Chapter 90

 

Ad Urbe Condita: It means “Since the foundation of the city” That was how Romans counted the years, from the foundation of Rome.

 

CHAPTER 90

 

To Publius Cornelius Scipio, from Hephaistion son of Amyntor. Hail!

 

I apologize if it took me a while to write to you, but things in Tyre proven to be more difficult than we had expected. As I told you, Alexander ordered to built a mole to reach the island in order to take it without a fleet; for what I heard from my men, the task went without much trouble at first, but as soon as the Tyrians saw that the mole was getting closer to them, they started to take us seriously.

 

While I was with you they attacked the mole and the officers in charge decided to construct towers with artillery to protect the workers. Well, a month ago, the Tyrians attacked again, just that this time they “filled a cattle-boat with dry brushwood and various sorts of timber which would burn well”(1) They waited for the wind direction to change and then set the boat in fire to make it collide with the mole.

 

I don’t have to tell you that this was a disaster. The defensive towers burned like giant pyres and, taking advantage of the commotion, enemy ships attacked the men causing great havoc. Alexander ordered immediately to restart the work but this time, he gave precise instructions that the mole should be broader in order to have space for more defensive towers. 

 

A few days ago, Alexander and I came to Sidon, from where I’m writing to you, to gather as much ships as he can. Yes, I can imagine what are you thinking, that it was kind of obvious that Tyre couldn’t be taken without a fleet. I agree, but as I told you, my King is a little stubborn, though he is not a fool. We have now 120 ships from other Phoenician cities like Byblus and Aradus. Alexander was right, once he told us that “the Phoenician fleet, the predominant element in the sea-power of Persia, would very likely come over to us. The Phoenician seamen, ships’ crews or fighting men, once their towns are in our hands, will hardly endure to face the perils of service at sea for the sake of others”

 

And he was right. The Kings of Byblus and Aradus heard their cities where in our hands, and they left the Persian fleet and rushed to come to us. Even Rhodes, Soli, Mallus and Lycia sent vessels, but the greatest surprise was when 50 oared galleys from Macedonia arrived after successfully dodging Pharnabazus’ blockade; and not only that, now we have 4 thousand Greek mercenaries too.

 

I don’t have to tell you how happy was Alexander with this news, and me of course; it always makes me happy to see my King in a good mood. I imagine that by now you should know that Alexander is my lover, the only one I ever have in my whole life. I’m sorry if I couldn’t tell you in person, but I didn’t knew if I could trust you, I’m sure you will understand. Now Alexander is thinking in going to Mount Antilibanus to deal with the Arab marauders that had been messing with our supply lines since he left; a risky mission but it’s necessary. I’ll write to you later to let you know what happened.  

 

But enough about war. How are you? How did your father take the news of the very expensive slave that gained his freedom by saving your life? I would have liked to see your city, maybe when the campaign is over I would be able to pay you a visit; I will like that. I don’t know how long would take this letter to arrive to Rome, but I hope you can answer me.

 

XXX

 

Hephaistion was standing on the mole, dressed in full armor, his cloak dancing at the wind’s mercy. It was a gray day, and the sky was full with fat clouds ready to pour rain over the helpless mortals on the earth. Again, the weather was terrible and that made the General cursed; so far, Tyre had been safe thanks to the bad weather, he had heard his own men saying that Poseidon was against them, rains, fierce winds, storms, everything had worked against them, but at least they had an advantage now: the fleet. It was cold, but the General didn’t care, he remained where he was watching the Tyrians worked without pause to repair the only wall that had collapse during the last attack.

 

It had been truly a miracle that Alexander managed to assembly such a powerful fleet, outnumbering the Tyrians who had lost their superiority at sea, the only thing that could have saved them for the wrath of the Macedonian lion. Hephaistion surveyed the island, not too far from the wall were the floating towers and rams, Alexander had ordered to construct them in order to counter attack the rain of missiles from the city’s walls. The General smiled, this had been extremely clever for the King’s part.

 

Hephaistion heard another splash. The enemy, in an innocent attempt of maintaining the floating towers far from their walls, threw big blocks of stone and masonry to the water below the walls.

 

They must have destroyed many houses in order to do this –thought the General.

 

The last battle against the Tyrians’ fleet had been 2 days ago and he could still see the remains of wood and some corpses floating over the sea. Alexander’s birthday had been the day before, but they hardly had a celebration, there was still so much work and the King’s mood was terrible. How many engagements did they have against the Tyrian fleet? Not as much as Alexander wanted because the Tyrians didn’t present battle knowing they had everything to lose, but the few times they had fought a naval battle it always ended in the same way, with the Macedonians unable to even approach the walls.

