Saturday 31 January 2009

Saint Ambrose

NAME Ambrose (Aurelius Ambrose)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Ambrose is famous for being a prominent bishop and theologian, known for his role in the conversion of St. Augustine and his strong influence on early Christian theology.

Matthias Stom Saint Ambrose 1633-1639

BIRTH b340 Trier, South Gaul, now Germany.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Ambrose came from a noble Roman family. His father was a Roman prefect in Gaul and his mother was a woman of intellect and piety.

CHILDHOOD There is a legend that when he was a baby, a swarm of bees settled on little Ambrose's face while he lay in his cradle, leaving behind a drop of honey. His father considered this a sign of his future honeyed-tongued eloquence.

Ambrose spent his early years in Trier, where he likely received a classical education. His family moved to Rome, and after his father's death, Ambrose went to study in Rome and later became a lawyer.

EDUCATION Ambrose was early destined to follow his father's career, and accordingly had a classical education in Rome, where he studied law.

On being appointed Bishop of Milan in 374, Ambrose he put himself under the instruction of Saint Simplician to lean Scripture and Theology.

CAREER RECORD Here's a brief CV of Ambrose.

370 Appointed a Consular Magistrate in Upper Italy with his headquarters at Milan. In this office Ambrose's kindness and wisdom won the esteem and love of the people.

374 Appointed Bishop of Milan. Ambrose became the most distinguished Ecclesiastic in Italy despite having no priesthood experience. Why he was appointed, you'll just have to be patient- all will be revealed before the end of this trivial biography.

As Bishop, Ambrose 
Championed Nicene Christianity against the Arian heresy
Advocated for the Church's independence from imperial authority
Influenced Roman emperor Theodosius I in matters of faith and politics
Was known for his impactful sermons and writings

APPEARANCE: Historical accounts offer little detailed information about his physical appearance, , but he was likely of average height and carried the dignified demeanor expected of a bishop..

FASHION: As a bishop, Ambrose would have worn ecclesiastical robes typical of his position, adhering to the modest and symbolic attire of the clergy in that era.

CHARACTER Ambrose was elegant, civilised, kind, wise, an efficient administrator.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Saint Ambrose gave St Augustine the following advice "When in Rome, live as the Romans do, when elsewhere live as they do elsewhere." Not the funniest quip you've ever heard, but 1,500 years down the line it remains a well known saying.

RELATIONSHIPS Ambrose was a good friend of Monica, St Augustine's mother. He was instrumental in Augustine's conversion.

Ambrose remained celibate all his life. He viewed virginity as superior to marriage and is alleged to have founded an institution for virgins in Rome. However, Augustine reports in his Confessions that celibacy was not easy. He wrote: "Ambrose himself I esteemed a happy man, as the world counted happiness, because great personages held him in honor. Only his celibacy appeared to me a painful burden."

Ambrose maintained close relationships with his sister, Marcellina, and brother, Satyrus

He developed strong bonds with his clergy and congregation

MONEY AND FAME On being appointed bishop, Ambrose immediately gave his property to the poor and having set the example, from then on he often reproached the wealthy for ignoring the poor. When the Goths invaded the Empire and took captives and hostages, Ambrose took all the gold vessels belonging to the church and melted them down in order to raise the ransom money to buy back the captives. He argued that the church possessed gold not to hoard but to use to help the unfortunate.

Ambrose gained significant fame and influence due to his position and writings.

FOOD AND DRINK: His lifestyle, in keeping with his Christian values, likely involved simple and modest meals, abstaining from excesses.

MUSIC AND ARTS Ambrose was musical and composed several hymns, which each had eight four-line stanzas. The best known is the hymn "Te Deum," which is based on the text "Te Deum Laudamus", ("We praise thee O God"). It is claimed it originated when Ambrose was baptising St Augustine. He improvised the hymn starting with the words "Te Deum Laudamus."

Painting of Ambrose's Baptism by Gozzoli


Troubled that in the Mass one individual sang all the Psalms and hymns whilst the congregation merely listened. Ambrose introduced to the western church congregational singing, antiphonal singing which allowed congregation to sing alternating parts of the music.

The story goes that the first recorded instance of communal singing in church was during a sit in of the Milan Basilica when the congregation had locked themselves inside. They had been forced into this action as the Empress, Justina, was demanding that Ambrose’s basilica be handed over for Arian worship, sending imperial troops to fulfil this by starving the distressed congregation out. On Palm Sunday, Ambrose preached a sermon about not giving up churches. In order to calm the people, the musical bishop taught them to sing the hymns he had composed and he split the congregation in two in order to alternate verses of the hymns. Hearing this the hearts of the soldiers softened, they joined in the singing and ended the siege. Surprisingly this story has yet to be made into a musical.

Such was Ambrose's speaking and preaching ability that the title "Honey Tongued Doctor" was bestowed upon him. However it is denied by musical historians that it was Ambrose who composed "The Bee Song."

LITERATURE Clever clogs Ambrose was also a poet and a writer of a number of exegetical treatises plus a manual of Christian morality.

Ambrose was one of the first people to practise silent reading. Most of his contemporaries, including Augustine, thought it was impossible to read without translating the words into sound and mouthing them. Augustine was clearly impressed that Ambrose had this skill. He wrote in Confessions: "When [Ambrose] read, his eyes scanned the page and his heart sought out the meaning, but his voice was silent and his tongue was still. Anyone could approach him freely and guests were not commonly announced, so that often, when we came to visit him, we found him reading like this in silence, for he never read aloud."

NATURE Saint Ambrose is recognised by the Catholic church as the patron saint of bee keepers, bees and domestic animals. Ambrose's association with bees was due to his title "Honey Tongued Doctor."

Ambrose's writings occasionally reference nature as a reflection of God's creation, emphasizing its spiritual significance.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Given his religious vocation, Ambrose's time was likely dedicated to prayer, study, and pastoral duties rather than secular hobbies or sports.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Ambrose focused primarily on theology and philosophy

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY I promised to tell you the story of how Ambrose came to be appointed the Bishop of Milan, so are you sitting comfortably? 374AD was a difficult year in the diocese of Milan. Heresies were threatening to divide the church and the two sides, the Arians and the Catholics couldn't agree on fundamental theological issues. When Auxentius, the Bishop of Milan died, everything came to a head. Should an Arian or Catholic bishop be elected? Ambrose, who was at the time, the Roman governor for the area, fearing an uproar, went to the basilica where the election was due to take place and made a speech urging the people to make their choice peacefully. The governor was completely thrown when a crowd started shouting “Ambrose for Bishop!” He run away, appealing to the Emperor that as he hadn't any theological training or even been baptized he was surely not the right man for the job. However because Ambrose was acceptable to both parties, the emperor believed him to be the right man. The theologically neutral governor hid in a senator’s house before reluctantly accepting the decision. Ambrose was baptized, ordained and consecrated within a week before proceeding, as an example to his flock, to give away his property to the poor.

Saint Ambrose barring Theodosius from Milan Cathedral by Anthony van Dyck

The honey-tongued Ambrose's preaching helped convert Saint Augustine of Hippo, whom Ambrose baptized and brought into the Church. A man of strong principals, he bravely denied admission to the church to the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius for eight months after he had ordered a massacre of rebels in Thessalonica, who had burned down a synagogue. The emperor later recanted. The former lawyer student remained as the Bishop of Milan until his death of natural causes in 397, having . successfully used his legal and oratory skills to combat the Arian heresy.

SCANDAL: Ambrose is not associated with any personal scandals. However, his confrontations with secular authorities, including the Roman emperors, are notable.

MILITARY RECORD When the Emperor Valentinian I, who was a man of peace, died, the Arian Empress Justina became a regent for her 4 year old son imaginatively named Valentinian II. Maximum, a Roman soldier, threatened to stage a coup but Ambrose told him to buzz off and persuaded him not to invade. In 385 Justina showed her appreciation for Ambrose's diplomatic efforts by demanding Ambrose's basilica be handed over to Arian worship sending soldiers to help persuade the bishop. Ambrose refused to give up the temple of God and and said that God sent soldiers not to fight but to pray. On Palm Sunday, Ambrose preached a sermon about not giving up churches. The honey-tongued bishop and the fearful congregation barricaded themselves in the basilica and the imperial troops surrounded it attempting to starve the people out. Ambrose got the scared congregation to sing outside, the hearts of the soldiers outside softened, they joined in the prayers and ended the siege.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Details about his health are limited, but he appears to have had the vigor necessary for his demanding role as bishop.

HOMES: As Bishop of Milan, Ambrose resided in the episcopal residence in Milan. His childhood home in Trier and any subsequent residences are less documented.

TRAVEL: Ambrose traveled to various locations for diplomatic and ecclesiastical matters. Notably, he went to the Holy Land on a pilgrimage.

DEATH Ambrose died of natural causes in Milan on April 4, 397 at about the age of 57. It is not clear what year he was born, if you come across his birth certificate, could you let me know?


APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Ambrose is depicted in various paintings and sculptures throughout history.

He's featured in some historical novels and films

ACHIEVEMENTS Quite a few achievements to list, so lets get started...
1. Ambrose established the regular use of hymns and Psalms in Western Christian liturgy by opening up singing to the church congregation. He devised the Ambrosian chant which is still used in Milan and originated Te Deum which is still used in Roman Catholic liturgy.
2. The fluent and powerful orator was influential in Saint Augustine's conversion.
3. Saint Ambrose is the Patron Saint of Milan and his Feast Day December 7th, was the date of his ordination.
4. The Ambrosian library in Milan, which was founded in 1609 and contains priceless manuscripts, is named after him.
5. Ambrose is recognised as one of the original four Doctors of the Church, along with Augustine, Jerome and Pope Gregory II.
6. Having originally ran away from God's call, when Ambrose accepted it he dedicated himself completely to it.
7. Ambrose helped establish the medieval concept of a Christian Emperor serving under orders from Christ and so subject to advice of his Bishop.
8. And did I mention that he was honey tongued...?

