Alexander: The Sands of Ammon

Few authors can be better equipped to write about the history of ancient Greece and Rome than Valerio Massimo Manfredi. Professor of archaeology at the university of Milan, he has carried out many excavations and expeditions in the Mediterranean region. He has produced many factual books on historical matters, mainly military and has still found the time to write several novels and this is one of the best of them. This book is the second of a triology about probably the greatest warrior and general who has ever lived, bearing in mind that Alexander died at an age when most men are only just starting to make their mark in life. Alexander is of course one of histories most colourful and well know character. Even people with little or not interest in ancient history will have heard of Alexander, a charismatic and larger than life figure. In this second novel the author turns his attention to Alexander's Persian campaigns focussing on the battles between Alexander's forces and the rival general Memnon of Rhodes. Alexander knows in his heart that his superior troops will carry the battle but he can't help feeling admiration for his opponents courage. The sudden death of Memnon from a mystery illness makes for an anticlimactic end to their battles but allows the conqueror to claim Barsine, the beautiful wife of Memnon. Alexander's next challenge is to face the Tyrian navy as they attempt to block his advance into Egypt . . .

I think this book picks up pace from the first volume. It covers Alexander's campaigns through Anatolia ( his victories at Sardis , Miletis and Halicamassus) , his rivalry with Memnon of Rhodes , a mercenary working as a general for the Persians , his breaking through the Syrian gates , and the sieges of Tyre and Gaza , culminating in Alexander's romance with Memnon's beautiful widow , Barsine , his commissioning of the building of Alexandria and his visit to the Oasis at Siwa to consult the oracle of Ammon. Quite an exciting tracing of Alexander's journies. My only quibble is that between his campaigns in Lebanon and the siege of Gaza , Alexander must have moved through the Land of Israel , and yet this is not mentioned in the Sands of Ammon.

The series Alexander fictionally chronicles the life of Alexander the Great. The author uses the historical basis of Alexander's exceptional life to create a realistic and enthralling narrative of the life of one of the world's greatest conquerors. By interweaving historical fact, educated opinion, and the author's own vivid imagination, the reign of Alexander the Great is brought to life with compelling realism. The novels engage the reader and powerfully recreate the world of Alexander, in much the same way as Robert Graves manages in I, Claudius. The series is remarkable in that it so completely and unnoticeably infuses the narrative of Alexander's life with ubiquitous references to historical events and practices. The reader is never left wondering at the plausibility of the plot or doubting the veracity of the historical content. The author has managed to build so naturally and believably the world and culture of the time that the novel can be read like a history or as a straight forward narrative. This series offers another perspective to the teaching of history but is enjoyable also simply for the engaging storyline. Extremely well written, the series powerfully recreates the life of Alexander the Great of Macedon and will immerse the reader in this ancient period.

Manfredi continues what he started in Alexander- 'Child of a Dream' with the same great style and majesty. The ships of the army land on Anatolia- and the great struggle against the Persian Empire has just begun. Darius II of Persia will stop at nothing to defend the Empire, and Memnon of Rhodes- a valiant Greek mercenary is more than a match for Alexander's army. Follow the conqueror and his army first along the coast of Anatolia, and then across the Near East into the sands of Egypt. But all is not as easy at it seems. The city of Halicarnassus puts up a strong fight, and so does the legendary city of Tyre. To say nothing of the towers of Gaza. But a great revelation is waiting for Alexander at the Oracle of Ammon- as if his life isn't amazing enough already. Manfredi's research- tactical, strategic, and archeological deserves the highest applause, especially at the Battle of Issus, where the writer made a field visit during his research. The second volume is as intriguing as the first. Its epic grandeur is enough to take the reader by storm. A must read.

If you like historical fiction, you'll love these books. Great storytelling. Couldn't wait to read the next book and then the next. It makes you appreciate the minds of ancient generals.