 

Two days ago this same place had been the witness of a ferocious battle, the mole was complete, and the soldiers tried to climb the walls, but the Tyrians had a terrible weapon at their disposal; “they filled a number of huge metal bowls with sand and fine gravel, and then heated this mixture until it was almost incandescent [and] they emptied [the bowls] over any assailant who came within range” (2) Never in his life, Hephaistion had heard screams like the ones produced by the poor souls who suffered under this torment.

 

The incandescent mixture made its way inside breastplates burning the flesh; the smell had been horrible and the wounds…the General closed his eyes, he had seen one of Ptolemy’s men being taken to the infirmary, and in the same moment he saw the man’s wounds he truly hoped he would die soon.  

 

At the end, Alexander had been force to retreat and since the King was not used to retreat or to fail, he was in a terrible mood.

 

But with luck tomorrow would be the last of this extremely long siege –thought the General. He heard steps approaching him, but he didn’t turn until the familiar voice of Achilles called him.

 

- Daddy, what are you doing? –Hephaistion uncrossed his arms and turned to see his son. The boy was wearing a clean chiton, a surprise since he knew how Kleitos used to train him, and was holding something in his hand. Peritas, Alexander’s faithful dog, was behind him, and as soon as the boy stopped, the dog sat down.

 

He is getting old –thought the General a little sad. He liked this dog—Peritas must be 10 years old now.

 

- Daddy?

 

- It’s nothing; I’m just thinking in the upcoming battle –answered the General, taking off his cloak to cover his son. It was cold and the boy fell sick very easy.  

 

- My dad is going to kill everyone in Tyre when he takes the city, isn’t he? –said Achilles, while his father wrapped him. 

 

- Why do you think that?

 

- I heard Ptolemy telling Kleitos that dad is furious because the Tyrians killed his messengers –said the boy.

 

- Yes Aki, Alexander is furious because he sent an embassy to try to solve this conflict using diplomacy, but the Tyrians cut the men’s throats in full view of the army –Hephaistion explained, kneeled in front of his son. He took a moment to see Achilles, brushing aside the locks of his hair. He was a handsome and tall boy, who looked older than he really was; his hair was long now which made them look even more alike, but his uneven eyes were just like Alexander’s, not only in color but in the way they saw the world—What do you think? 

 

- About what? –asked Achilles coughing, and the General rubbed his arms.

 

- About this, do you think is correct to do this? To kill the Tyrians because of the actions of a few men –asked his father.

 

- I think they deserved to be punished –said the boy, sure of each word—They are trapped and they can’t see it, dad gave them an opportunity to save their lives and their city and they failed to recognize that this was their only way out. They are not going to die because of dad, they are going to die because of their wrong decisions. 

 

It took Hephaistion a moment to understand that it was his own son the one who was talking to him. In less than 4 months the boy would be 5 years old, only 5 and he was already talking like a grown up man. 

 

No, he is talking like a true King –thought the General.

 

Hephaistion nodded.

 

- Wise and hard words Aki, but never forget that anyone can talk big, but not anyone can live with the consequences of his actions –he said—What is that? –he pointed at the boy’s hand.

 

- Oh! This is for you –said Achilles, giving him a letter—It arrived today and I asked Kyros to let me give it to you…I haven’t see you in days. 

 

The General smiled and took the letter.

 

- Come, let’s go to the King’s tent, it will be warmer there –he said taking his son by the hand.

 

All the way to Alexander’s tent, Hephaistion kept thinking in Achilles words. The boy was not only intelligent, he, contrary to his uncle, was cold and not hot tempered.

 

I’ll have to pay more attention to him –thought the General—He is a sweet and noble boy but he could easily become a merciless man.

 

Once they arrived at their destination, Hephaistion took a seat near a brazier and sat Achilles down at his side, the boy leaned against him and closed his eyes; he was very tired after that day’s training. The General didn’t recognized the seal on the letter, but as soon as he started to read he knew who had written to him…

 

421 Ab Urbe Condita

 

Hephaistion son of Amyntor,

 

I was greatly surprised when your letter reached me, almost 2 months after you sent it. I appreciate that you took the time to write to me, even more knowing how much work you have because of the siege. As you said, Tyre can only be taken with the aid of a fleet, and I have good news for you.

