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Why did Alexander take the island of bliss?

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The Gift of Kings, Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genographic Project—>Click here.

Solomon mentioned Aloe at least twice in his writings: "I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon." (Proverbs 7:17) and "With all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices." (Song of Songs 4: 14) The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were all familiar with the medicinal properties of Aloe both for topical treatments and, surprisingly, as a violent purgative (laxative). Aloe was part of preparing the dead, even Christ's body was said prepared with "a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight." (John 19:39)

Frankincense, myrrh, and aloe were major trade items in ancient times, much of these goods traveled along the coasts between the Sinai and India. Dvipa Sukhadhara, a Sanskrit name meaning "the island of bliss" was a major trading port along the route.
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Sometime around 330 BCE, it is thought Aristotle approached Alexander with the idea of Greeks colonizing the island.
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It was a place to purchase goods from other lands and a source of myrrh (Commiphora sp.) and Socotran aloe (Aloe perryi Baker) [a lo' ee per' ree i].

Dvipa Sukhadhara is not included on any maps of Alexander's empire. It was small and distant from the rest, a brief outpost of Greek civilization. Sometime around 330 BCE, it is thought Aristotle approached Alexander with the idea of Greeks colonizing the island.

It is said Aristotle personally selected colonists from his homeland. The island was taken from Indian control which may not have been difficult. It was an island of myrrh and aloe collectors, farmers, and traders. The Greeks renamed the island, Dioscorida, possibly an allusion to the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux). The Gemini twins, worshipped by Greek traders, were said to hold power over the wind and waves. ("A Historical Genealogy of Socotra as an Object of Mythical Speculation, Scientific Research & Development Experiment", Serge D. Elie, University of Sussex, Yemen Update 44, 2002)

Myrrh and aloe were important medicinals for Alexander's army, control of the trade made military sense. But, perhaps this was a prelude to his invasion of India. Today the island is known as Soqotra.

Dr. Susan Christie is the recipient of a Rufford Small Grant for her work on conserving Soqotra's endangered, endemic species, including Aloe perryi. To learn more about Dr. Christie's work and view a photograph of Aloe perryi, click on the link:

http://www.rufford.org/rsg/Projects/DrSusanChristie.html

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The True Story of Alexander The Great DVD

The History Channel®

Arguably the most brilliant and courageous warrior in recorded history, a man whom many considered not a mere mortal, but a god. The True Story of Alexander the Great. One of conquest, love, hate, revenge and ultimately tragedy...

In the year 334 BC, a 20 year old military commander from Northern Greece set out to conquer what was then the known world. His name was King Alexander of Macedon. During the next 12 years, he led 40,000 troops more than 20,000 miles, defeating the most powerful ruler on Earth, King Darius of Persia, and conquering all of Asia. He died of a battle wound at the age of 32, but his legendary conquests have been celebrated and studied for more than 2000 years. Today, we know him as Alexander the Great.

Hosted by Peter Woodward, the program takes viewers to the Greek locations of Alexander's youth: his father King Philip II's palace in Macedonia, the caves where he was tutored by the famous philosopher Aristotle, the battlefields where he fought by his father's side, the amphitheatre where Alexander watched helplessly as Philip was assassinated.

Guided by accounts of ancient historians portrayed by actors, and interviews with the world's most respected modern-day Alexander scholars, this journey continues with visits to the actual battlefields in Turkey and Lebanon where Alexander's troops, though heavily outnumbered, emerged victorious. Alexander's signature battle plans and weaponry are examined and demonstrated using re-enactors and state-of-the art computer graphics. The True Story of Alexander The Great DVD, Click here.