Wednesday 28 January 2009

Isabel Allende

NAME: Isabel Allende  

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Internationally acclaimed author known for her novels that blend magical realism, historical fiction, and feminism. Her most famous works include "The House of the Spirits" and "City of the Beasts."

BIRTH: August 2, 1942, Lima, Peru

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Daughter of Tomás Allende, a Chilean diplomat, and Francisca Llona, a journalist and feminist activist. Her father's cousin was Salvador Allende, the first socialist president of Chile.

CHILDHOOD: Lived in Peru, Bolivia, and Lebanon due to her father's diplomatic career. Witnessed political turmoil and experienced personal struggles, such as her parents' separation.

EDUCATION: Attended various schools in different countries, including the British School in Beirut and the Alliance Française in Santiago, Chile. Began a journalism career at a young age.

CAREER RECORD: Worked as a journalist in Chile, writing for publications like Paula magazine and writing children's stories.

Fled Chile to Venezuela in 1973 after the Pinochet coup d'état, which led to the death of her uncle, President Salvador Allende.

Began writing fiction in Venezuela, with her debut novel The House of the Spirits published in 1982, becoming a global bestseller.

Continued writing prolifically, publishing over 20 novels, short stories, and essays, translated into more than 35 languages and selling over 67 million copies worldwide.

APPEARANCE: Described as having a warm smile, expressive eyes, and a youthful demeanor.

Allende in Germany in 2015. By Lesekreis - Own work, Wikipedia

FASHION: Known for her elegant and understated style, often favoring comfortable and classic pieces with a touch of bohemian flair..

CHARACTER: Strong, independent, and passionate. Known for her commitment to social justice and human rights.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Allende's writing often reflects a subtle sense of humor, blending wit with profound observations.

RELATIONSHIPS: Married Miguel Frías in 1962, with whom she had two children, Paula and Nicolás. He tragically died in 1987.

Married attorney and novelist Willie Gordon in 1988, who passed away in 2015.

Married lawyer Roger Cukras in 2019.

MONEY AND FAME: Achieved significant financial success through her writing career. Actively uses her platform to advocate for causes she believes in.

FOOD AND DRINK: Allende is a known food enthusiast, and her writing often includes vivid descriptions of meals and culinary experiences.

MUSIC AND ARTS: She has a deep appreciation for the arts and incorporates cultural elements into her storytelling.

LITERATURE: A voracious reader herself, she cites Gabriel García Márquez and Virginia Woolf as literary influences.

Allende has spoken about having specific writing rituals, like starting her workday early and writing in longhand, 

According to the book The Creative Trance: Altered States of Consciousness and the Creative Process by Stan Krippner, she insists on starting every novel on January 8. 

She said: "Sometimes, men say to me: “I don’t read books by women.” Usually, it’s older men.’"

NATURE: Her writing often reflects an appreciation for nature, drawing inspiration from the landscapes of Chile.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Allende is known for her love of literature, travel, and connecting with people. She has also expressed interest in spiritual practices. 

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Her primary interests lie in the realms of literature and social issues.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Raised Catholic, her personal beliefs are not explicitly stated, but her work often explores themes of faith, spirituality, and the human condition.

SCANDAL: Allende has not been involved in any major scandals, maintaining a reputation focused on her literary contributions.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Maintains an active lifestyle and prioritizes her well-being.

HOMES: Lived in various countries throughout her life, including Chile, Venezuela, the United States, and Spain.

TRAVEL: Extensive travels have inspired and informed her writing, providing diverse cultural and geographical settings for her stories.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Allende has made numerous appearances in the media for interviews, literary events, and discussions related to her works.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Literary success and critical acclaim for her novels, influencing generations of readers worldwide.

The Chilean-American writer is the world’s most widely read Spanish-language author

Championing human rights and social justice through her writing and activism.

Founding the Isabel Allende Foundation, dedicated to empowering women and children.

Monday 26 January 2009

Edmund Allenby, 1st Viscount Allenby

NAME: Edmund Henry Hynman Allenby, 1st Viscount Allenby

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Leading the British victory in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign during World War I, capturing Jerusalem and driving the Ottomans out of the region.

BIRTH: April 23, 1861, Brackenhurst Hall, Nottinghamshire, England

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Allenby came from a military family. His father, Lieutenant Colonel Hynman Allenby, served in the Royal Engineers, and his mother was Catherine Anne Allenby.

CHILDHOOD: Allenby spent his early years in Nottinghamshire, England, enjoying the rural surroundings and developing an early interest in military matters. He enjoyed activities like horse riding and hunting.

EDUCATION: Attended Haileybury College, a private school in Hertfordshire, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst,. His military training laid the foundation for his future achievements.

CAREER RECORD: 1882: Commissioned into the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons.

1884-85: Served in the Bechuanaland Expedition.

1888: Served in Zululand.

1899-1902: Served in the Second Boer War, earning a reputation for his cavalry leadership.

1910-1914: Inspector General of Cavalry in the British Army.

1914-1917: Served in various command positions on the Western Front in World War I, including the Cavalry Corps and the 3rd Army.

1917-1918: Commanded the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, achieving significant victories over Ottoman forces.

1919-1925: Served as the High Commissioner for Egypt, overseeing a turbulent period in the country's history.

APPEARANCE: Described as tall and imposing, with a strong jawline and a serious expression. Allenby was known for his imposing presence and a distinctive mustache.

Field Marshal Viscount Allenby

FASHION: In his military career, Allenby was recognized for his elegant uniforms, displaying the prestige and authority befitting his rank. 

He wore the standard uniform of a British Field Marshal, including tailored dress and military medals.

CHARACTER: Known for his determination, discipline, and strong leadership qualities. He could also be short-tempered and have a strict demeanor.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Described as possessing a dry sense of humor, which he rarely displayed in public.

RELATIONSHIPS: Married Dorothy Violet Heber-Percy in 1896, and they had one son, Horace Michael Hynman Allenby.

MONEY AND FAME: Due to his military achievements, Allenby was awarded numerous honors and titles, including Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB), Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG), Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), and Knight of the Order of Saint John (KStJ). He was also elevated to the peerage as Viscount Allenby of Megiddo in 1919.

FOOD AND DRINK: His tastes were typical of the Victorian era, favoring traditional British cuisine.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Allenby was not particularly known for his involvement in the arts but appreciated classical music.

LITERATURE: He had an interest in military history and literature, often engaging with books on strategy and tactics.

NATURE: Growing up in a rural environment, Allenby had an appreciation for nature and outdoor activities.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Enjoyed horse riding and hunting in his younger years. His love of horseback riding was a skill that served him well in his military career.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While not prominently known for scientific or mathematical pursuits, Allenby's military strategy showcased a practical understanding of these fields.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: His strong sense of duty and discipline were influenced by a Victorian ethos and a Protestant upbringing.

SCANDAL: No major scandals are associated with his name.

MILITARY RECORD: Distinguished military career spanning several decades, culminating in his successful leadership during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.

In 1918, Allenby led the Jordan Valley operations and launched the final offensive against the Turks at the Battle of Megiddo (September 19-30) which destroyed the last Turkish armies in Palestine and secured an armistice in October ending World War I in the Middle East.


HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Maintained a healthy and active lifestyle, remaining physically fit throughout his career.

HOMES: His primary residence was Brackenhurst, but his military career had him stationed in various locations.

TRAVEL:  Military service took Allenby to different parts of the world, including the Middle East during World War I.

DEATH: Died on May 14, 1936, in London, England, at the age of 75.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Featured in several documentaries and books focused on the history of World War I and the Middle East.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Leading the capture of Jerusalem and the Ottoman defeat in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign during World War I.

Playing a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the Middle East following the war.

Earning numerous honors and recognitions for his military service.

While information on certain aspects like personal life and interests may be limited, Edmund Allenby's legacy is primarily defined by his military achievements and their impact on the course of history.

Saturday 24 January 2009

Woody Allen

NAME Woody Allen (Original name: Allan Stewart Konigsberg)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Renowned as a prolific filmmaker, actor, comedian, and playwright. Woody Allen is celebrated for his distinctive comedic style and contributions to American cinema.

BIRTH Born on December 1, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Woody Allen was born into a Jewish family. His mother, Nettie, worked as a bookkeeper, and his father, Martin, held various jobs, including serving as a jewelry engraver and waiter.

His younger sister, Letty Aronson, would later become a collaborator in his film ventures.

CHILDHOOD Growing up in Brooklyn, Allen developed an early passion for movies and comedy. He began writing jokes and short stories in his youth, displaying an early flair for humor.

EDUCATION Attended Midwood High School in Brooklyn but showed a greater interest in self-education, spending time in libraries and immersing himself in literature.

CAREER RECORD Allen’s journey began with writing for television alongside luminaries like Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner.

His humor pieces graced the pages of The New Yorker.

As a stand-up comedian in Greenwich Village, he perfected the art of the monologue, revealing an insecure, fretful persona.

He later transitioned to writing and directing films. His filmography includes classics like Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Midnight in Paris.