 

I remember that, when we met, you shared with me your concern of what would happen if Carthage sends it’s fleet to help Tyre. Well, one of my agents told me that a Tyrian embassy arrived at Carthage some months ago; apparently, the Carthaginians who live there asked their hometown for help, but the Carthaginians said that they “did not want to involve Carthage in what might prove a long and expensive war […] Carthage has troubles of her own at home, and would not, therefore, much thought they regretted it, be able to send Tyre any reinforcements”(3)

 

I don’t have to see your face to know you must be smiling. You can rest easy now, my friend, Carthage is not a threat to you.

 

About my father. As I told you, he wasn’t happy knowing that I spent a fortune on a slave that I freed in less than a month; but he is an honorable man and he understood that I had a debt with you, but he forbade me to go again to the slave’s market alone, you can imagine why. I didn’t tell him who you were nor did I mention your King’s presence here; that will always be a secret between us.

 

I met someone who shares my interests, by the way, and no, he is not a slave. He is from a plebeian family, and a very rich one I may add; he is 2 years younger than me and extremely ambitious. His aim is to become a Tribune of the plebs…it’s a political post that only plebeians can hold.  

 

I hope to hear news from you soon, to know how did Tyre finally fall.

 

Publius Cornelius Scipio

 

- Phai –Alexander’s voice made him lift his head—I was calling you.

 

- I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you –the General folded the letter and stood up carefully. Achilles had fallen asleep at his side.

 

- What’s that? –the King’s eyes were on the letter.

 

- A letter from my Roman friend –said Hephaistion—Here –he gave him the piece of parchment—Read it, you could use some good news.

 

Alexander hesitated for a second and took the letter. He was used to read fast, he had to learn after all the monstrous amount of work he had to do.

 

- Carthage is not coming, that’s great –he said smiling after days of being in a terrible mood. He too had seen the Carthaginians impressive fleet and even if the King had the numbers now, he knew that having the Carthaginian vessels as enemies would make everything extremely difficult, and he wanted to finish everything next day.

 

- This means we can take the city tomorrow –said Hephaistion in a good mood but Alexander didn’t say a thing and just gave him back the letter— Are we having a war council tonight, sire? –asked his beloved mocking him to wake him up, the King looked tired and distracted.

 

- No, everybody knows what to do, and I want all of them well rested for tomorrow’s battle –said Alexander failing to see his beloved’s little joke— What about you?

 

- What about me? Do you want me to stay?

 

- Yes, I don’t want to be alone tonight –said the King with such honesty that it moved his General. 

 

- I’ll stay with you then.

 

Alexander saw Achilles sleeping and called one of pages to take the Prince to his room, because he had a room in the King’s tent. Reah went back to Epirus 2 days after her interview with Alexander, and as soon as the nurse reached her destination, Queen Olympias wrote a very angry letter to her son, demanding from him to send the boy to his mother. Of course the King wrote back a very simple letter saying “no”, and since then Olympias hadn’t written again.

 

And I truly hope things will continue like this –thought Alexander, watching how his page carried Achilles to his room.

 

XXX

 

- Phai? Are you asleep? –asked Alexander in a whispered that night.

 

Both were in his bed since 3 hours ago, but sleep kept eluding the King until he finally got tired of just being laying there doing nothing. 

 

- What do you want? –answered a very tired Hephaistion.

 

- I want to tell you something –Alexander insisted, brushing aside the locks of his beloved’s hair. 

 

- Now? –the General opened one eye with difficulty.

 

- It’s about the siege –the King insisted and his beloved sighed.

 

- Fine –Hephaistion rubbed his eyes; he knew that, even if he wished to continue sleeping, that was no longer possible now—What about the siege? –he asked yawning. 

 

- Phai, I have been thinking in continuing the march to Egypt and leave Tyre –those words woke the General up immediately.

 

- What are you talking about? After all we have been through? –he couldn’t believe that it was Alexander the one saying that.

 

- Phai, look at what happened 2 days ago –said the King, still whispering but his voice was firm—We suffered a terrible defeated and we had severe casualties.

 

- Alex if you give up now everything you have gained will serve for nothing –said Hephaistion—You have a numerous fleet at your disposal after having none, you finished the mole even if many of your own officers, and I’m sure that all the Tyrians, thought you were nuts.

 

- I know! –Alexander raised his voice and his beloved kept silent— I know… —he said again in a softer tone—It’s just…

 

- You have a horrible week –said his beloved, embracing him behind his neck—And you are tired, we are all tired, but tomorrow it’s going to be different, and you are going to take that motherless city once and for all.

