.).

In the struggle between Septimius Severus and Pescennius Niger for the Roman Empire, Byzantium espoused the cause of the latter; but was taken by Severus, after a three years siege, in 197 A.D., and reduced to ashes. A few years later, however, he rebuilt the city and embellished it with porticoes, magnificent public baths, and part of the Hippodrome or racecourse.

During the civil wars which followed the abdication of Diocletian, the city fortifications were restored, and afforded refuge to Licinius after his defeat by Constantine at Adrianople in 323 A.D. Constantine advanced on Byzantium, and, by means of constructing ramparts and towers as high as those of the city, finally succeeded in taking it.

The acquaintance with the advantages

The acquaintance with the advantages of its position gained in this campaign no doubt decided Constantine in fixing on Byzantium as the site of his new capital daily tours istanbul. It had probably been for some time clear to him that the Empire, once more united under a firm rule, required in its new circumstances a new political centre. The advisability of transferring the seat of government from Borne to a point farther east had been felt long before. The frequent wars against Persia, the repeated revolts of Asiatic nations, the incursions of tke Scythians, troubles at Borne, that old hot-bed of civil war, had already caused Diocletian to fix his residence at Nicomedia (now Ismid); and, indeed, Julius Csesar is said to have thought of transferring the capital to Alexandria Troas (Eski-Istambol), which, from its more central situation, would enable him the easier to keep the conquered nations in subjection. Constantine, however, was also actuated by other than strategic and political motives. The abandonment of Eome marked the establishment of Christianity as the State religion. The new capital was dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and the fact that the ceremony of its inauguration was performed solely by Christian ecclesiastics, and that no pagan temples were allowed to be erected in the new city, emphatically proclaimed the downfall of Paganism.

The new city was begun in 328 A.D. The Emperor himself marked out its boundaries, which included five of the seven hills enumerated on page 1. Setting out on foot, followed by a numerous retinue, and pretending that he was following the directions of a divine guide invisible to all save himself, with his spear he drew on the ground a line that crossed the triangular promontory at a distance of about two miles from the old fortifications. Along this line the new walls were erected, and on the 11th of May 330 A.D. the inaugural festivities were commenced, and lasted forty days.

[lovesbulgaria]

Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus

After repelling Philip, Byzantium had to submit, some years later, to Alexander. It passed through the hands of his successors, Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus ; but on the death of the latter, regained its independence for another hundred years, until the power of Rome invaded the region of Thrace and the Hellespont. In return for the assistance it rendered to the Romans in their wars with Macedon and Antiochus, the senate conferred on Byzantium the status of a ‘ free and confederate city and it was not till the time of the Emperor Vespasian that it lost its privileges and became an ordinary provincial town (73 A.D.).

In the struggle between Septimius Severus and Pescennius Niger for the Roman Empire, Byzantium espoused the cause of the latter; but was taken by Severus, after a three years siege, in 197 A.D., and reduced to ashes. A few years later, however, he rebuilt the city and embellished it with porticoes, magnificent public baths, and part of the Hippodrome or racecourse.

During the civil wars which followed the abdication of Diocletian, the city fortifications were restored, and afforded refuge to Licinius after his defeat by Constantine at Adrianople in 323 A.D. Constantine advanced on Byzantium, and, by means of constructing ramparts and towers as high as those of the city, finally succeeded in taking it.

The acquaintance with the advantages

The acquaintance with the advantages of its position gained in this campaign no doubt decided Constantine in fixing on Byzantium as the site of his new capital daily tours istanbul. It had probably been for some time clear to him that the Empire, once more united under a firm rule, required in its new circumstances a new political centre. The advisability of transferring the seat of government from Borne to a point farther east had been felt long before. The frequent wars against Persia, the repeated revolts of Asiatic nations, the incursions of tke Scythians, troubles at Borne, that old hot-bed of civil war, had already caused Diocletian to fix his residence at Nicomedia (now Ismid); and, indeed, Julius Csesar is said to have thought of transferring the capital to Alexandria Troas (Eski-Istambol), which, from its more central situation, would enable him the easier to keep the conquered nations in subjection. Constantine, however, was also actuated by other than strategic and political motives. The abandonment of Eome marked the establishment of Christianity as the State religion. The new capital was dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and the fact that the ceremony of its inauguration was performed solely by Christian ecclesiastics, and that no pagan temples were allowed to be erected in the new city, emphatically proclaimed the downfall of Paganism.