APPEARANCE Woody’s appearance defied Hollywood norms. His nebbish charm—glasses, disheveled hair, and intellectual aura—was his signature.

Woody Allen in 2016

FASHION Well, let’s just say he made tweed jackets and oversized glasses cool.

CHARACTER Woody Allen is characterized by his intellectualism, introspection, and a somewhat neurotic on-screen persona. His off-screen personality is known for being private and reserved.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Allen's humor is cerebral, filled with wit, wordplay, and a touch of self-deprecation. His comedic style often delves into the complexities of relationships, morality, and existential dilemmas. The Louisville Lip of comedy, he delivered punchlines with a dash of existential angst. 


Here are some examples of Woody Allen's wit:

On Relationships: "I'm astounded by people who want to 'know' the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown."

On His Films: "I took a speed-reading course and read War and Peace in twenty minutes. It involves Russia."

On Death: "I'm not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens."

On Intelligence: "I don't want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve immortality through not dying."

On Money: "Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons."

On Reality: "More than any time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly."

On Therapy: "I am at two with nature."

On Aging: "You can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred."

RELATIONSHIPS His love life mirrored his films: complex, unconventional, and often controversial. Frrom Diane Keaton to Mia Farrow, his romantic entanglements fueled tabloids.

Allen relationships include marriages to actresses Harlene Rosen and Louise Lasser. 

His most controversial relationship was with Mia Farrow, with whom he had a long-term partnership. The relationship ended amidst a highly publicized scandal.

MONEY AND FAME As a highly successful filmmaker, Woody Allen has amassed considerable wealth and fame throughout his career, earning numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards.

FOOD AND DRINK His diet? Perhaps a dash of existential soup, seasoned with neurotic spices. But he never turned down a good bagel.

Known for his love of New York cuisine, Allen has frequently depicted scenes set in iconic Manhattan restaurants in his films. His personal culinary preferences are private.

MUSIC AND ARTS Allen's films are often infused with jazz music, reflecting his appreciation for the art form. 

He is a skilled clarinetist. Every Monday evening, Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band take the stage at Manhattan's Carlyle Hotel, where they specialize in performing classic New Orleans jazz from the early twentieth century. A unique house rule dictates that Allen cannot be addressed by any member of the audience. Should someone break this rule and attempt to speak to him, they are promptly ejected from the club.


LITERATURE An avid reader, especially of Dostoevsky, Kafka, and other authors exploring existential themes.

He is a published author. Allen has written humorous essays, plays, and his memoir, Apropos of Nothing.

NATURE Woody’s New York was a character in itself—the city’s streets, parks, and cafes. Nature? Well, Central Park was his backyard.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Allen plays the clarinet, enjoys magic tricks, and is a passionate movie buff.

Woody was a popular student and adept baseball and basketball player at high school. 

Athletics? Well, he ran marathons of introspection.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Although not a significant focus in his public life, Allen's intellectual pursuits suggest an appreciation for scientific and mathematical concepts.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Allen's films often explore philosophical and existential themes, reflecting his interest in questions of morality, meaning, and the human condition.

SCANDAL Woody Allen became embroiled in a highly publicized scandal involving allegations of sexual misconduct with his adoptive daughter, Dylan Farrow. The controversy has had a lasting impact on his public image.

His relationship with actress Mia Farrow ended acrimoniously in 1992, after Woody Allen confessed to a relationship with Soon-Yi Previn, the adopted daughter of she and her former partner André Previn.  Allen and Soon-Yi Previn married on December 23, 1997 and have adopted two daughters. 


Soon Yi Previn and Woody Allen at the Tribeca Film Festival

MILITARY RECORD Woody’s battles are fought on celluloid, not battlefields. His weapon? The camera.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Allen has spoken openly about his hypochondria and anxiety.

His variety of neuroses include: arachnophobia (spiders), entomophobia (insects), heliophobia (sunshine), cynophobia (dogs), altophobia (heights), demophobia (crowds), carcinophobia (cancer), thanatophobia (death), misophobia (germs). He admits to being terrified of hotel bathrooms.

HOMES Allen has owned various homes throughout his life, including residences in New York City. His homes reflect a penchant for comfort and simplicity.

TRAVEL New York was his canvas, but Europe beckoned. From Parisian boulevards to Venetian canals, he wandered.

DEATH  Woody’s legacy endures, but the reel eventually fades. His final scene? Yet unwritten.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Extensive filmography, numerous television appearances, and countless interviews.

ACHIEVEMENTS Woody Allen's achievements include multiple Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Annie Hall. He is considered one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema.

His 16 Oscar Nominations for Best Original Screenplay as of 2024 are a record for that category.

Source Encyclopaedia of Trivia

Thursday 22 January 2009

Muhammad Ali

NAME: Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Muhammad Ali is famous for being one of the greatest professional boxers in history. He is known not only for his exceptional boxing skills but also for his charismatic personality, outspoken views, and activism outside the ring.

BIRTH: Muhammad Ali was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Ali was born into a working-class African American family. His father, Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr., was a painter and sign maker, while his mother, Odessa O'Grady Clay, worked as a domestic helper. Ali had a younger brother named Rudy.

CHILDHOOD: Growing up in the racially segregated South, Ali experienced discrimination and racial injustice from a young age. 

At the age of 12, Ali developed a passion for boxing after local troublemakers stole his $60 red Schwinn bike. Fuming over the theft, he encountered police officer and boxing coach Joe E. Martin. Expressing his determination to "whup" the thief, Ali was advised by Martin to first acquire boxing skills.

EDUCATION: Ali attended Central High School in Louisville, where he discovered his talent for boxing. His focus on boxing led him to a successful amateur career.

Later, he received honorary doctorates from several universities.

CAREER RECORD: Muhammad Ali had a remarkable boxing career, with numerous achievements, including winning the Olympic gold medal in 1960. He turned professional shortly after and became a three-time world heavyweight champion. His notable fights include the "Fight of the Century" against Joe Frazier and the "Rumble in the Jungle" against George Foreman.

APPEARANCE: Ali was known for his tall and athletic physique, standing at an imposing 6 feet 3 inches, he had a commanding presence.

Bust photographic portrait of Muhammad Ali in 1967

FASHION: Outside the ring, Ali was known for his unique sense of style. He embraced bold and flamboyant fashion, often wearing colorful and extravagant outfits that reflected his confident personality.

CHARACTER: Ali was characterized by his confidence, charisma, and resilience. He famously proclaimed, "I am the greatest," and backed it up with his impressive performances in the ring.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Ali was witty and quick with clever rhymes. His playful banter and entertaining interviews showcased his charismatic sense of humor. Here are a a few examples:

1. Ali was famous for predicting the round in which he would defeat his opponents, often in a poetic and humorous way. For example, before his fight against Sonny Liston in 1964, he said, 

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can't hit what the eyes can't see. Now you see me, now you don't. George thinks he will, but I know he won't!"

2. Ali would often boast about his boxing prowess in a humorous way. The phrase below, uttered before his fight with George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974, reflects his ability to entertain and taunt with a touch of humor.

"I'm so mean, I make medicine sick":

3. Before his 1975 fight with Chuck Wepner:

Ali: "Wepner, you're the ugliest man I ever seen. You look like you been in a fight with a bear and the bear won."

Wepner: "The only thing ugly is your ego, Ali."

4. Before his 1971 "Fight of the Century" with Joe Frazier:

Ali: "It's gonna be a whole lotta shufflin', a whole lotta movin', and guess what? The world gonna see Frazier losin'."

Frazier: "He talks a good fight, but I'm gonna put his lights out."

RELATIONSHIPS: Ali was married four times and had nine children. His relationships were sometimes tumultuous, reflecting the complexities of his personal life. His final and enduring marriage was to Yolanda “Lonnie” Williams.

He cultivated strong bonds with fellow activists and supporters throughout his life.

MONEY AND FAME: Ali achieved significant wealth and fame during his boxing career. However, his outspoken views on civil rights and opposition to the Vietnam War led to controversies and legal battles, impacting his financial standing.

FOOD AND DRINK: Ali was known for his disciplined approach to diet and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peak physical condition. He avoided certain foods and adhered to a strict training regimen.

He was particularly fond of steak and orange juice.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Ali appreciated music and arts, and his cultural impact extended beyond sports. He was associated with influential figures in the entertainment industry and collaborated with artists across various mediums.

LITERATURE: Ali was well-read and appreciated literature that explored human rights and social justice.

Ali authored an autobiography, The Greatest: My Own Story, providing insights into his life, career, and beliefs. The book became a bestseller and added to his legacy outside the boxing ring.

NATURE: Ali had a connection with nature, often expressing his appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. This aspect of his personality contrasted with his fierce competitiveness in the boxing ring.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: He had a graceful and agile boxing style, and his quick footwork and powerful jabs were distinctive features of his fighting technique.

Amateur boxing career: 100 wins, 5 losses

Professional boxing career: 56 wins (37 KOs), 5 losses (1 draw)

Won the World Heavyweight Championship three times (1964, 1974, 1978)

Fought legendary boxers like Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Ken Norton


Outside of boxing, Ali was interested in various sports, including basketball and pool, listening to music, playing chess and spending time with family and friends.. He also enjoyed magic tricks and was known to engage in playful activities during his leisure time.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While Ali did not have a formal education in science and mathematics, his strategic approach to boxing demonstrated a keen understanding of tactics and analytical thinking.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Ali's conversion to Islam and his association with the Nation of Islam significantly influenced his philosophical and theological perspectives. He was known for his strong convictions and activism, promoting justice and equality.

