As Arybbas and Myrtle made landfall at the only city on Samothrace, King Philip had just boarded his royal trireme and was departing Thasos. He had been successful in subduing the small mining town of Crenides and his army was now in control of this vital settlement east of Mount Pangaeus. A new fortress was being built near the captured village that the king named Philippi. His engineers were busy constructing the siege engines that the Macedonians would need to take Amphipolis. He had decided not to build the towers, catapults, and battering rams in Macedonia and transport them into Thrace. Instead, he used the timber resources growing on the mountains surrounding Crenides to start construction. His engineers were ordered to build the siege equipment so it could be assembled and disassembled, depending on the needs of the army. Informed that it would take at least three weeks to construct the machines, Philip met with his commanders. He had changed his mind; he would go to Samothrace and receive the initiation rites of the Cabiri mysteries.
Word of the king's poor adjustment to sea voyages had spread through the top echelons of his officers’ corps, so there was no need for elaboration. "I'll go first to Thasos," he said. Matters concerning mining operations that will start when Philippi is completed require my attention. From there I'll sail to Samothrace. I'm told it's only half a day's voyage, so even I can stand that."
Antipater smiled but didn't laugh. Parmenio and Attalus remained straight-faced. They both had experienced the same stomach-wrenching sickness and vowed never to leave land again.
It was Parmenio who raised the question of future operations. "Everything is in place for the siege. When the machines are completed, we’ll begin the operation. Philip, are we certain that Athens will not come to the aid of the city? Word has just come that Olynthus sent an envoy to Athens requesting the formation of a joint force to oppose us."
"I have assurance from Athens's envoy that they'll not oppose our actions. They believe that we'll give Amphipolis to them in return for Methone, once the city falls. Proceed on that assumption. If Athens fails to keep its word, we'll deal with them then. Besides, the envoy tells me that Athens can't oppose us in the north. Her navy's not nearly as strong as it once was, and the revolt in Euboea dominates their strategy. She thinks that she can deal with Macedon later. It will be too late then. No one in Athens, except Demosthenes, understands that. The gods are with us in this venture. When Macedon has all the silver and gold it needs, we will be unstoppable. I'm leaving now to receive the blessing of the Cabiri. When I return, you'll see me walk on the sea."
The king and his generals left together, laughing at Philip's supernatural pretensions. Although they generally respected and often feared the wrath of the gods, they frequently mocked them and challenged the deities to do their worst. When the mountain of silver and gold was theirs, even the gods wouldn’t be able to stop Macedon.
Word of Philip's arrival on Samothrace swept the small religious community. By evening, Arybbas knew that he was being given a second chance to present his niece to the young monarch. Arybbas arranged for himself and Myrtle to meet the king the morning after Philip’s arrival at a lovely temple garden, close to a precipitous cliff overlooking the Aegean.
The morning was cool and beautiful. Philip and his guards arrived first at the temple. The king stood waiting at the edge of the cliff, his back to the approaching Arybbas. His bodyguard stopped the regent and asked his business. Philip, hearing the exchange, approached Arybbas with a smile and outstretched arms.
"I'm Philip, King of Macedon.”
"I'm Arybbas, Regent of Epirus."
"This meeting is fortunate. Were it not for other more pressing matters, both in Macedonia and in Thrace, I would have arranged for us to talk before now."
"Yes, there's much that requires our attention. But before that, with your permission, let me introduce my niece, Princess Myrtle. She's waiting at the entrance."
Philip looked toward the temple entrance and could just make out the form of an exquisite woman sitting on a stone bench.
Myrtle, seeing the king's gaze, stood and presented herself in profile. She leaned to pick up her white, wool himation and wrapped it around herself to ward off the morning chill. Then she looked directly at Philip, displayed a wistful smile, and left. Her posture was erect, her pace deliberate.
"Does she know that she was looking at a king?” Not even as a hostage had a woman ever shunned him so blatantly.
"My niece is strong-willed, King Philip. But she has many outstanding qualities that you could grow to appreciate. When we have a chance to talk more, you'll begin to understand that a marriage between the two of you would do much to ensure a long period of mutual peace and trust between our nations. Our needs, especially as they relate to the Illyrians, are the same. Perhaps I can arrange another meeting at the dramatic presentation tonight." Arybbas was talking quickly.
"Do it! But tell your obstinate niece that her actions this morning will not be tolerated before the most important Greek citizens attending the theater. Does she expect me to besiege her like Amphipolis?"
"I'll speak to her. It won't happen again. Can we discuss political matters now?"
Philip and Arybbas spoke until the sun was high. They outlined sketchy aspects of a treaty between their nations and arranged for a permanent exchange of ambassadors. Arybbas informed Philip that he wanted Epirus to become a seafaring nation, a nation that could trade with other countries and city-states. He told the king of an emerging city across the Ionian Sea, on a boot-shaped peninsula. “Some think it is inconsequential; I think it has a promising future. It is named Rome.”