The new city was begun in 328 A.D. The Emperor himself marked out its boundaries, which included five of the seven hills enumerated on page 1. Setting out on foot, followed by a numerous retinue, and pretending that he was following the directions of a divine guide invisible to all save himself, with his spear he drew on the ground a line that crossed the triangular promontory at a distance of about two miles from the old fortifications. Along this line the new walls were erected, and on the 11th of May 330 A.D. the inaugural festivities were commenced, and lasted forty days.

[bulgariafestivals]

Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus

After repelling Philip, Byzantium had to submit, some years later, to Alexander. It passed through the hands of his successors, Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus ; but on the death of the latter, regained its independence for another hundred years, until the power of Rome invaded the region of Thrace and the Hellespont. In return for the assistance it rendered to the Romans in their wars with Macedon and Antiochus, the senate conferred on Byzantium the status of a ‘ free and confederate city and it was not till the time of the Emperor Vespasian that it lost its privileges and became an ordinary provincial town (73 A.D.).

In the struggle between Septimius Severus and Pescennius Niger for the Roman Empire, Byzantium espoused the cause of the latter; but was taken by Severus, after a three years siege, in 197 A.D., and reduced to ashes. A few years later, however, he rebuilt the city and embellished it with porticoes, magnificent public baths, and part of the Hippodrome or racecourse.

During the civil wars which followed the abdication of Diocletian, the city fortifications were restored, and afforded refuge to Licinius after his defeat by Constantine at Adrianople in 323 A.D. Constantine advanced on Byzantium, and, by means of constructing ramparts and towers as high as those of the city, finally succeeded in taking it.

The acquaintance with the advantages

The acquaintance with the advantages of its position gained in this campaign no doubt decided Constantine in fixing on Byzantium as the site of his new capital daily tours istanbul. It had probably been for some time clear to him that the Empire, once more united under a firm rule, required in its new circumstances a new political centre. The advisability of transferring the seat of government from Borne to a point farther east had been felt long before. The frequent wars against Persia, the repeated revolts of Asiatic nations, the incursions of tke Scythians, troubles at Borne, that old hot-bed of civil war, had already caused Diocletian to fix his residence at Nicomedia (now Ismid); and, indeed, Julius Csesar is said to have thought of transferring the capital to Alexandria Troas (Eski-Istambol), which, from its more central situation, would enable him the easier to keep the conquered nations in subjection. Constantine, however, was also actuated by other than strategic and political motives. The abandonment of Eome marked the establishment of Christianity as the State religion. The new capital was dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and the fact that the ceremony of its inauguration was performed solely by Christian ecclesiastics, and that no pagan temples were allowed to be erected in the new city, emphatically proclaimed the downfall of Paganism.

The new city was begun in 328 A.D. The Emperor himself marked out its boundaries, which included five of the seven hills enumerated on page 1. Setting out on foot, followed by a numerous retinue, and pretending that he was following the directions of a divine guide invisible to all save himself, with his spear he drew on the ground a line that crossed the triangular promontory at a distance of about two miles from the old fortifications. Along this line the new walls were erected, and on the 11th of May 330 A.D. the inaugural festivities were commenced, and lasted forty days.

[bulgariasofia]

Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus

After repelling Philip, Byzantium had to submit, some years later, to Alexander. It passed through the hands of his successors, Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus ; but on the death of the latter, regained its independence for another hundred years, until the power of Rome invaded the region of Thrace and the Hellespont. In return for the assistance it rendered to the Romans in their wars with Macedon and Antiochus, the senate conferred on Byzantium the status of a ‘ free and confederate city and it was not till the time of the Emperor Vespasian that it lost its privileges and became an ordinary provincial town (73 A.D.).

In the struggle between Septimius Severus and Pescennius Niger for the Roman Empire, Byzantium espoused the cause of the latter; but was taken by Severus, after a three years siege, in 197 A.D., and reduced to ashes. A few years later, however, he rebuilt the city and embellished it with porticoes, magnificent public baths, and part of the Hippodrome or racecourse.

During the civil wars which followed the abdication of Diocletian, the city fortifications were restored, and afforded refuge to Licinius after his defeat by Constantine at Adrianople in 323 A.D. Constantine advanced on Byzantium, and, by means of constructing ramparts and towers as high as those of the city, finally succeeded in taking it.