SCANDAL: Ali faced controversy for his refusal to be drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. This led to legal troubles, including being stripped of his boxing titles.

MILITARY RECORD: Ali did not serve in the military due to his conscientious objection to the Vietnam War. His decision had a significant impact on his career and personal life.


HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Throughout his life, Ali maintained a focus on physical fitness. However, in his later years, he faced health challenges, including Parkinson's disease, attributed to his boxing career.

HOMES: Ali lived in various places throughout his life, including his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, and later in other locations as his fame and career expanded.

TRAVEL: As a world-renowned boxer, Ali traveled extensively for his fights, engaging with diverse cultures and communities around the globe.

DEATH: Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona, after battling Parkinson's disease. His death marked the end of an era in boxing and left a lasting legacy.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Ali's life has been extensively portrayed in documentaries, films, and books. Notable works include the film Ali where he was played by Will Smith and the documentary When We Were Kings, which focuses on the "Rumble in the Jungle."

ACHIEVEMENTS: Muhammad Ali's achievements include winning the Olympic gold medal, becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion, and leaving an indelible mark on the sport of boxing. Beyond the ring, he advocated for racial justice and religious freedom, inspiring generations. Muhammad Ali established himself as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

Tuesday 20 January 2009

Alfred The Great

NAME Alfred the Great (The "Great" was bestowed upon him in the 17th century). His real name was Aelfred meaning "Elf Counsel."

Alfred the Great by George S. Stuart - George S. Stuart Historical Figures,

WHAT FAMOUS FOR King of Wessex and later the Anglo-Saxons, renowned for his military victories against the Vikings, scholarly pursuits, and cultural reforms.

BIRTH b 849 Wantage, Berks.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Son of King Æthelwulf of Wessex and his first wife, Osburh. 

Alfred was the youngest of five brothers and the favourite son. The successive deaths of his three elder brothers between 860 and 871 could hardly have been foreseen. When Ethelwulf, the King, died, The Witan (A sort of Saxon Parliament), chose Alfred to succeed him, ahead of his two surviving elder brothers.

CHILDHOOD As a young boy, despite not being able to read, young Alfie particularly enjoyed listening to the court bards reciting poetry. He seems to have been a child of singular attractiveness and promise, and tales of his boyhood were remembered. It is said he desired to own a particular manuscript of Anglo Saxon poems. Alfred managed to borrow it and he promptly gave the manuscript to someone else who read it to him. The young Prince had a natural retentive memory and he repeated the whole thing ad verbatim to his mother, who gave him the book.

At five years old, in 853, he is said to have been sent to Rome, where he was confirmed by Pope Leo IV, who is also said to have "anointed him as king".

EDUCATION Even as a youngster, Alfred had a great love for learning, even though he had no formal education during his childhood. 

Young Alfie did not learn to read until the age of twelve, whereupon he fell in love with books. He learnt off by heart, the daily services of the church, Psalms and prayers.

As a king, Alfred gained a reputation as a patron of education. He ordered as an anti Viking strategy, that all Wessex youth should be taught to read in English and later in Latin. He believed this would make his subjects holy and wise and stop the Viking raids which were divine punishment for sin.

Alfred invited various notable scholars to teach at the court school, that he had founded, though tennis wasn't on the syllabus. He also encouraged monasteries to expand their educational work. 

Alfred, himself, having taught himself Latin in his late thirties, translated various works from Latin to old English, to help his people learn.

Doing a period of peace between 887-92 from those irritating Vikings, he learnt Latin.

CAREER RECORD 871-886: King of Wessex, successfully defending against Viking invasions and forging alliances.
886-899: King of the Anglo-Saxons, expanding his influence and uniting various Saxon kingdoms.

Implemented significant military, legal, and educational reforms.

Alfred promulgated the first laws in more than a century in England, and rewrote them in common speech. It was said that the king instilled throughout England such respect for the law that it was commonly said that in his day one might leave precious jewels hanging on a roadside bush & no one would venture to take them.

Founded the city of Winchester and established a mint.

Commissioned the translation of important Latin texts into Old English, including Bede's Ecclesiastical History and Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy.

Established a network of schools and encouraged literacy throughout the kingdom.

APPEARANCE Alfred was clean-shaven, barrel chinned, rather ordinary looking but with a kindly countenance. A weathered and tanned face, (it was tanned by the smoke from the central hearths in the places he stayed-an early form of self-tanner). If this doesn't give you a clear enough idea, why not pop down to Winchester for the day and have a look at the statue of him at Winchester Broadway.

FASHION He likely wore the typical clothing of Anglo-Saxon nobles, consisting of tunics, trousers, cloaks, and leather shoes.

Alfred owned a gold enamel and crystal oval jewel, with the inscription of "Aelfred Mec Heht Gewyrcan" (Alfred ordered me to be made). The Alfred Jewel, as it is imaginatively titled, can be found today (I assume you are not reading this on a Sunday, when its closed), in the Ashmoleon Museum in Oxford.

The Alfred Jewel By Mkooiman -  https://www.flickr.com/photos/mkooiman/21117808451/


CHARACTER Described as pious, learned, brave, and strategic. He was known for his strong work ethic, dedication to his people, and desire for justice.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: While no specific anecdotes survive, his writings suggest a dry wit and appreciation for clever wordplay.

RELATIONSHIPS AND FAMILY Alfred married Ealhswith, who was descended from Mercian kings in 868. She bore him two sons and three daughters. They had five or six children, one of whom, Edward the Elder, (870-924) succeeded Alfred and made Wessex into the most powerful kingdom in the British Isles. 

He had close ties with his family and advisors, particularly his daughter Æthelflæd, who ruled Mercia alongside him.

MONEY AND FAME: As King, Alfred had access to considerable wealth and enjoyed a high level of respect within his kingdom and beyond. However, he was known for his humility and lived a relatively simple life.  

A 50% tither, Alfred gave his income to the poor, the monasteries, his court school, and an annual gift to the Pope at Rome.

He taxed his subjects with Peter's Pence, a tax on individual households going to the Pope at Rome. It continued to be charged at intervals until the Reformation.

During his reign, Alfred undertook a reform of the currency system. He deemed it necessary to establish a series of new mints around the country. As a result every borough got its own mint to help pay for the costs of running and defending the borough, and maybe to suck when feeling hungry.

FOOD AND DRINK Typical Anglo-Saxon fare likely consisted of bread, meat, vegetables, and ale. Alfred may have enjoyed imported spices and delicacies as well.

King Alfred was seeking refuge, incognito, from those exasperating Vikings who had conquered the kingdoms of East Anglia and Northumbria and reduced Mercia to a fragment of its former size. The king stayed in a hut on the Isle of Athelney in Somerset, which belonged to a poor Anglo Saxon swineherd and his family and the wife asked the unrecognised monarch to keep an eye on the baking cakes. Alfred was deep in thought and the cakes were burnt. As a result the royal refugee was verbally roasted by the woman of the house. Actually it is felt this story might merely be a legend, but any biography of the "Cordon Bluh!" King is incomplete without the cake story.

A Victorian portrayal of the 12th-century legend of Alfred burning the cakes


MUSIC AND ARTS: He supported artists, musicians, and poets, and his court became a center of cultural activity. Alfred is believed to have played the harp and enjoyed storytelling.

LITERATURE A passionate reader and writer, he commissioned the translation of numerous texts and even wrote some himself, including a book of religious meditations and a translation of Gregory the Great's Pastoral Care.

Here's some literature factoids for Alfred.
1. Having learnt Latin Alfred translated with the help of scholars from Mercia and published the Anglo Saxon equivalent of best-sellers. They were the first prose to be written in old English, previously all literature had been written in Latin. These included:
Bede's History of the English People, which tells of the early Anglo Saxon peoples and their conversion to Christianity.
Boethus' Consolation of Philosophy, a significant work, largely influenced by Plato's philosophy. Despite being written by a heathen Roman, it contained a great deal of good Christian ethics. Alfred's translation had a great influence on English literature.
Pope Gregory the Great's Pastoral Care," which was originally written with the view of the Spiritual education of the Clergy. Alfred was still working on this when he died.
2. Alfred was thought to have supervised the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, a sort of retrospective Newspaper, detailing historical events from Roman times. It continued until 1154.
3. Alfred compiled a book of laws ominously called The Doom book. It might sound like the name of an early horror novel, but the title comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "dōm" (pronounced "dome") meaning "judgment", or "law."
4. Because of Alfred’s concern for the spiritual effect of the Viking’s pillaging and ravaging, he let go his ideal of maintaining the Latin tongue as a general pattern for worship and begun a Christian library in the Anglo Saxon language.

NATURE While records are limited, he likely spent time hunting and hawking, activities enjoyed by Anglo-Saxon nobility.

Alfred was the first Englishman to provide horses for his troops.

The English monarch commemorated his victory at the Battle of Edington with a chalk white horse on the downs near Westbury, which still can be seen today.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Alfred was a keen and skilled huntsman and falconer.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: He was interested in practical knowledge and encouraged the study of astronomy, geography, and timekeeping.

Alfred was a keen scientist, in an Anglo Saxon sort of way. He invented a Candle Clock, which was a candle that was marked to tell the time. He used it to divide his day into equal portions of royal duties, study and prayer and rest.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY A devout Christian confirmed by the Pope in Rome, Alfred attended the New Minister Church in Winchester, which later became the medieval Hyde Abbey. 