Philip knew nothing of Rome but allowed the Epirote to continue. Epirus had only limited interest for him. If they wanted to waste their national energy trading with another primitive city-state, that was their concern. It would occupy them while Macedon followed its greater national destiny. He did agree, however, that Epirus and Macedon might engage in secondary commerce that resulted from Arybbas's overtures with this young city called Rome. The meeting ended and the two leaders parted.
Philip had several similar meetings during the day. Nearly everyone attending the initiation ceremonies wanted to meet the vigorous king of Macedon; everyone except the pompous Princess Myrtle of Epirus.
That night the priests of the sanctuary gave a dramatic presentation. It was produced for the pilgrims who, later in the evening, were going to be initiated into the Cabiri rites. Philip was assigned a seat in the orchestra section. As he and his bodyguards entered the theater, he looked for Myrtle. She hadn't arrived. Waiting, he strolled around the theater and engaged in friendly but meaningless exchanges with well-wishers. All the while, he continued examining the arriving guests.
Finally, Myrtle and Arybbas presented themselves for seating at the theater entrance. They were brought directly to King Philip and it was Arybbas who spoke first.
"King Philip of Macedon, this is my niece, Princess Myrtle of Epirus."
Philip's long distance impression that morning had been correct. She was stunning, easily the loveliest woman he had ever seen. Perhaps this prize is worth the games that she is playing.
"Good evening, Philip," the princess said. "I'm pleased that the King of Macedon has time to come to this remote island for religious purposes."
"I intend to use every method at a king's disposal to achieve my goals. Already the gods have smiled on me, because I've met you here."
Myrtle examined the king. He was tall for a Macedonian and dressed elegantly, as one would expect of a king. His large head and square face were made even more impressive by a full black beard. His eyes were wise, yet potentially cruel. His voice was especially appealing. It was deep, authoritative, and, at times, endearing.
As the two conversed about the play, the impending initiation ceremony, and court life, Myrtle couldn't rid her thoughts of the Zeus-message that she had received at Dodona, so many years ago. Perhaps this man had a role to play in her life. She knew that he was considering her, but it was clear th
at she was also considering him. She didn't hide her examination. Myrtle saw Philip become uncomfortable with her discerning inspection, and she smiled. She surmised smugly that this was probably a first for the King of Macedon. Court gossip, both in Epirus and Macedon, suggested that nearly every woman that Philip had ever met had practically fallen at his feet. He knows I’m a very different woman.
Extinguished torches signaled that the play was about to begin.
“Would you sit with me during the performance?” Philip asked.
“I would love to. I have always found that religious experiences are heightened when shared with another.”
Philip offered his arm and Myrtle took it. The king’s bodyguards escorted them to Philip’s seats, where they sat down on plush cushions. Abruptly, King Philip put his arm around Myrtle and gave her an awkward hug.
Myrtle, taken by surprise, nearly had all of the air expelled from her lungs by Philip’s impetuous, bear-like move.
Philip’s face became red. “Women have told me that I don’t know my own strength,” he said sheepishly. “I have not been used to the softer things in life.”
“You are a powerful man. Is your religious devotion just as powerful?”
“It is not. I have the feeling that you and these rites are going to change that.” He leaned forward, so that his nose almost touched hers.
Myrtle heard him inhale her sweet, musty perfume as he drew close. “It’s said that no one is ever the same after experiencing the Samothracian rites. Allow me to be your guide.”
Philip nodded and smiled. He was about to say something clever when slaves began pulling back the theater’s large, crimson curtain.
Philip’s and Myrtle’s verbal exchanges were put on hold but not their growing physical attraction for each other. Both of them realized that others around them were watching the man-woman ritual, but that didn’t matter. It was as if the world outside of their persons had disappeared.
Then a priest came to center stage. He held out his arms and commanded silence throughout the theater. The play was about Demeter, Hades, and Persephone. Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, was depicted in her bountiful fecundity. Her beautiful daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped by Hades, god of the underworld, and taken to his dark domain. Male priests acted the play’s characters. They used lights, mysterious offstage sounds, exotic aromas, and exploding vapors to present the story and captivate the awe-struck audience.
As the play neared its end, Demeter and Hades agreed to share Persephone. She would live with her mother Demeter on the earth for six months and then descend to the underworld to live with Hades for six months. The audience understood that when Persephone was on the earth, mankind experienced spring and summer. When she was taken to the underworld, fall and winter descended on the world above. The appreciative and more serious audience filed out of the small theater and made their way toward the Cabiri Sanctuary.
Philip and Myrtle walked together, discussing the play and its meaning. The couple held hands, as they strolled toward the theater’s exit.
“It’s our common belief in the gods that can unite us,” Philip said. “Greece needs a unifying national leader, respectful of all of our deities, who can do that.”
“I delight in hearing you say that. I am sure that leader is you. But you will never succeed without our gods’ support. A king must have a wife who understands that.”
Philip stopped and looked at Myrtle. His face showed admiration, respect and growing desire. “What an intelligent young woman you are. It appears that our lives are on similar paths. I want to hear more about what you think.”
Myrtle smiled. “You will. The gods have led us to this island for a purpose. It could not have been accidental.”
"We part now for the ceremony," Philip said. "Men and women must form separate lines, although we'll experience the same initiation."