The acquaintance with the advantages

The acquaintance with the advantages of its position gained in this campaign no doubt decided Constantine in fixing on Byzantium as the site of his new capital daily tours istanbul. It had probably been for some time clear to him that the Empire, once more united under a firm rule, required in its new circumstances a new political centre. The advisability of transferring the seat of government from Borne to a point farther east had been felt long before. The frequent wars against Persia, the repeated revolts of Asiatic nations, the incursions of tke Scythians, troubles at Borne, that old hot-bed of civil war, had already caused Diocletian to fix his residence at Nicomedia (now Ismid); and, indeed, Julius Csesar is said to have thought of transferring the capital to Alexandria Troas (Eski-Istambol), which, from its more central situation, would enable him the easier to keep the conquered nations in subjection. Constantine, however, was also actuated by other than strategic and political motives. The abandonment of Eome marked the establishment of Christianity as the State religion. The new capital was dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and the fact that the ceremony of its inauguration was performed solely by Christian ecclesiastics, and that no pagan temples were allowed to be erected in the new city, emphatically proclaimed the downfall of Paganism.

The new city was begun in 328 A.D. The Emperor himself marked out its boundaries, which included five of the seven hills enumerated on page 1. Setting out on foot, followed by a numerous retinue, and pretending that he was following the directions of a divine guide invisible to all save himself, with his spear he drew on the ground a line that crossed the triangular promontory at a distance of about two miles from the old fortifications. Along this line the new walls were erected, and on the 11th of May 330 A.D. the inaugural festivities were commenced, and lasted forty days.

[bulgariatours]

Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus

After repelling Philip, Byzantium had to submit, some years later, to Alexander. It passed through the hands of his successors, Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus ; but on the death of the latter, regained its independence for another hundred years, until the power of Rome invaded the region of Thrace and the Hellespont. In return for the assistance it rendered to the Romans in their wars with Macedon and Antiochus, the senate conferred on Byzantium the status of a ‘ free and confederate city and it was not till the time of the Emperor Vespasian that it lost its privileges and became an ordinary provincial town (73 A.D.).

In the struggle between Septimius Severus and Pescennius Niger for the Roman Empire, Byzantium espoused the cause of the latter; but was taken by Severus, after a three years siege, in 197 A.D., and reduced to ashes. A few years later, however, he rebuilt the city and embellished it with porticoes, magnificent public baths, and part of the Hippodrome or racecourse.

During the civil wars which followed the abdication of Diocletian, the city fortifications were restored, and afforded refuge to Licinius after his defeat by Constantine at Adrianople in 323 A.D. Constantine advanced on Byzantium, and, by means of constructing ramparts and towers as high as those of the city, finally succeeded in taking it.

The acquaintance with the advantages

The acquaintance with the advantages of its position gained in this campaign no doubt decided Constantine in fixing on Byzantium as the site of his new capital daily tours istanbul. It had probably been for some time clear to him that the Empire, once more united under a firm rule, required in its new circumstances a new political centre. The advisability of transferring the seat of government from Borne to a point farther east had been felt long before. The frequent wars against Persia, the repeated revolts of Asiatic nations, the incursions of tke Scythians, troubles at Borne, that old hot-bed of civil war, had already caused Diocletian to fix his residence at Nicomedia (now Ismid); and, indeed, Julius Csesar is said to have thought of transferring the capital to Alexandria Troas (Eski-Istambol), which, from its more central situation, would enable him the easier to keep the conquered nations in subjection. Constantine, however, was also actuated by other than strategic and political motives. The abandonment of Eome marked the establishment of Christianity as the State religion. The new capital was dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and the fact that the ceremony of its inauguration was performed solely by Christian ecclesiastics, and that no pagan temples were allowed to be erected in the new city, emphatically proclaimed the downfall of Paganism.

The new city was begun in 328 A.D. The Emperor himself marked out its boundaries, which included five of the seven hills enumerated on page 1. Setting out on foot, followed by a numerous retinue, and pretending that he was following the directions of a divine guide invisible to all save himself, with his spear he drew on the ground a line that crossed the triangular promontory at a distance of about two miles from the old fortifications. Along this line the new walls were erected, and on the 11th of May 330 A.D. the inaugural festivities were commenced, and lasted forty days.

