Byzantine Tabloid Factoids

I think you will find the Byzantine Empire intriguing with its backroom dealings and in-house squabbling. For each interesting bit of information I'll give one point. The only catch is that I get to select what I think constitutes interesting (and point worthy). I will also give a twenty point bonus to the most impressive submission. Happy hunting! We will run this one up to October 9.

Peace,
Mr. P

The Trial Begins!!!

Each student will need to select a role for the upcoming trial. The points possible for each role are 50. I will offer up to 15 extra credit points for dressing in character. Sign in on this blog to select a role, first come first served. Following the each role is a brief description of the responsibilities.



The roles:
Judge
You will Oversee the proceedings and direct the behavior of the courtroom. (Mr. Parker will help.) You will rules on items of procedure and instruct the jury. You will make legal interpretations of legal concepts when needed.

Prosecuting Attorneys (3)
Your team will research the alleged crimes of the accused. Prosecute the case against Alexander. Obtain testimony from the witnesses and build a case to convict. (note- with so many charges and such limited time, it will be a good idea to prioritize the crimes of the accused.)

Defense Attorneys Same as prosecuting attorneys but your team will present a defense for the Accused. The Defense will cross-examine and call witnesses that will speak to Alexander's innocence.

Press
Although you won't have a great deal of research to do. You will prepare a report based on court room observation and post testimony interviews. You will publish your report on this blog.

Witnesses
Each of the witnesses selected will need to reseach that person and impersonate him or her. All questions should be answered as historically accurately as possible.

The potential witnesses are:
Darius III, King of Persia
Demosthenes
Arrian
Plutarch
Diodorus
Curtius
Antipater
Parmenio
Philotas
Ptolomy
Aristobulos
Nearchus
Cleitarchus
Callisthenes
Aristotle
Alexander's Mother
Roxana
Stateira

Jury
One person will serve as the jury. Just as with the Press, this person will not have researching responsibility but will be responsible for taking notes on the trial and rendering a written verdict.

You have until the class meeting before the trial to make a selection at which time I will assign one. All reserving of roles is to be done on the blog.

The charges against Alexander are as follows:
Crimes against Humanity (War Crimes)
Murder of Clitus
Public Intoxication
Disorderly Conduct
Theft
Burning of Persepolis
Massacre at Branchidae
Poor leadership with regard to the disaster at Gedrosia