"Yes, that's my understanding."
"I want to spend more time with you tomorrow. I sail at midday, so we can have the morning together. Would you like that?"
"I would. You and I seem to have a similar destiny. My thoughts will be of you during our initiation."
The king caressed her alabaster hand and arm as they parted. For the first time in his life, he felt a strange longing for a woman. The sensation was overwhelming. Sexuality was involved, but there was more. He wanted to be with her. He wanted to hear her voice. Her scent was nearly driving him mad. Headstrong women in the Greek world were rare. Men-dominated society simply would not allow it. Here he was, King Philip of Macedon, simultaneously attracted and repelled by Myrtle’s obdurate personality. His short, tempestuous life had not prepared him for these emotions. He was nearly immobilized.
Pulling himself together, he joined the other men standing in line before the holy sanctuary gates.
The Cabiri sanctuary consisted of a theater, the Hall of Votive Gifts, the Nike fountain, the Altar Court, and the initiation ceremony building, the Hieron. All were constructed of finely carved stone, representing the best masonry work in the Greek world. The complex was set astride a small river running between the theater and the Altar Court. An imposing priest summoned the initiates, seven men and seven women, to the central area in front of the Hieron. His robe was pure white linen, edged with royal purple. Around his waist was a red sash. On his head he wore a tall pointed hat, spiraled with gold rope. He commanded the first man and woman in line to step onto a large rectangular stone, the bathra. As the first two mystai stepped forward, the priest mounted an accuser's stone and solemnly began asking them questions.
"Tell the gods residing here and me what the greatest sin is that you have committed in your life. Speak loudly and clearly so that everyone can hear you."
A variety of answers came from the first pairs of mystai. Men spoke of cowardice on the battlefield or cheating a close friend. Women admitted lying to their husbands or being cruel to their children.
The priest progressed through two pairs of men and women, then asked Philip and Myrtle to mount the bathra. The pairing of the king and the princess was not accidental. Myrtle, dressed in a resplendent white peplos and himation, went first. She knew that all eyes were on her. Philip, wearing a simple white chiton, climbed the stone and stood erectly beside her.
"Philip of Macedon," the priest began, "What is the greatest sin that you have committed?"
The king, having been given time to think about his answer, had considered lying. But when he realized that he would be answering a priest of the Cabiri gods, he changed his mind. These chthonian deities were known for their vindictiveness and despoiling ways in the lives of humans. He would speak truthfully. "I nearly killed my mother. When my brother was killed in battle, she opposed my becoming king and started to raise an army against me in the mountains of Lyncestis province. Had Parmenio, my general and friend, not knocked me to the ground, her death would forever be on my conscience. This is my greatest sin."
Others in Macedonia and Greece would not have been surprised at Philip's confession. Most everyone who knew Philip knew that his mother was one of the most vicious Macedonian women who ever lived. It was understood, even by the arrogant Athenians, that Philip would have done the world a favor by eliminating Eurydice. Most were dismayed that she was still alive, exiled in Aigai. The current political joke was that queenmother-witches only gain strength while residing in the spiritual home of Macedonian royalty.
The priest considered Philip's confession and asked him another question. "Do you agree, Philip, to build a shrine to rehabilitate your misguided mother when you return to Pella? For without this expression of remorse, you may not proceed with the initiation."
"I will do as you ask.” It didn't matter that Eurydice already had her personal shrine dedicated to Eukleia at Aigai. This pompous priest on remote Samothrace would never have a way of knowing that. Eurydice's little shrine was all she would ever get from her only remaining son.
"May the gods be praised," the priest said. "You are forgiven for th
is sin and I pronounce you ready to receive the sacred rites of the Cabiri."
The priest then turned to Myrtle. "Myrtle, Princess of Epirus, what is the greatest sin that you have committed?"
Myrtle spoke softly, nearly to the point of not being heard. "When I was a young girl, I used my snakes to terrify another girl who was taunting me."
The priest interrupted her and demanded that she speak so that everyone could hear her.
Myrtle repeated the first sentence of her sin in a slightly louder voice, and then continued. "The girl was so stricken that she has never spoken again."
"Myrtle of Epirus, is it your intention to seek out this silent friend and console her when you return to your land?"
"It is, High Priest. My goal will be to have her speech return."
"Then the Cabiri gods will not visit their revenge on you. You are forgiven and I pronounce you ready to receive their rites."
The remaining pairs of mystai, including Arybbas, were subjected to identical questions and they all gave their confessions. When the introductory elements of the main ceremony concluded, the night air was filled with sweet, lyrical music. No one could see the musical instruments that produced the beautiful flute and lyre melodies, for they seemed to come from deep within the earth. The music affected each initiate in different ways.
Philip was only curious about how the sounds were being produced.
Myrtle, sure that the gods themselves were singing and playing, was moved to the point of ecstasy.
Then, former initiates and most of the sanctuary priests left the mystai and entered the Hieron through side doors. Three priests remained to order the initiates, this time in a single file. Haunting music continued from beneath the initiates' feet, as the ordering was completed.
Philip and Olympias: A Novel of Ancient Macedon Page 13