He came to the English throne during a period where the Christian culture of his kingdom was under threat from the Vikings. The new king believed that God was sending those northern heathens as a punishment for his subjects’ neglect of the study of the Bible. His understanding of kingship was based on the conviction that the role of the king is to be Christ’s deputy on Earth and that he is always under the judgement of God.

After King Alfred defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Edington, he required their king, Guthrum, to be baptized and he himself stood as a godfather.

Alfred showed the benefits of forgiveness when the Viking leader Haestan broke an agreed peace and made a fortified camp at Benfleet. Arthur’s sons Edward and Ethelred stormed their camp and took Haestan’s wife and sons as captives. Arthur sent them back to him. Haestan never fought Alfred again.

Throughout his reign Alfred attempted to encourage his people to live by the Word of God. To help with this he had many Churches and Monasteries, which had been destroyed by the Vikings, rebuilt and the Gospels and many Psalms translated from Latin into English. He once said “there is only one foundation on which to build any kingdom & that is the sure foundation of Jesus Christ. It is on that foundation I will build my kingdom.”

SCANDAL Alfred was stainless in character.

MILITARY RECORD He initially suffered defeats against the Vikings but later developed innovative strategies and won decisive victories, culminating in the Treaty of Wedmore (878). He built a strong navy and reorganized his army, creating a more efficient and mobile force.

Not a man of much natural strength but a considerable warrior. In his youth Alfred fought with his brother, Ethelred against the Vikings. He was a militant Christian who baptised his enemies after defeating them in battle. His successes against the Vikings can be attributed to his revamped Army, the newly founded Navy and the fortified towns. I'm sure all the prayers that Alfred sent up to Heaven didn't go amiss either. He reorganised military service so that half the home guard were farming and the other half were in the field against invaders.

Under the laws of Alfred anyone caught fighting in the presence of a bishop had to pay 100 shillings in compensation. The fine rose to 150 shillings if an archbishop was present.

Here is Alfred's military CV:
871 Alfred won, with his brother a vital victory at the Battle of Ashdown . It wasn't all a piece of cake and two months later, the Vikings more than held their own in another great fight at Merton. A few days later his brother died and Alfred succeeded him. The new king wisely bought off his Scandinavian enemies, allowing himself time to organise his defences.
872-5 A time of peace, which he spent in constructing 60 Oar Longboats , similar to those used by the Vikings and training would be Steve Redgraves. Alfred used patrols of the East Anglican coast, using Seamen from Frisiar until he'd trained his own fighting men.
He organised his Army into interchangeable active service and farming Sections led by ealdormen. Alfred also developed a system of Burhs, which were fortified towns, each located no more than 20 miles from the next one-less than a days march.
878 After gaining Mercia, the Vikings unsportingly made a surprise attack at Chippenham, where Alfred was celebrating Christmas. The King was forced to withdraw to the Isle of Athelney, in the Somerset fens with a few supporters, where he burnt those cakes. Disguised as a harper he visited Danish camps and gained information about their strength & movements. The fugitive King quickly rallied his troops and won an emphatic victory against Guthrum at Edington in May. A treaty was made and Danelaw resulted. The Danish Vikings kept East England, Alfred retained the west and the Viking king was baptised.


885 Alfred successfully repels the Danish invasion of Kent
886 Alfred recaptured London, which had fallen into disrepair and rebuilt and populated the former fortified Roman city. He is recognised as king of all England not under Danish rule. By now the Danes were confined to the north of England.
893-96 After a few years peace, those infuriating Vikings, trying to have their cake and eat it, invaded again. Alfred's Son, Edward beats the re-invading Norsemen at Bridgenorth with the help of a strengthened navy and support from the Welsh.
897-901 Unmolested by those Vikings from Denmark in the last few years of his reign., Alfred left England in apple pie order. His defensive stratagem prevented a future for his people of Carlsberg lager, Danish bacon and pastries being devoured in their Lego homes.

HOMES Alfred spent most of his time wandering between his 29 burhs. He would spend a few days in each, the king and his retinue being fed and entertained by the locals.

After capturing London, Alfred switched his capital to it from Winchester. He saw its potential as a defensive town on the Thames.

Alfred's stone palace is thought to lie deep beneath the western part of Winchester Cathedral close.

TRAVEL Before the age of seven, Alfred had already been taken twice to Rome to visit the Pope. As a very young boy, he accompanied his father to Rome in 853, where the pope gave him the title of Roman consul. Again in 855, this time his pilgrimage lasted a year, and he was accompanied by the presumably folically challenged Charles the Bald, King of the Franks.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS In his younger days the devout King Alfred asked God to send him a disease that would suppress his lustful thoughts without preventing him from ruling. The answer to his prayer was haemorrhoids-well he did ask. 

An epileptic, coupled with being a Crohn’s disease sufferer, Alfred's health was often poor. 

DEATH Alfred died on October 26, 899. It is unclear what he died of but Crohn’s disease or hemorrhoids seem the most likely.

He was buried, with his wife and son, in a Winchester monastery that was closed during the Reformation. His resting-place remains a mystery but his bones are believed to have been moved as much as four times since he died. In 1999 his grave was found at the site of the former Hyde Abbey in Winchester.


APPEARANCES IN MEDIA 1. Alfred the Great (1969) A film starring David Hemmings turning the tide against those pillaging and ravaging but not very ravishing Vikings.
2. Thomas Arne's "Alfred," which demonstrated Alfred's desire that Britons would never be slaves. This musical drama includes the original version of "Rule Britannica."
3. Asser's "Life of Alfred." Asser, The Bishop of Sherborne, wrote this biography during Alfred's lifetime. It is the first known biography of an Englishman who hadn't achieved sainthood.



ACHIEVEMENTS 1. Alfred undertook the cultural and intellectual regeneration of his people. In his reign many works were translated and copied and a number of Schools were founded.
2. Alfred developed the English navy and reorganised the army. He was the only English ruler to resist Danish invasions successfully.
3. As a result of Alfred's translations into old English, West Saxon became prevalent in prose literature
4. Alfred's laws, which were rewritten in common speech. were the first to make no distinction between the English and Welsh people.
5. Alfred encouraged and enhanced the spiritual life of his people.
6. According to the book 1066 and All That, Alfred was "a good thing." Not only that he was the only English King to be called "Great."
7. Alfred was revered and loved by his people and united England, he was the first king of the Western Saxons to refer to himself as "King of the English." Churchill called him the greatest Englishman ever.







Friday 16 January 2009

Alexandra of Denmark

 NAME: Alexandra Caroline Marie Charlotte Louise Julia (Princess Alexandra of Denmark, later Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Alexandra of Denmark is renowned for her role as the Queen consort of the United Kingdom as the wife of King Edward VII. She also played a significant role in philanthropy and cultural activities.

BIRTH: Born on December 1, 1844, in Copenhagen, Denmark, she was christened Alexandra Caroline Marie Charlotte Louise Julia.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Alexandra hailed from the Danish royal family. Her father, Christian IX, became known as the "Father-in-law of Europe" due to the widespread marriages of his children into various European royal houses.

CHILDHOOD: Growing up in the royal palace of Yellow Palace in Copenhagen, Alexandra enjoyed a privileged childhood. She had a close-knit relationship with her siblings and experienced the responsibilities that came with being a member of the royal family.

EDUCATION: Her education, typical for royalty of the time, focused on languages, arts, and etiquette. Alexandra was fluent in several languages, including Danish, German, and English.

CAREER RECORD: Alexandra's primary role was that of a queen consort. Her tenure involved ceremonial duties, philanthropy, and representing the monarchy at public events. She promoted British culture and industry through exhibitions and events.

She was also actively involved in various charitable organizations, particularly those related to women's health and education.

APPEARANCE: Queen Alexandra was noted for her regal beauty, with a graceful stature, high cheekbones, and a serene expression. Tall and slender, with fair hair and blue eyes, her elegant and poised demeanor contributed to her popularity.

Portrait by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, 1864

FASHION: A trendsetter in her time, Alexandra was known for her fashion sense. She often set styles followed by high society, including the Alexandra Rose, a fashionable choker necklace.

Se favored simple yet elegant designs and high-quality materials and promoted British fashion designers.

CHARACTER: Described as kind, gentle, and charitable, Alexandra endeared herself to the public. Her compassion and involvement in charitable causes, especially healthcare, left a lasting legacy.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: While the Victorian era did not encourage overt displays of humor, Alexandra was known for her warmth and approachability. She engaged in social activities and was well-liked among her contemporaries.

RELATIONSHIPS: Alexandra married Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, at St Georges Chapel, Windsor on March 10, 1863.

Alexandra's marriage to Edward VII was considered a love match, and the couple had six children.

Their relationship faced challenges due to Edward's philandering., but Alexandra remained devoted to him throughout his life. 

Princess Alexandra of Denmark and the Prince of Wales, 1863

MONEY AND FAME: As the Queen consort, Alexandra lived a life of luxury. Her fame extended beyond the UK, making her a prominent figure in European royalty.

FOOD AND DRINK: Alexandra was known for her refined taste in food and enjoyed the lavish banquets and formal dinners that were customary in royal circles.

MUSIC AND ARTS: A patron of the arts, Alexandra supported musicians, artists, and cultural events. Her influence contributed to the flourishing of the arts during the Edwardian era.

She played the piano and enjoyed attending concerts and operas.

LITERATURE: While there is no extensive record of her literary pursuits, Alexandra supported literary events and the cultural enrichment of society.

NATURE: She had an appreciation for nature and was involved in horticulture. The Alexandra Rose, named after her, became a symbol of beauty and grace.