Ancient Mysteries: Mystical Monuments of Ancient Greece

A&E®

The glorious temples of Athens's Acropolis bear silent witness to the high point of Ancient Greece's fabled civilization. Built during the rule of the legendary Pericles the most powerful leader in Athens's history majestic temples like the Parthenon and the Erectheum amaze us to this day. Yet what was the real purpose of these stunning structures at the heart of the finest city in the ancient world? Were they the centerpiece of a truly civilized society and the symbols of a new form of government known as democracy? Or were they the seat of a brutal cult devoted to Athena, goddess of wisdom and war?

Ancient Mysteries delves into the secret history of Greece's golden age. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the famous monuments with the men who are unearthing their mysteries, and trace the extraordinary story of how they were built and used. Ancient Mysteries: Mystical Monuments of Ancient Greece DVD, Click here.

In Search of History: The Greek Gods DVD

The History Channel®

Their exploits were recorded in stories passed down from generation to generation, their images the basis of some of the most beautiful artworks ever created, and their names echo through history to this day.

From their mythical home high atop Mount Olympus, the great Greek gods were an integral part of every aspect of life. Explore the fascinating story of these enduring figures in this comprehensive program. Hear from renowned classicists why the Greeks endowed their deities with such human failings, and explore the significance of the most famous myths.

See the astonishing artworks that have preserved their images for all time, and how these epic figures have been integrated into modern life. And visit the phenomenal temples that were built in their names, and where the most important rituals of Ancient Greece were carried out.

From Aphrodite to Zeus, it's an entertaining and illuminating look at THE GREEK GODS. In Search of History: The Greek Gods DVD, Click here.

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The Gift of Kings

National Geographicl®

Though many people know of the legendary gifts of the Magi, few have experienced the extraordinary scent of frankincense and myrrh.

These fragrant resins, used by ancient Greeks and Romans for medicinal and religious purposes, can be enjoyed on your evening fire or as incense.

Our special set comes in an intricately inlaid wooden box that itself comes in a beautiful velvet pouch. Click here.

Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genographic Project

National Geographic®

In Deep Ancestry, scientist and explorer Spencer Wells shows how tiny genetic changes add up over time into a fascinating story. Using scores of real-life examples, helpful analogies, and detailed diagrams and illustrations, he translates complicated concepts into accessible language and explains exactly how each and every individual's DNA contributes another piece to the jigsaw puzzle of human history. The book takes readers inside the Genographic Project, the landmark study now assembling the world's largest collection of DNA samples and employing the latest in testing technology and computer analysis to examine hundreds of thousands of genetic profiles from all over the globe.

256 pages with 40 photographs; 5'' x 8''; Hardcover © 2006 Click here.

Join a real-time, landmark research project! Learn something about your deep ancestry while contributing to the overall success of the Project. Click here.

Wollemi Pine

National Geographic®

Exclusively from National Geographic, this survivor from the age of the dinosaurs is one of the greatest living fossils discovered in the 20th century. The Wollemi pine is one of the world's oldest and rarest tree species, belonging to a 200-million-year-old plant family thought to have been extinct for more than two million years.

Previously known only from fossil records, it was presumed extinct until a single tree was found in the Wollemi National Park, Australia, in 1994. Subsequent research discovered 100 adult trees that have survived in a single canyon in this wild and rugged area. Click here

You can assist in the conservation effort and enjoy the unique opportunity to ensure the continued survival of this rare species by giving the tree as a gift or growing your own. Suitable for indoor container gardening or as a landscape tree in certain areas of the U.S.

Comes with a care manual with the full story about the discovery and fascinating history of the Wollemi pine. Comes in a copper-colored container and will be approximately 10''H when shipped. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these plants will fund ongoing conservation research. Click here.

National Geographic Magazine

National Geographic®

You are invited to roam the world in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Explore the diversity of our planet's lands and inhabitants in compelling stories covering topics such as animals, nature, science, technology, culture, history, travel, adventure, exploration, and geography. The monthly National Geographic magazine is your key benefit of membership.

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As many as five wall map supplements throughout the year in issues of the magazine
A personalized Membership Certificate
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Join the Society and bring the adventure of National Geographic into your home! Click here.