um), which reads: “King Alexander dedi- cated this temple to Athena Polias”. Our Aegean odyssey reaches its cli- max where today‘s most luxurious Turk- ish resorts are located: in Bodrum. This cosmopolitan city was called Halicarnas- sus in ancient times and was the scene of one of the most dramatic episodes in Al- exander‘s life. Alexander arrived at the walls of Halicarnassus in 334 BC. Then a key Per- sian stronghold in the Aegean, the city was defended by mighty ramparts built by the famous satrap Mausolus (creator of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, an- other of the Seven Wonders of the An- cient World). It was the siege of all sieg- es. Here Alexander faced off against brilliant Greek general Memnon, who commanded the city’s defence in the ser-
vice of Persia. The fighting was fierce, but the city was ultimately burnt to the ground and conquered after its impen- etrable walls were demolished, thus de- priving the Persian fleet of its main base on the Aegean. When you visit Bodrum today, it’s as though history tugs at your sleeve. You can visit the remains of the Mausoleum itself, but also the impressive Myndos Gate, site of the bloodiest battles of Al- exander’s siege. After touching those an- cient stones, walk to the famous Bodrum Marina and the medieval Castle of St. Peter (which, ironically, was partly built using stone from the razed Mausoleum). Pack your bags for eternity Alexander the Great suffered from what the ancient Greeks called pothos,
an unbearable yearning for the un- known; a passionate longing for some- thing just out of reach. It is that same desire that leads us to airports each year, carrying suitcases packed with summer hats and bathing suits. Air Serbia will take you this July to places where myth, history and the Mediterranean’s most beautiful shores intertwine. Whether you choose a coffee under the Thessalon- iki sun, a philosophical stroll in Halkidi- ki, the cultural fervour of Athens or the cosmopolitan charm and ancient secrets of the Turkish Riviera, be aware that you aren’t just following tourist guides. You’re following in the footsteps of a man who conquered the world by the age of 30, and whose spirit lives on in every wave of the Aegean. We wish you pleas- ant flights and a wonderful summer!
History » Istorija | 59
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator