Page "Alcaeus of Mytilene" Paragraph 8

Sometime before 600 BC, Mytilene fought Athens for control of Sigeion and Alcaeus was old enough to participate in the fighting.

According to the historian Herodotus, the poet threw away his shield to make good his escape from the victorious Athenians then celebrated the occasion in a poem that he later sent to his friend, Melanippus.

It is thought that Alcaeus travelled widely during his years in exile, including at least one visit to Egypt.

His older brother, Antimenidas, appears to have served as a mercenary in the army of Nebuchadnezzar II and probably took part in the conquest of Judaea and the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC.

Alcaeus wrote verses in celebration of Antimenides ' return, including mention of his valour in slaying a Goliath-like opponent ( frag.

350 ), and he proudly describes the military hardware that adorned their family home ( frag.

357 ).