Alexandra owned a pet goat with an interesting origin. Originally intended for dinner during a cruise, the goat managed to slip its tether and, in a surprising turn of events, approached Alexandra, resting its head on her lap. Moved by this unexpected connection, Alexandra decided to adopt the goat as her pet.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Alexandra enjoyed horse riding and was actively involved in equestrian activities. She also had an interest in photography and enjoyed ice skating and dancing.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While not extensively involved in scientific or mathematical pursuits, Alexandra supported advancements in healthcare, showing a practical understanding of science.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Her upbringing in the Lutheran faith influenced her values. As a queen consort, she adopted the Church of England and respected the religious diversity within the British monarchy.

SCANDAL: Alexandra faced public scrutiny during the Tranby Croft affair, where accusations of cheating during a card game led to legal proceedings. However, she was eventually vindicated.

MILITARY RECORD: As a queen consort, Alexandra was not directly involved in military matters. However, she took an active interest in the well-being of soldiers and supported military charities.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Alexandra endured an episode of rheumatic fever during the delivery of Louise, Princess Royal, on February 10, 1867. The combination of illness and labor posed a severe threat to Alexandra's life. Although she eventually recovered, the rheumatic fever left her with a lasting and distinct limp. Remarkably, her unique gait became a trend among young women who looked up to her as a style and fashion icon. These admirers even went as far as mimicking the limp, coining it the "Alexandra Limp."

HOMES: Alexandra grew up in the Yellow Palace, adjacent to the Amalienborg Palace complex in Copenhagen. 

After marrying, Alexandra resided in various royal residences, including Buckingham House and Sandringham House. On Edward's death, Alexandra moved out of Buckingham Palace to Marlborough House

TRAVEL: Her role as queen consort involved extensive travel, representing the British monarchy at diplomatic events and fostering relations with other European royalty.

DEATH: Queen Alexandra passed away on November 20, 1925, at Sandringham House, Norfolk, England after suffering a heart attack. She  was buried in an elaborate tomb next to her husband in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.


APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Queen Alexandra's life has been portrayed in various historical dramas and documentaries, showcasing her influence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Queen Alexandra's legacy lies in her contributions to philanthropy, her influence on fashion and culture, and her role as a beloved queen consort during a transformative period in British history.

She was Princess of Wales from 1863 to 1901, the longest anyone has ever held that title.

Source Encyclopedia of Trivia 

Tuesday 13 January 2009

Cecil Frances Alexander

 NAME: Cecil Frances Humphreys (later Alexander)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Prolific hymn writer and poet, known for works like "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "There is a Green Hill Far Away", and "Once in Royal David's City".

BIRTH: April 1818, at 25 Eccles Street, Dublin, Ireland

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Cecil Frances was the daughter of Major John Humphreys, a land agent, and Elizabeth Frances Reed. She belonged to an upper-middle-class, family. Her family belonged to the Anglican Church, and her upbringing was deeply rooted in Christian values.

CHILDHOOD: Cecil Frances spent her early years in Dublin and County Wicklow, Ireland. She developed a love for writing poetry at a young age.

Her family belonged to the Anglican Church, and her upbringing was deeply rooted in Christian values.

EDUCATION: Primarily educated at home by tutors.  Her exposure to literature and the Bible significantly influenced her later writing. She was also influenced by the Oxford Movement

CAREER RECORD: By the 1840s, Humphreys had gained recognition as a hymn writer, and her compositions found a place in the hymnbooks of the Church of Ireland.

In 1848, she published the book Hymns for Little Children, aimed at making the concepts of the Apostles’ Creed more accessible to children through poetic and pictorial language. Notable hymns within this collection included "There is a Green Hill Far Away," composed for an ailing child, "Once in Royal David’s City," depicting Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, and "All Things Bright and Beautiful," inspired by the phrase “maker of Heaven and Earth” from the Apostle’s Creed. The collection achieved remarkable success, reaching its 69th edition by the end of the nineteenth century.

In 1850, Cecil Frances entered matrimony with William Alexander, an Anglican clergyman. Even after her marriage, Mrs. Alexander continued her pursuits in poetry and hymn writing. Simultaneously, she dedicated a significant portion of her time to charitable endeavors, particularly visiting the impoverished and the ailing within their parish. The proceeds from her acclaimed hymnbook were generously channeled to support handicapped children in the north of Ireland. Her hymns are translated into many languages and remain popular today.

APPEARANCE: Historical records do not provide detailed information about Cecil Frances Alexander's physical appearance.

Undated photograph of Alexander

FASHION: Fashion preferences are not well-documented, but she likely adhered to the modest Victorian styles of her time.

CHARACTER: Alexander was known for her humility, piety, and dedication to helping others. She is described as kind, charitable, and intelligent.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: While her hymns and writings focused on religious themes, there is limited information about her sense of humor. It is presumed that she maintained a serious and reverent demeanor.

RELATIONSHIPS: Cecil Frances Alexander married William Alexander, who later became the Anglican Archbishop of Armagh. .She was six years older than the clergyman, causing great family concern but they shared a strong and supportive relationship. 

Their marriage produced two sons and two daughters. Her daughter, Eleanor Jane Alexander, also pursued poetry.

Devoted to her family and friends.

MONEY AND FAME: While not driven by financial gain, Cecil Frances Alexander's hymns brought her recognition and respect in religious circles. Her primary focus, however, was on the spiritual and moral influence of her work. She avoided seeking fame and donated profits from her work to charitable causes.

FOOD AND DRINK: No specific information available, but likely adhered to the prevailing social norms of her time.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Alexander was passionate about music and poetry. Her hymns are admired for their simple, yet evocative language and strong melodies. She also contributed lyric poems, narrative poems, and translations of French poetry to Dublin University Magazine under various pseudonyms

There Is A Green Hill Far Away n the 1868 publication of Hymns Ancient and Modern
 

LITERATURE: Deeply engaged with religious and secular literature. Alexander was influenced by prominent writers of her era.

NATURE: Many of her hymns, including "All Things Bright and Beautiful," reflect a deep appreciation for nature as a manifestation of God's creation. 

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Her focus on religious and literary pursuits leaves limited information about specific hobbies or sports she may have engaged in.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While her hymns sometimes allude to the wonders of creation, there's no indication that Cecil Frances Alexander was extensively involved in scientific or mathematical pursuits.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Deeply committed to Anglican Christianity. Her hymns convey a profound understanding of religious principles and the teachings of the Bible.

SCANDAL: There is no record of any scandal associated with Cecil Frances Alexander. Her life was marked by devotion to her faith and family.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: No major health issues are documented. Cecil Frances Alexander lived an active life until her late seventies.

HOMES: She lived in various locations in Ireland and England, reflecting her husband's clerical career.

TRAVEL: Travelled within Ireland and England with her husband. No known travels beyond the British Isles.

DEATH: Cecil Frances Alexander passed away on October 12, 1895 aged 77, in Londonderry, Ireland. She is buried in the Londonderry cathedral in Ireland. 

When her husband died 16 years later, the congregation sang at his funeral "There is a Green Hill Far Away."

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Numerous biographies and scholarly articles discuss her life and work. Her hymns are featured in hymnals and sung worldwide.

During the 20th century, James Herriot, a rural veterinarian, drew inspiration from the refrain of Mrs. Alexander’s "All Things Bright and Beautiful" for the titles of his four immensely popular semi-autobiographical books. His inaugural masterpiece, All Creatures Great and Small, was promptly acknowledged as a classic.

In 2009, the English composer John Rutter adapted "All Things Bright and Beautiful" into a full choral piece. His adaptation has proved popular with both soloists and choirs .

ACHIEVEMENTS: Cecil Frances Alexander is considered one of the most significant hymn writers of the 19th century. Her work continues to inspire and uplift people of all faiths.

Please note: This biography is based on available information including Encyclopedia of Trivia and may not be entirely exhaustive. Some details remain unknown or undocumented.

Monday 12 January 2009

Alexander the Great

NAME Alexander the Great. Alexander means "Defender of Men", the "Great" bit was added later. He was actually Alexander III, or in Greek "ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ" ("Megas Alexandros").

Alexander Mosaic (detail), House of the Faun, Pompeii

WHAT FAMOUS FOR King of Macedonia and Greece.  Conquering the Persian Empire and creating one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece to India. He spread Greek culture and philosophy throughout the conquered lands, marking a pivotal era in ancient history.

BIRTH b356BC in Pella, ancient capital of Macedonia.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Alexander had a completely artificial background constructed by his mother in which he traced his lineage back on one's side to Achilles and Andromache and the other side to Perseus and Hercules.

His father was Philip II, King of Macedonia., who was known as Philopotes (drink lover). Philip conquered the newly unified Greece but was stabbed by Pausances, a royal bodyguard, whilst attending the unveiling of a statute of him depicting him as an Olympian god. Doubts as to whether Phil really was his father led to Alex declaring that he was a god and his father was Jupiter. His father's tomb was discovered at Vergina in Greece in 1978. It was identified by means of an eye injury from an arrow which left him with only one eye, which historians had known about.

By Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Phillip II, king of Macedonia, Roman copy of Greek original,

Alexander's mother was Olympias, the the hot tempered princess of Epirus,. According to Plutarch (Alexander 3.1,3), Olympias was impregnated not by Philip, who was afraid of her and her affinity for sleeping in the company of snakes, but by Zeus. Plutarch (Alexander 2.2-3) relates that both Philip and Olympias dreamt of their son's future birth. Whilst Olympias dreamt of a loud burst of thunder and of lightning striking her womb, in Philip's dream, he sealed her womb with the seal of the lion. Alarmed by this, he consulted the seer Aristander of Telmessus, who determined that his wife was pregnant and that the child would have the character of a lion.

