We have learned that the King has warmly received the Greek politician at the Court and has granted him an estate in Magnesia in Asia Minor. It is believed that Themostikles’s wife and children will shortly join him in his new home in Persia. Themostikles’s spokesman has informed us that Themostikles is now busy learning Persian language and customs.

The magnificent palace of Parsa is in ruins because of a large fire set by Alexander and his barbarian troops. The reason for this hideous act is not known. Some believe that it was a revenge for the destruction of Acropolis by the Persians and others say it was just an accident done by a drunken soldier.

The fire apparently started on the eastern side of King Xerxes’s palace and spread quickly to the rest of the palace. The 72 columns of Apadana palace built by King Darius the Great in 515 BC are all still standing but the beautiful tile work on the walls have been destroyed.

The second largest building of the complex, the Throne Hall, built by King Xerxes, which was later turned into a museum, has lost all its valuable items to looters. We have learned that the looters used 5,000 camels and 10,000 mules to carry off Parsa’s treasures. It is indeed a sad day for our Empire but The Persian Times believes that Persia will soon rise again out of the ashes of this destruction.

Aryo Barzan, the Great Persian General and satrap of Persis, dead after bravely defending Persia against Alexander’s troops at the Battle of the Persian Gates.

Greeks destroy the city of Istakhar near Parsa, 10,000 dead, thousands remain displaced.

Queen Stateira, King Darius’s wife, passes away while giving birth. Alexander to attend her state funeral.

Lady Apama, daughter of General Spitamenes of Soghdiana, to marry Alexander’s pal, General Selecus Nicator.

General Ptolemy marries beautiful Lady Artakama, Lady Barsine’s sister.

Queen Artemisia was born in Halicarnassus *, a city in southwest of Anatolia, in Asia Minor . She became the ruler of Halicarnassus after her husband’s death.

At the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC, Artemisia commanded 5 navy ships fighting on the side of the Persians. Her courage at the Battle , prompted King Xerxes to declare, “ My men have turned into women, and my women into men!”

A close friend and confident of King Xerxes, she advised the King to retreat to Asia Minor and not to engage the Greeks. The King was wise enough to listen to her. She then was put in charge of protecting the King’s sons in Ephesus .

The King who was thankful of Queen Artemisia’s loyalty granted more land to her. A calcite jar (above) was given to her by the King as a token of his appreciation. The jar has remained in Halicarnassus ’s royal family treasures for centuries.

Custom engraving is offered.

Replica of the parasol given to the Nobleman of Crete by King Artaxerxes I now available.

Our parasols are durable, fashionable and inexpensive. Check them out!

-Gold, silver, lapis, turquoise, and carnelian jewelry belonging to the imperial family.

-Ebony wood and ivory furniture belonging to King Darius’s private rooms.

-Persian rugs and beautiful woolen wall tapestries once hung in the Throne hall!

-All kinds of bronze kitchen utensils taken from royal kitchens

-Antique Assyrian and Babylonian marble statues taken from the Persepolis Museum!

-Sacred religious texts belonging to Persepolis’s fire temple.

-Hand and feet creams, perfumes, make up items, and mirrors belonging to the royal family!

Box no.505

Drinking is an important part of any Persian party. When drinking wine, however, never mix it with water. Remember unlike Greeks, Persians drink their wine neat.

Never get drunk, use bad language, throw up, or start a fight in a Persian party. Persians consider this bad manner.

If you are making a decision while drinking, review it the next day when sober.

Always drink your wine in a gold or silver rhyton (above) or a glass bowl. Avoid pottery bowls as pottery is for commoners!

Don’t be alarmed to see women at the party sitting down with men drinking, talking or even dancing. This is a perfect normal behavior in Persia!

The Persian Times has received many letters from our readers inquiring who she is. This is what we have learned:

Lady Barsine has been previously married to Greek General, Memnon, who worked for the Persians as the Supreme Commander of the Western Forces.

Having been educated in Greece, Lady Barsine is fluent in Greek language and customs. It is believed that she has been a close friend of Alexander since childhood.

The Pesian Times believes that Alexander came across Lady Barsine at the POW camp in Damascus and since then they have been inseparable. Lady Barsine is now busy teaching Persian language and customs to Alexander who is eager to learn Persians' way of life.

A source close to the couple tells us that Lady Barsine is pregnant with Alexander’s child.

After much drinking and partying, Alexander,32, fell suddenly ill and within days he was dead. His death may have been the result of malaria or alcoholism. Although some believe that the cause of death may have even been poisoning.

Already Alexander’s generals are fighting over his succession. Alexander IV, his son by his Persian wife, Princess Roxana, has been killed. Heraculus, his other son by Lady Barsine is dead too paving the way for his friend General Selecus to succeed him in Persia.