I'm watching 'Ancient Worlds' - the Iron Age
Replaces the too-fragile Bronze era
Once-great cities overrun by rampage
Sheer numbers overwhelming defenders
A period of regression, although the
Phoenicians and Egyptians carried on
As best they could, especially the former
Who sailed the seas, commercially driven
From great ports like Byblos, Tyre and Sidon
For neighbour Jews, Solomon's Golden Age
Was not so great; the Assyrian terror
Deporting Israel's tribes. Jerusalem
In southern Judah, spared, became the stage
For future centuries of great drama
'Purple people' is the translation of 'Phoenicians' - taken from their famous purple dye.
which is your favourite ancient world.
ReplyDeleteI've written a nice poem about Arvad in my forthcoming poetry collection don'tchaknow
Good question, Jude. Many of the people mwe always hear about are the big, often warlike or cruel empires, like the Assyrians. Which ones were peaceful and enjoyed life innocently, with music and laughter, and without slavery? Also, the lands in which they were based seem a bit harsh, at least today. I suspect the climate was less harsh further south than it is now, and also colder north than it is now, to explain why civilisations propspered most where they did. The Nubians for instance lived in fertile land in what is now a desert. I've always quite liked the sound and image of Babylon, which even had Hanging Gardens, which sounds reminiscent of Clacton or Weston-super-mare's Winter Gardens. How about you?
ReplyDeletePS - I look forward to the collection - Arvad? Not sure who or what that is, i confess!!
ReplyDelete