[bgbisera]

Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus

After repelling Philip, Byzantium had to submit, some years later, to Alexander. It passed through the hands of his successors, Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus ; but on the death of the latter, regained its independence for another hundred years, until the power of Rome invaded the region of Thrace and the Hellespont. In return for the assistance it rendered to the Romans in their wars with Macedon and Antiochus, the senate conferred on Byzantium the status of a ‘ free and confederate city and it was not till the time of the Emperor Vespasian that it lost its privileges and became an ordinary provincial town (73 A.D.).

In the struggle between Septimius Severus and Pescennius Niger for the Roman Empire, Byzantium espoused the cause of the latter; but was taken by Severus, after a three years siege, in 197 A.D., and reduced to ashes. A few years later, however, he rebuilt the city and embellished it with porticoes, magnificent public baths, and part of the Hippodrome or racecourse.

During the civil wars which followed the abdication of Diocletian, the city fortifications were restored, and afforded refuge to Licinius after his defeat by Constantine at Adrianople in 323 A.D. Constantine advanced on Byzantium, and, by means of constructing ramparts and towers as high as those of the city, finally succeeded in taking it.

The acquaintance with the advantages

The acquaintance with the advantages of its position gained in this campaign no doubt decided Constantine in fixing on Byzantium as the site of his new capital daily tours istanbul. It had probably been for some time clear to him that the Empire, once more united under a firm rule, required in its new circumstances a new political centre. The advisability of transferring the seat of government from Borne to a point farther east had been felt long before. The frequent wars against Persia, the repeated revolts of Asiatic nations, the incursions of tke Scythians, troubles at Borne, that old hot-bed of civil war, had already caused Diocletian to fix his residence at Nicomedia (now Ismid); and, indeed, Julius Csesar is said to have thought of transferring the capital to Alexandria Troas (Eski-Istambol), which, from its more central situation, would enable him the easier to keep the conquered nations in subjection. Constantine, however, was also actuated by other than strategic and political motives. The abandonment of Eome marked the establishment of Christianity as the State religion. The new capital was dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and the fact that the ceremony of its inauguration was performed solely by Christian ecclesiastics, and that no pagan temples were allowed to be erected in the new city, emphatically proclaimed the downfall of Paganism.

The new city was begun in 328 A.D. The Emperor himself marked out its boundaries, which included five of the seven hills enumerated on page 1. Setting out on foot, followed by a numerous retinue, and pretending that he was following the directions of a divine guide invisible to all save himself, with his spear he drew on the ground a line that crossed the triangular promontory at a distance of about two miles from the old fortifications. Along this line the new walls were erected, and on the 11th of May 330 A.D. the inaugural festivities were commenced, and lasted forty days.

[bulgaristya]

Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus

After repelling Philip, Byzantium had to submit, some years later, to Alexander. It passed through the hands of his successors, Demetrius Poliorcetes and Lysiinachus ; but on the death of the latter, regained its independence for another hundred years, until the power of Rome invaded the region of Thrace and the Hellespont. In return for the assistance it rendered to the Romans in their wars with Macedon and Antiochus, the senate conferred on Byzantium the status of a ‘ free and confederate city and it was not till the time of the Emperor Vespasian that it lost its privileges and became an ordinary provincial town (73 A.D.).

In the struggle between Septimius Severus and Pescennius Niger for the Roman Empire, Byzantium espoused the cause of the latter; but was taken by Severus, after a three years siege, in 197 A.D., and reduced to ashes. A few years later, however, he rebuilt the city and embellished it with porticoes, magnificent public baths, and part of the Hippodrome or racecourse.

During the civil wars which followed the abdication of Diocletian, the city fortifications were restored, and afforded refuge to Licinius after his defeat by Constantine at Adrianople in 323 A.D. Constantine advanced on Byzantium, and, by means of constructing ramparts and towers as high as those of the city, finally succeeded in taking it.