 

The King took him with force by the waist, losing himself in the body of his General.

 

- Thank you –he said, talking against his cheek—I don’t know what was I thinking.

 

- Sleep, you will feel better in the morning –said Hephaistion lovingly, caressing his head, his fingers worked magic and a few moments later the King fell asleep. For once, the General was glad to hear him snore.

 

XXX

 

That night the Macedonians had double rations of food and their officers sent them to rest early; only the sentries, the men on the patrol ships and on the floating siege towers remained awake and ready in case the Tyrians tried to do something. But, as things were, chaos had made its residence inside the city, and to attempt a surprise attack by night was unthinkable.

 

Didobal, Melkar’s daughter, was inside her bedroom, sitting on the floor, trembling, hearing the horrible screams and cries that came from the streets. The entire city was in panic, it was almost as if the Macedonians were already inside the city killing and plundering. The sole thought of this made Didobal shudder.  

 

- Dio! Dio! –Magon’s voice called her, the doors of her bedroom opened and her husband appeared. She stood up and ran to him.

 

- Magon! –she said without voice, hiding her face in his chest—What’s going to happen to us?

 

Magon was the older son of King Azemilcus and Melkar’s son-in-law. His father, the King, was still with the Tyrian fleet preparing the defenses for next day’s attack. Magon had been left inside the city to organize the soldiers there; now that the mole was complete they had to be prepare for the impossible, a combine attack by land and sea.

 

- The Macedonian King is attacking again tomorrow –said Magon to his frightened wife—We must be prepared to fight him inside the city. 

 

- But…how is this possible? You said…you said it was impossible for him to reach Tyre, surely there is something you can do, or your father, our fleet… –said his wife trying to hold on something, trying to find a little hope...anything!

 

- Our fleet is outnumbered –said Magon, trying his best to not tremble.

 

- How?…why? –Didobal moved away and started to pace around—The Macedonian King had no fleet…

 

- He didn’t have months ago –said her husband—I…I don’t know how he did it but…he assembled a fleet, an extremely big one and he has been trying to force us into battle. The last time he succeeded in doing so, was 2 days ago and you saw what happened, he almost destroyed our fleet, and one wall suffered great damage. 

 

- Dear El! –said his wife, sitting on her bed—The screams….what’s happening in the city?

 

Magon sat at her side.

 

- People heard that Carthage is not coming to help us –he said slowly—They panicked and a man…a man said he had a dream in which he saw the god Apollo departing from Tyre –Didobal took both hands to her mouth—The people tried to stone this man but he escaped and sought refuge in Melkart’s temple. Now, a mob went to Apollo’s temple and tied his statute to prevent him from leaving the city.

 

- Oh dear El! Oh lord Baal! –exclaimed his wife scared—And my father? Is there any news from my father?

 

Magon shook his head.

 

- None.

 

- And what about the Great King? Surely the Great King will come to our aid –said Didobal, but her husband expression killed all her hopes.

 

- I wouldn’t count on that, I heard that many Phoenician Kings deserted the Persian fleet –said Magon—They are now fighting at the Macedonians’ side.

 

- Traitors! –said his wife without breath.

 

Magon took her by the arms.

 

- Listen to me Dio, I want you to promise that you will not let the Macedonians to capture you alive –Didobal saw him with horror.

 

- What are you saying? –her voice trembled—I…I know my father is planning something, he is probably with the Great King assembling an army or…

 

- Dio! –he interrupted her—Your father is part of the reasons we are facing annihilation right now.

 

- What are you talking about? –asked his wife without voice.

 

- The Macedonian King sent an embassy to negotiate the surrender of the city –said Magon.

 

- Yes, I know, you ordered to execute them –said Didobal.

 

Magon leaned closer to her.

 

- Dio, the Macedonian King said, among other things, that he wanted you in exchange of sparing the life of the Tyrians –Didobal saw him with eyes wide open—Your father tortured one of his Generals and he seeks revenge. Of course, when I heard this I ordered the execution of the Macedonian messengers.

 

- Oh dear…Oh dear…–Didobal felt she couldn’t breath, and her husband took her hand.

 

- I won’t let anything to happen to you –said Magon—I couldn’t get you out of the city in time, but –he looked among his cloths and gave her a small bottle.

 

- What is this? –she asked.

 

- Poison –Didobal saw him with tears in her big eyes—I can’t even think in the fate you would suffer if the Macedonians…–he took a deep breath—Promise me that you will take your own life before they can lay their hands on you.

