One of the teachers of Alexander the Great was the orator and historian Anaximenes from the city of Lampsak. He taught the young king the art of public speaking, and even wrote a special textbook for this purpose.
Years later, Alexander the Macedonian's army stopped by the city of Lampsak during his march to the East. A sad situation awaited the people of this city. Because the young Jahungir was very angry when he heard about their side with the Persians.
In order to escape the wrath of the ruler, the townspeople sent Anaximen as an ambassador to him. Alexander, realizing that his former teacher begged him to pardon the people of the city, said to Anaximen:
- I swear that this time I will not listen to your Pandu's advice and I will not fulfill your request! he said.
- O king! Anaximenes said then. - I am asking you: sell the wives and children of the Lampsak people into slavery, destroy their city, set fire to their temples!
In order not to break his oath, Alexander the Great led his army away from the city. He did not loot or destroy Lampsak. The people of the city erected a statue of the wise orator as a symbol of gratitude.
Translation from Russian by Bobomorod TOSNEV.