The acquaintance with the advantages

The acquaintance with the advantages of its position gained in this campaign no doubt decided Constantine in fixing on Byzantium as the site of his new capital daily tours istanbul. It had probably been for some time clear to him that the Empire, once more united under a firm rule, required in its new circumstances a new political centre. The advisability of transferring the seat of government from Borne to a point farther east had been felt long before. The frequent wars against Persia, the repeated revolts of Asiatic nations, the incursions of tke Scythians, troubles at Borne, that old hot-bed of civil war, had already caused Diocletian to fix his residence at Nicomedia (now Ismid); and, indeed, Julius Csesar is said to have thought of transferring the capital to Alexandria Troas (Eski-Istambol), which, from its more central situation, would enable him the easier to keep the conquered nations in subjection. Constantine, however, was also actuated by other than strategic and political motives. The abandonment of Eome marked the establishment of Christianity as the State religion. The new capital was dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and the fact that the ceremony of its inauguration was performed solely by Christian ecclesiastics, and that no pagan temples were allowed to be erected in the new city, emphatically proclaimed the downfall of Paganism.

The new city was begun in 328 A.D. The Emperor himself marked out its boundaries, which included five of the seven hills enumerated on page 1. Setting out on foot, followed by a numerous retinue, and pretending that he was following the directions of a divine guide invisible to all save himself, with his spear he drew on the ground a line that crossed the triangular promontory at a distance of about two miles from the old fortifications. Along this line the new walls were erected, and on the 11th of May 330 A.D. the inaugural festivities were commenced, and lasted forty days.

[mythosphere]

Nothing is funnier to me on this earth tonight than Demetrius I of Macedon being nicknamed Poliorcetes (the Besieger) because he failed to lay siege to Rhodes. That's like if they nicknamed me Complex Fractions.

[hexjulia]

hdhdhd whyyy did plutarch not include her in his Demetrius biography....

"Lanassa could not accept her husband's polygamous lifestyle, and so she left Pyrrhus in 291 BC, went to Corcyra, and offered this island as dowry to Demetrius I Poliorcetes, then king of Macedonia, if he would become her new husband. The courted diadoch came to Corcyra, married Lanassa, and occupied the island.[3]"

What's funny about this wikipedia entry is that Demetrius was ALSO polygamous as well as notorious for his many affairs even outside of that. She was his 4th wife. Polygamy can't possibly have been why she dumped Pyrrhus... hm.

[kaitropoli]

The Colossus of Rhodes

The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of Helios, the Greek sun God, which stood over the Greek island city Rhodes. Notably known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus was erected by Chares of Lindos in c. 282 B.C.E. to celebrate the defeat of Demetrius I Poliorcetes, who had besieged the city for over a year.

Made of bronze, the statue was reported to stand at 70 cubits (105-110ft ; 32-33m) tall--about the same height as the Statue of Liberty, and acting as the tallest statue of the ancient world--and took almost twelve years to construct. Presiding over Mandrákion harbour, it is dated back to 1395 C.E. by the writings of an Italian who visited the island that the statue straddled the harbor (see painting above).

Tragically, around 227-225 B.C.E., an earthquake hit the island of Rhodes, snapping the Colossus at the knees. The collapsed statue was left untouched until 653-654 C.E. when *supposedly* Arabian forces, acting under Mu'awiya I, raided Rhodes. Pieces were said to be sold, totaling more than 900 camel loads.

Reconstruction

Ptolemy III offered to help pay towards the reconstruction of this statue, but the Oracle of Delphi made the people of Rhodes believe that Helios was offended, thus the offer met refusal.

Another reason for reconstruction being refused is due to the seismically unstable location Rhodes found itself belonging to. Having multiple devastating earthquakes cemented the unlikeliness that the statue could withstand existing if built again.

Misconception

The misconception towards the Colossus's stance, particularly from medieval interpretations, was disputed by simple explanations in John Lemprière's Bibliotheca Classica (Classical Dictionary). Lemprière states that construction would have blocked the harbor, and when the statue was finally built, builders would've needed to clean everything from the harbor in order to reopen. Additionally presented, when the Colossus met its dismay, it would have blocked the harbor and been left unseen on land (which we know isn't true considering many stories of Rhodes being a tourist destination just to see the fragments of Helios left scattered).

Furthermore, if you apply physics, you'd understand that the weight met with its legs-wide stance would crumple on its own.

The statue of Rhode's patron God is unknown by appearance besides that it may have curly hair and halo of spiked flame due to engravings on Rhodian coins which pictured Helios. The Colossus's pose is disputed, though historians believe Helios hovering his arm near his eyes to block light, attributing this possibility to a nearby temple's relief which shows the God performing the aforementioned action.

Credits

Beginning Piece:

"Le colosse de Rhodes"

by Louis de Caullery

Oil on Panel Painting, before 1622.