 

- But…

 

- Promise me!

 

She swallowed.

 

- I promise.

 

XXX

 

Even if Hephaistion hated ships he refused to stay on land if Alexander was going to lead the attack from the sea. He was the General of the Agema, and his place was at his King’s side, no matter what. 

 

I just have to breath –he said to himself, closing his eyes for a moment.

 

From the flagship Hephaistion could see the tremendous attack that the siege towers launched against the walls of the so-called impregnable city. The noise was deafening, the rocks hitting merciless the Tyrians, who fought back with almost supernatural courage; they knew very well what would happen to them if the Macedonians enter the city, there would be no mercy and so they fought like demons. 

 

Alexander was looking for a weak point, his last attempt to take the city had ended in a costly failure but this time, he was determined to take Tyre and he was sure the gods were on his side now, after all Aristander had made the proper sacrifices and said the omens were good, he would take the city that month. He ordered to attack the Tyre by the south-east side of the island and the bombardment against the walls was uninterrupted.

 

- Stay alert Hephaistion –said the King, watching the Tyrian walls closely—As soon as the wall falls your men along with Nikanor would be the first ones to enter the city. Krateros has orders of following you by land with his taxei. 

 

- Yes, Alexander.

 

The wall fell shortly after he gave me my orders, and I lead my men inside the city, extremely grateful of being able to leave the ship. I could heard Nikanor’s voice next to me, shouting orders and trying to lead his men under the rain of missiles that fell upon us. One of our commanders, Admetus, fell dead after an axe split his skull and the King himself hurried to take command of his unit. There was no time to lose.

 

Soon, not only us, but also the Cypriot and Phoenician squadrons could open a way inside the city, and then the Tyrians despaired; they left their posts at the walls and sought refuge inside the city, barricading the streets.

 

Hephaistion stood in the middle of the destruction with his swords dripping blood; the sight before him was terribly familiar, and for an instance he didn’t know where he was. At each step a new enemy jumped at him, clamoring for his blood only to find his own death at the edge of his swords. It was so easy to kill, the sounds around him disappeared, the smells and the faces appeared to melt in a whirl of chaos. He blinked and for a second he thought he was again in Thebes, for moments he didn’t know if he was dreaming or if this was real.

 

The General didn’t notice but he was alone, in a few minutes he had left his men behind opening a path of corpses and blood. He was used to fight on the battlefield, he liked to fight against strong opponents, but he hated to spill blood inside a city where innocent people suffered at the hands of the bloodthirsty soldiers, and this time the Macedonian soldiers truly showed of how much cruelty they were capable of.

 

They were frustrated and angry after months besieging the city, they had lost friends at the hands of the Tyrians, they had suffered hardships and were determined to release all this emotions against the citizens of this proud Phoenician city.   

 

At some point, Hephaistion stopped hearing, he just thought in one thing: advance, advance, advance…soon the men ran away from him as if he were the personification of death, he couldn’t stop, and when he felt someone taking him by the arm he almost hit the man with the pommel of his sword.

 

- PHAI! –Alexander’s voice awakened him—Phai, stop.

 

- Alexander…—for a moment the General thought this was a dream, why else would be his King here? But then he remembered that Alexander had joined the attack shortly after Admetus was killed.

 

The King was also covered in blood and patting, but the look in his eyes was of pure concerned.

 

- Phai, are you all right? –he had never seen his beloved like this, because he had never before fought so close to him in the middle of a city. 

 

- Yes…I’m fine –he took a deep breath and his surroundings took a solid form again, he was no longer in a memory or a dream.

 

- I have issued orders to spare the life of every man and woman who seeks refuge inside a Temple –said the King.

 

- What about the rest? –asked Hephaistion at once—Women, children, noncombatants? 

 

- You know the answer Phai –said Alexander with his firm commanding voice—This people sealed their destiny when they killed my messengers in such a cowardly way.

 

If they die its going to be because of their wrong decisions…

 

Hephaistion heard Achilles words as clearly as if his son were standing in front of him.

 

- I know.

 

Seven thousand Tyrians died that day. It was like the destruction of Thebes, bodies could be seen on the streets, pools of bloods everywhere, and the smell of death floating all around the place mixing with the smoke. This was the antechamber of Hades.

 

XXX

(1) Arrian. The Campaigns of Alexander, p 134

(2) Peter Green. Alexander of Macedon, p 260

(3) Peter Green. Alexander of Macedon, p 259