Alexander and the bathysphere

[Lakonian]

Aristotle, in “Problemata”, tells the tale of Alexander the Great. At the siege of Tyre, in 332 BC, he ordered divers to destroy any submarine defenses the city might undertake to build. While in none of these records does it actually say he had any kind of submersible vehicle, legend has it that he descended in a device which kept its occupants dry and admitted light. He was lowered in a diving bell, also noted in the Roman 12th century Alexandria which, in iambic lines of six feet or twelve syllables of verse (hence the term Alexandrine) relates the tale that Alexander had built "a very fine barrel made entirely of white glass" which was towed out to sea and lowered into the water. In the Alexandria version, two companions accompanied Alexander and all were stunned by what they saw by the bright lights emanating from the diving machine. Alexander is quoted as observing, from what he had seen underwater, that "...the world is damned and lost. The large and powerful fish devour the small fry." Another story regarding Alexander's underwater adventures was published in 1886 in France. At the age of 11, Alexander entered a glass case, reinforced by metal bands and had himself lowered into the sea by a chain over 600 feet long.



Aristotle wrote, "...they enable the divers to respire equally well by letting down a cauldron, for this does not fill with water, but retains the air, for it is forced straight down into the water." Other observers have remarked that the heating of the air, by breathing and by pressure, posed a problem for bell divers. Aristotle says that a breathing tube is used by divers: Just as divers are sometimes provided with instruments for respiration, through which they can draw air from above the water, and thus may remain a long time under the sea, so also have elephants been furnished by nature with their lengthened nostril; and, whenever they have to traverse water, they lift this up above the surface and breathe through it.


How Alexander lowered himself into the Sea in a Glass Barrel. Miniature , 13th century No. 11040, Burgundy Library Brussels




Alexander the Great visits the bottom of the sea in a kind of diving-bell. The fish crowd round him and pay homage. Image from the 'Romance of Alexander', a manuscript written and illustrated in Flanders (1340?) The device was called Colimpha.




Hope you guys find this interesting. Thanks.

[Alita]

I've heard this legend before. I think it spread as far as Persia. If it's even partly true and Alexander made an underwater trip of any sort, it's a real testament to his courage considering the rumours that he couldn't swim.

[Lakonian]

Originally Posted by Alita

I've heard this legend before. I think it spread as far as Persia. If it's even partly true and Alexander made an underwater trip of any sort, it's a real testament to his courage considering the rumours that he couldn't swim.

It is no legend Alita.

Aristotle wrote of the device and i can guarantee you it was he who probably incouraged Alexander to use it so that he may retain some sort of species for himself to study, as we all know he did bring alot of specimens back for Aristotle like flora and animals fromthe east etc.

So as i say, it is no legend, there are written records. I mearly touched on it, go seek yourself the truth and let me know what you find.

[Truth Bearer]

Fascinating I did read something about that a couple of yeras ago but I was under the impression that Alexandros sent someone else as that would have been so dangerous if anything happened to him.Very risque considering that he didn't know how to swim.....

[Lakonian]

Guys can you please provide me the source which tells of him not been able to swim? Much appreciated.

[Alita]

Well, I merely said "the rumours" that he couldn't swim, because I saw it on Michael Wood's 'In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great' video of BBC. Perhaps TB can give you a more primary source, as he seems more certain than I am.