In 339 BC Philip divorced Alexander's mother, leading to a quarrel between Alex and his dad, which threw into question Alexander's succession to the Macedonian throne.

Phillip acquired a number of other wives, including, Cleopatra (no, not that one) and Satira. Having all those step mums couldn't have been good for Alex

CHILDHOOD Young Alex, had the normal training for a young Macedonian aristocrat leaving him little time for fun and games.

EDUCATION Between the ages of 13 and 16, Alexander came under the tuition of the philosopher Aristotle. From him he learnt rhetoric, medicine, geometry, art, literature and music. Then Philip himself took over his education teaching him all necessary military skills apart from getting drunk. Smart Alex learnt by heart the Iliad and carried a copy as a child with him everywhere.

CAREER RECORD At the age of 16, Alex acted as regent of Macedonia whilst his father was away on business (warring in Byzantium). Even back then he found himself involved in a local war.
His CV reads as follows
336BC Succeeded Phillip to throne. "Nothing has changed except the name of the King" said Alex.
Elected Commander of the Greek forces for a war against Persia by a congress of States at Corinth.
334-331BC Conquered Persia. Had he stopped there he would have simply have been Alexander the Pretty Good but he then proceeded to conquer the north including Tyre, Issis and Arbela and earned the epitaph Alexander the Great.
326 His exhausted troops refused to go anywhere, for three days Alexander sulked and even wept before giving way and allowing a retreat back into Persia losing more men to lack of water than had died in battle.

A list of Alex's Titles include:
356-336 Crown Prince of Macedon
356-323 Descendant of Achilles (yeah and my father was King Arthur)
340-336 Regent of Macedon:
336-323 King of Macedon
336-323 Hegemon of Corinthian League
333-323 Son of Ammon-Zeus (And I'm Hercules' nephew)
332-323 Pharaoh of Egypt
331ish-323 Shahanshah of Persia:

A typical day in the life of Alex: Get up, sacrifice to the gods, breakfast, then hunt, administer justice, typically plan next campaign and maybe a spot of reading.

APPEARANCE  Described as tall and athletic, with piercing blue eyes and auburn hair, but had a feeble straggly beard.

FASHION As a consequence of his wimpish beard Alexander started a trend for Greek men to crop their hair short and shave their faces. Alex was obsessed with shaving. He even shaved during wartime, and would not allow himself to be seen going into battle with a five o’clock shadow. It is said that before a certain battle he ordered his men to shave off their beards. "There is nothing like a beard to get hold off in a fight," he explained.

In those pre-Head and Shoulders says, Alexander washed his hair in saffron, a very expensive commodity.

The Greeks in the time of Alexander liked blonde hair as much as we do today. Men and women alike bleached their locks with potash water and herbal infusions. When Richard Burton played him in the 1956 film, Alexander the Great, he wore a blonde wig

One result of Alexander's conquests was that perfume was introduced to Greece from the Middle East. It was after he defeated Darius III of Persia and moved into Egypt that the clean whiskered one adopted the use of perfumes. It is said that Alex's floors would be sprinkled with scented waters and that his clothes were imprinted with the perfumes of fragrant resins and myrrh.

"It is recorded of some men, among them Alexander the Great, that their sweat exhaled a sweet odour, owing to some rare and extraordinary property." Montaigne Essays

Smart Alex ordered his armourers to make helmets much larger than those worn by his troops. These were left for the enemy to find in the hope that they would be afraid to fight the "giant" soldiers.

He often wore Macedonian military attire but adopted Persian elements later in his reign.

CHARACTER Alexander had a powerful personality, a razor sharp leader, he was erm great. Self absorbed, egotistic, he could be more gracious than WG Grace but less bearded. Calculatedly generous, fearless, strong. "I will not steal a victory." he once remarked on refusing to attack the Persian army before the battle of Gaugamela.

Alexander could encourage his mutinying men with rhetoric so moving it reduced them to tears.

The Macedonian leader was charming except when drunk then he became arrogant and boastful and too receptive to flatterers. Success led Alex to believe he was divinely blessed, which gave him the confidence that he would not fail.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Accounts suggest he appreciated wit and enjoyed intellectual challenges. However, details about his personal humor are limited.

RELATIONSHIPS Alexander treated women with the utmost chivalry.

A lady called Thalestius once took 300 women along with her to meet Alex in the hope of raising a race of Alexanders.

Alexander's army took their wives and loved ones with them. It is said 10,000 children were born during their 12 year expedition.

Alexander married several princesses of former Persian territories. These included the beautiful Princess Roxana (died c. 311 BC), the daughter of Oxyartes of Bactria (then eastern Persia, now Uzbekistan and northern Afghanistan). Six months after Alexander's death, Roxana gave birth to his son and heir, Alexander IV. She was murdered in the struggle for power after Alex junior's death in 311. Alex also fathered Hercales, who was born in 327BC by his mistress Barsine, the daughter of Satrap Artabazus of Phrygia.

Marriage of Alexander and Roxana detail By Il Sodoma -

Alexander attempted to civilise and wipe out the oriental civilisation by encouraging and subsidising marriages between Greek men and Asian Women, even bribing some of his officers to do this. For instance, after his wedding to Statira, who was one of Darius III of Persia's daughters in 324BC, Alex obliged his officers and friends to marry the daughters of Persian nobles. 10,000 of his soldiers followed his example and married Persian lassies.

Alexander, like many ancient Greeks, batted for both sides. His greatest emotional attachment is generally considered to have been to his companion, cavalry commander and possibly lover, Hephaestion. The Roman historian Curtius reported that "He scorned [feminine] sensual pleasures to such an extent that his mother was anxious lest he be unable to beget offspring." To whet his appetite for the fairer sex, King Philip and Olympias brought in a high-priced Thessalian courtesan named Callixena.

According to Curtius, Alexander also took as a lover "... Bagoas, a eunuch exceptional in beauty and in the very flower of boyhood." (VI.5.23).

MONEY AND FAME Alexander became immensely wealthy through his conquests, but wealth wasn't his primary motivation. He sought to create a vast empire and spread Greek culture.

On setting off for Asia, Alexander distributed nearly all his crown estates and revenues amongst his soldiers' dependants to ensure they would not be troubled over their welfare.
Alex exercised with his men and was in dress of similar appearance to them. He led from the front and endured same hardships as his soldiers. This all boosted his popularity.

A master of spin, he never went on a campaign without a couple of historians noting down every marvellous thing he said and did.

INTERESTS FOOD AND DRINK Alexander enjoyed simple Macedonian fare but indulged in delicacies from conquered lands. He practiced moderation in drinking, unlike his father.

Some food and drink related factoids about Alexander.
1.At his Macedonian court fruit salads and purees were served, mixed with honey and snow.
2.Like most Macedonians, Alexander was a heavy drinker of wine and was particularly fond of chilled wines and other iced beverages. Famed for his marathon drinking sessions he drunk
"Hercules", 12 pints of undiluted wine. During one of his notorious drinking contests 35 men died.
3.When marching across a thirst quenching desert, a soldier offered him a helmet full of water. "Is there enough for 10,000 men " asked Alexander. The soldier said "no", so the great leader and King poured water on the ground.
4.Alexander reported on the cultivation of sugar cane in India. From this reed a raw, dark brown sugar was extracted from the cane by chewing and sucking. His troop bought this “sweet reed” back to Athens.
5.Alex also discovered bananas in India. Back in Athens this new fruit was called “pala”. Another discovery in India was rice.
6.His troops habitually chewed liquorice root on the march due to its thirst quenching qualities
7. On an expedition seeking a potion guaranteeing immortal life in 323BC, Alexander came across some apples which supposedly prolonged the lives of priests who fed on them and nothing else up to 400 years. It didn't work for him. The Macedonian conqueror died of typhoid fever aged 33.

MUSIC AND ARTS Alexander appreciated Greek music and theater, often incorporating them into his celebrations. He patronized artists and philosophers, contributing to the spread of Hellenistic culture.

Alexander loved poetry, he spared one house in Thebes, the one where Pindar the poet lived 100 years previously.

Alex's friend and court painter Apelles was commissioned to paint Alexander's favourite mistress (Campaspe). He fell in love with her and the Macedonian king kindly donated her. Fortunately he valued art above women.

Alexander learnt romantic songs from Aristotle.

LITERATURE A bookworm as a young man, Alexander always kept a copy of Homer's Iliad under his pillow at night. He founded the Alexandria library at Alexandria in Egypt, which at one time contained 40,000 volumes.

In the first centuries after Alexander's death, many of the stories that people told about the Macedonian conqueror were combined into a text known as the Alexander Romance. Some believe that, excepting certain religious texts, it was the most widely-read work of pre-modern times.

NATURE From his boyhood days, Alexander had a beautiful dark coloured horse called Bucephalus whom he loved riding. Bucephalus was a stallion of high temper that no one could tame, until the ten-year-old prince succeeded by turning the horse's head into the sun as he'd noticed the stallion's own shadow was upsetting it. Alexander went on to teach the great horse to kneel so that his master could mount him in full armour. Bucephalus served him until his death after the Battle of the Hydaspes in what is now Pakistan in 326BC .