Louvre Museum.

Last Piece:

"Colosse de Rhodes"

by Sidney Barclay

Engraving, circa 1875.

Sources Used:

Art In Context

Britannica

Wikipedia (hey, they have good sources listed, I could've lied about what I read and put all of those here instead).

[richardnixonlibrary]

#OTD 6/9/1972 Competitors in the 1972 Scripps National Spelling Bee visited the White House. Fourteen-year-old Robin Kral of Lamesa, Texas, won the 45th annual student contest the previous day by correctly spelling “macerate.” A few of the 22 words he spelled correctly were occlusion, kibitzer, osteomyelitis, and hussar. Robin (wearing glasses) is shown here in the center of the front row of students.  (Image: WHPO-9334-03)

Congratulations to 14-year-old Dev Shah of Florida who won the 2023 Bee last week! Shah won by correctly spelling “psammophile.” Other words he aced include poliorcetics, aegagrus, and schistorrhachis.  

[whencyclopedfr]

Démétrios Ier Poliorcète

Démétrios Ier de Macédoine, également connu sous le nom de Démétrios Poliorcète, l'"assiégeant" (v. 336 - v. 282 av. J.-C.), était un roi macédonien qui, avec son père Antigone Ier, se battit pour le contrôle de l'empire d'Alexandre le Grand lors des guerres des Diadoques. Après avoir remporté des succès en Grèce centrale et à Chypre, il se forgea une réputation durable de maître planificateur et d'"assiégeant de villes" à la suite du siège de Rhodes qui dura un an. Peut-être parce que ses ressources ne furent jamais à la hauteur de son ambition, Démétrios ne put tenir sa promesse et mourut sans armée ni empire. Il fait l'objet de l'une des biographies des Vies de Plutarque.

Lire la suite...

[bachaille]

i am so bad at poliorcetics...

[delhinewsinenglish]

Indian-American eighth-grader Dev Shah crowned 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion

Dev Shah, a 14-year-old eighth-grader from Florida, who correctly spelled the word "psammophile" has won the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee, a prestigious contest where children of Indian origin have ruled the roost.

Shah correctly spelled the word to win the 95th national bee and the USD 50,000 prize on Thursday.

"It's surreal," Shah said onstage after the confetti fell on his head and he lifted the trophy high above.

"I don't know if it's settled in. My legs are still shaking," he said at the competition in National Harbor, Maryland.

“I made a lot of sacrifices these last three months and I'm glad I made them," Shah said. "I'm glad to now get back what I sacrificed.”

After much anticipation about a possible spell-off, a smiling Shah won by correctly spelling “psammophile,” a plant or animal that thrives in sandy areas, the Washington Post newspaper reported.

“Psammo meaning sand, Greek?” he asked. “Phile, meaning love, Greek?”

Shah instantly identified the roots of his word, but asked for all the information just to be safe, while smiling slightly in a way that suggested he was pretty sure he had it, the New York Times newspaper reported.

Shah cut back on his extracurricular activities to dedicate more time to the dictionary. Some days he would not even go to school, since exams were over. He'd be better off studying, Shah figured. That end-of-year field trip his classmates at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School went on? No thanks.

“I knew I had to study,” Shah said. "It paid off."

Other words that Shah correctly spelled during the competition include: bathypitotmeter, tolsester, rommack, aegagrus, schistorrhachis, poliorcetics, Perioeci, exhortation, cocomat and ardoise.

Source : https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/trending-news/indian-american-eighth-grader-dev-shah-crowned-2023-scripps-national-spelling-bee-champion.html

[whencyclopedes]

Demetrio I de Macedonia

Demetrio I de Macedonia, también conocido como Demetrios Poliorcetes, el "asediador de ciudades" (c. 336 - c. 282 a.C.), fue un rey macedonio que, junto con su padre Antígono I, luchó por el control del imperio de Alejandro Magno en las "Guerras de los Sucesores". Tras triunfar en Grecia central y Chipre, se labró una reputación duradera como maestro planificador y "asediador de ciudades" tras su asedio de Rodas, que duró un año. Demetrio, cuyos recursos nunca estuvieron a la altura de su ambición, no cumplió sus promesas y murió sin ejército ni imperio. Es objeto de una de las biografías de las Vidas de Plutarco.

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