Alexander had a faithful dog, Peritas, named after the Macedonian name for the month of January. It is thought that Peritas, who Alexander raised from a puppy, was probably a greyhound. When the conqueror was fighting the army of Darius III of Persia , Peritas leapt forward and bit the lip of an elephant charging his master. The loyal mutt was rewarded by having a city named after him.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS A skilled horseman and athlete, he participated in hunting, chariot racing, and other physically demanding activities.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Alexander was an early zoologist. He shipped home to Aristotle specimens of animals, flowers and minerals from the new areas he invaded. The Macedonian warrior uniquely included scientists, engineers and historians as well as soldiers in his army.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Alexander was very zealous in sacrificing to his gods. He accepted homage, which the Eastern peoples, gave to rulers whom they thought were godlike.

In Spring 331 he made a pilgrimage to the great temple and oracle of Amon-Ra, the Egyptian god of the sun, whom the Greeks identified with Zeus. The earlier Egyptian pharaohs were believed to be sons of Amon-Ra, and Alexander, the new ruler of Egypt, wanted the god to acknowledge him as his son. The pilgrimage was apparently a success, and it may have confirmed Alexander's belief in his own divine origin.

Alexander adopted oriental usages among which was the demand that all who approached him on official occasions should bow down to the earth and kiss his feet. In 323 he also sent notification to all the Greek cities that he was henceforth to be officially numbered among the gods of each city and that such he was to receive the offerings which each city presented. Thus was introduced into Europe absolute monarchy and the divine right of Kings. Strangely enough shortly after that he died.

Alexander threatened Jerusalem but it was saved by the boldness of High Priest Jaddua. Originally he was going to set up statue of himself in Jerusalem temple. The outraged Jews protested and the open minded Alexander agreed to forgo this privilege if Jews agreed to name their first born son, Alexander instead. The conqueror went on to grant the Jews many privileges.

The rise of Alexander was prophesied 250 years before he was born in the Old Testament Book of Daniel (In Daniel 8 v5-8 and 20-22). It predicts the kingdom of Medo Persia being overthrown by King of Greece. Then the kingdom is divided on his death between his four generals but they will not have the same power.

SCANDAL The Macedonian tabloids would have been full of the latest Alexander scandal. Here are a few.

1.A timid young soldier in Alexander's army would chicken out whenever the fighting grew heavy. The not so bearded one was angry as this coward was also called Alexander. One day Alexander addressed him and said sternly "stop being a coward or drop that good name."
2.At Gordium in modern day Turkey, a wagon was fastened to the yoke with knots. It was so ingeniously tied that no ends were visible. The oracle said that the Empire of the World should fall to the man who untied it. When Alexander conquered Gordium he came across the famous puzzle, but unable to untie it he cut it with his sword.
3.When he captured the pirate, Diomedes, Alexander asked him "How dare he oppress the seas". Diomedes commented that he did his harassing with one ship and he was called a robber. Alexander oppressed the world with his huge army and he was called a King. What bare faced cheek. This reply impressed the bare faced conqueror and he granted Diomedes many riches and made him into a prince.
4.Alexander destroyed the mausoleum of Mausolus in Asia Minor, one of Seven Wonders of the World.
5.The Macedonian military commander practised crucifixion- he hung 2000 people on crosses when the city of Tyre was destroyed in 334.
6.During one of his infamous drinking sessions, Alexander killed Clitus, one of his closest friends with a spear.

MILITARY RECORD Alexander's chief interest was military strategy. He inherited from his father an army without equal, but was himself a brilliant troop leader, always leading from the front and if possible engaging in personal contact. Alexander introduced using 20ft long pikes which soldiers held with both hands and established the light infantry as a link between infantry and cavalry. His troop formation the Phalanx, like Sir Alf Ramsey's 4-4-2 in 1966, was greatly instrumental in his success. An astute tactician, Alexander ordered his armouries to make helmets much larger than those worn by his soldiers. They were left lying around so the enemy would flee in fear of the "giants". He died with an unbeaten record, Alexander never lost a battle in his lifetime.


Here is his military CV:
338 The teenage Alexander helped his old man with the final few battles of the Macedonian invasion of Greece. As his dad's cavalry commander, he contributed to victory at Battle of Chaeronea with a cavalry charge. Alexander put in a winning performance and won his spurs.
336 Alex marches on Thessaly, where partisans of independence had gained control and restores Macedonian rule.
334 At age of 22 Alexander crossed from Macedonia to Asia with his army at the Battle of Granicus.
333 Probably Alexander's most epic victory defeating the Persians under Darius III at the Battle of Issis. The Macedonians had 35,000, the Persians nearly a 250,000 troops. Need I go on..
332 Alex's army successfully besieges the City of Tyre (in Lebanon) after a siege of several months and goes on to occupy Egypt.
331 When Darius offered Alexander terms of peace, Alexander replied "Heaven cannot support two suns, nor earth two masters." He routed Darius, at the Battle of Gaugamela with 47,000 men against the Persian army of half a million (probably an exaggeration). Alexander wept at the mangled body of the dying Darius, who after fleeing the battle had been slain by two of his own generals. The Macedonians lost (so they claimed) fewer than 500 men in the battle. Alexander succeeded in defeating the Persian Army on land by occupying their Mediterranean ports so they couldn't re-supply.
Alexander captured the island of Tyre by building a dyke from the mainland. The dyke still survives and now Tyre is permanently joined to the coast.
330 Alexander captured and burnt the royal city of Persepolis.
326 Alexander crossed the Indus River & invades the Punjab in India. He turned back after defeating the Indian Prince of Porsus in 326 at the Battle of Hydaspos, as Alexander's army was tired and having defeated an army of 200 elephants (and some men too) it was disinclined to face a further 5000 reputedly waiting for in the Ganges Valley.
In the space of eight years The Macedonian maestro penetrated Syria and Egypt and the whole of Middle East as far as India,

HOMES Born and raised in Pella. the capital of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. The palace was situated on a 70 m high hill north of the city, a strategic position commanding the entire area and occupying a vast area of 75,000 m2

Alexander was not one for making a home and staying put, so once he set off on his conquests his home was a tent.

TRAVEL Alexander saw more of the world than most men of his day. He specifically visited Troy in order to pay homage to the heroes of the Iliad

He traversed great expanses of territory very rapidly getting as far as North India. He believed India was the edge of the world and when his men persuaded him to turn back, (They were all fed up with the tropical rain and were exhausted) well, they had nearly reached the end of the world anyway.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS An epileptic, Alexander also found himself battling malaria during his Mesopotamia campaign. On one occasion whilst his medicine was being prepared, a letter was sent by an enemy of his physician, Philip the Acarnanian claiming he'd been bribed by the Persian King to poison him. Alexander read the letter and slipped it under his pillow without showing it to anyone. The physician entered Alexander's tent. The Macedonian conqueror showed Philip the letter as he calmly drunk his medicine. The physician having read the letter threw himself at the king's bedside but Alexander assured him he had every confidence in his honour. After three days Alexander was better and the physician mightily relieved. A close shave for the clean whiskered one. Not all physicians were so fortunate. When Alexander’s great friend Hephaestian died, Alexander crucified the physician who failed to save him.

DEATH Alexander died in 323BC just one month short of attaining 33 years of age, in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon (though with all that marching his feet must have been killing him). 

There is uncertainty whether his cause of death was typhoid fever, malaria, poisoning by a rival or alcohol poisoning contracted during a two-day period of drinking and carousing (For the climax Alexander drank "Hercules" 12 pints of undiluted wine). As he lay dying of his fever/drunken stupor, one by one his Macedonian army passed through bidding his farewell. Alex cried "I am dying with the help of too many Physicians" on his deathbed. 

His body was embalmed in honey and his body was carried by his boyhood friend Ptolmey I. He was buried in a golden coloured glass coffin opposite the Ptolmey tombs in the Sema Mauso Mausoleum, Alexandria for many years. 

The Persian King Darius' grateful wife, who had been captured at the Battle of Isis and spared by Alexander, came to admire Alexander so much that she committed suicide after Alexander's death. 

He left his empire, in his own words, "to the strongest"; this ambiguous testament meant that after the Lord's Mayor show, a dustcart, as his Kingdom evaporated due to the bitter infighting between his successors.


APPEARANCES IN MEDIA 1. Alexander was the subject of a cluster of medieval legends, the most well known being the French Roman d'Alexandre. These medieval romances made him a hero of the type of Arthur and Charlemagne.
2. Among the many movie versions were Alexander the Great (1956) with Welshman Richard Burton playing the clean shaven one and Alexander (2004) with Irishman Colin Farrell as Alex and director Oliver Stone not holding back from the Greek sexual customs of the day.
3. Iron Maiden's 1986 track "Alexander The Great" from Somewhere In Time, does what it says on the tin-if you're into heavy metal music.
In a verse about slavery in ancient times, Nas rapped on his 2002 hit "I Can" "Egypt was the place that Alexander the Great went. He was so shocked at the mountains with black faces."

ACHIEVEMENTS Plenty of things to make you go oooh.
1. Alexander founded the Egyptian city of Alexandria, which within 50 years became the centre of western learning. He'd built it as a naval base for his war against Persia.
2. A great publicist, Alexander founded about 70 cities which were named after him.
3. Alexander conquered 2 million square miles (approx, ovbiously not exactly).
4. He organised the first army supply system.
5. Alexander mapped territories unknown to western world and opened up new trade routes. His explorations advanced knowledge of geography and natural history.
6. The King of Clubs in a deck of cards represents Alexander.

Sources: Mainly Encyclopedia of Trivia and various ancient and modern historians,