Isodice (8/20/99 10:55:17 am) What evidence have we?
We must solve this murder quickly or we will lose the respect of the citizens - and lose our position! Who can suggest a culprit?
Philippos (8/20/99 1:45:49 pm) Re: What evidence have we?
Just begun the investigation and looking for new evidence. Three suspects at present! Mapping out town but cannot find my own house!!!! Looks like I shall sleep in the open tonight. No luck in the chat room so here's my ICQ if you want to collaborate on line. 22907837
Isodice (8/21/99 11:35:38 pm)
Re: What evidence have we?
Philippos, who are these men? Name them and tell us why you suspect them.
Xanthippe (8/22/99 4:25:11 am) Some more evidence
The priest stayed in a room in the tavern and I found some black wax in it.
Nicias (8/22/99 7:49:26 am) Things...
Hail Councillors! I've been listening to people and found out these things, though I cannot attest to the truth of the rumours I report...
Themistocles, who is old and ill and has recently lost his voice, had his wife killed by a corrupt priest in Athens. He swore revenge.
At the theatre where the priest was sitting I found of phile of a white liquid which smelt of Hawthorns. A strange, who left to avoid Bacchyllids poem, told me that he had seen the priest alive when he left.
Bacchyllid left the tavern without paying his bill and was apparently not as good in the theatre as expected.
None of this means anything to me at the moment. Any Ideas anyone?
Isodice (8/22/99 8:08:00 am) Re: Things...
This is interesting, good Nicias - though I am disappointed to hear you visit that house of sin - in the course of investigation it may be allowed.
Can anyone tell the significance of Hawthorn? I am at a loss to explain black wax.
Philippos (8/24/99 7:08:32 am) The oracle has spoken
Greetings, fellow councillors. I have wandered our town and have come across much to disturb me. I visited the oracle and she told me that a golden statue of the sleeping Zeus had been stolen from a temple there, and that the temple guards would be searching for the thief to recover the statue and exact revenge - such sacrilege will surely attract the wrath of Zeus.
I visited Antigonus, who is well known for his fine collection of Minoan statues. I was curious to note that one was missing - but that was before I visited the oracle. However, he is alive and well - and the priest is dead.
A citizen told me that the priest was seen with a bow and arrows as he approached this town - could it be that he was a temple guard sent from Crete to recover the statue from Antigonus?
But what are we to make of the slate statue carried by the priest? Or of Bachylides poor performance? The mystery is deep and I cannot see its end yet.
Fare well and may Athena guide our judgement.
Isodice (8/24/99 12:05:12 pm)
I would ask this
You say that Antigonus had a statue missing, I'm not sure that /must/ follow from the evidence I found - an empty plinth does not necessarily mean a statue has gone.
Demetrius (8/25/99 4:22:42 pm) Athens or Crete?
I was told when the priest f i r s t arrived he was carrying a bow and arrow. Who would know where they are or who took them? Has he left them somewhere by mistake? - We know that the Cretans are the best archers in our Greek world. Was the priest from Athens a priest from Crete instead ?
Isodice (8/24/99 1:40:38 pm)
or...
was he a priest at all?
Demetrius (8/25/99 4:29:57 pm)
Re: Things...
Hawthorne is.... an herbal medicine and if I am not mistaken a valuable treatment for various heart ailments, hypertension, nervous disorders and insomnia.
Does Hippicrates know more about it?
I remember a case - years back - when Hawthorne was poisoned accidentally. Who else remembers that case?
Nicias (8/26/99 2:42:04 am) How do I get into the Temple
I keep getting ejected
Isodice (8/26/99 3:21:03 am)
Re: How do I get into the Temple
You may not enter the temple without a gift. But, Nicias, did you not hear Philippos telling us of his visit there? Think back (or scroll up:)
Xanthippe (8/26/99 2:21:21 pm) Evidence, rumours and suspicions
I can confirm Nicias report about Themistocles who is old and ill, has recently lost his voice and whose wife was reported to have been killed by a corrupt priest in Athens on whom he swore revenge. Also I spoke to the same stranger in the theatre who confirmed that the priest was there yesterday and alive when he left as Bacchyllids' poem was dreadful and yet he's generally very good. I again have found that Bacchyllid left the tavern without paying his bill. Did he leave in a hurry or out of embarrassment?
The two main suspects are Antigonus and Themistocles but as the latter is old and ill did he pay Antigonus to kill the priest? I went to Antigonus' house and from the outside heard feasting and music, when I entered everyone went quiet and I left. Why did they go quiet? Do I need a bath?
I have visited all the places I can in the town and am still at a loss as to the identity of the murderer or murderers!
Xanthippe
Hippocrates (8/26/99 9:58:06 pm) Hawthorn and wax
Hawthorne has been known to be used as a remedy for a sore throat. One would assume, therefore, that this phial belonged to Themistocles.
As for the black wax found in the room of the dead priest, could it have been that the "slate" statue that he was seen with have been covered in this to disguise it?
Isodice (8/29/99 2:29:11 am)
Re: Hawthorn and wax
Gentlemen - we must move on and narrow our discussions. Please direct your comments to the specific subjects being discussed here - or open a new discussion.
Demetrius (8/26/99 8:20:14 pm)
Dead Priest
I just thought I would mention that it seems odd that the victim claimed he was from Athens but arrived in town with a bow and arrow, normally only familiar items carried by citizens of Crete. Might the priest - a Cretan - be a liar as is often talked about those countrymen? Why would he be posing as an Athenian? Was he even a priest?
Inquiring minds want to know....Demetrius
Herodotus and Pililippos (8/31/99 6:02:46 am) Dead priest
We have talked to many people and figured this: The statue the priest was carrying with him was stolen from a temple in crete many days a go and the temple guards had gone in search of the thief and were going to kill him if they found him. So the priest was the thief and one of the temple guard must have killed the priest (or should I say impostor because he was not a priest at all) he was just using it as an excuse to get sanctuary in the temple. As the bow and arrows he was planning to use it against the temple guards but the killer must have taken him by surprise. That is all I have to say on the subject.
Isodice (8/26/99 11:50:31 am) Themistocles
Can we gather our evidence about Themistocles here.
Nicias told us: Themistocles, who is old and ill and has recently lost his voice, had his wife killed by a corrupt priest in Athens. He swore revenge.
Isodice (8/27/99 12:59:59 am) Re: Themistocles
Hippocrates tells us:
Hawthorne has been known to be used as a remedy for a sore throat. One would assume, therefore, that this phial belonged to Themistocles.
Isodice (8/26/99 2:19:35 am) The Statues
These seem important - the slate statue was taken from the priest. But what do we know of them?
Isodice (8/27/99 12:58:20 am) Re: The Statues
Hipocratese suggests:
As for the black wax found in the room of the dead priest, could it have been that the "slate" statue that he was seen with have been covered in this to disguise it?
I feel that now we are getting somewhere.
Demetrius (8/27/99 11:35:33 pm)
Re: The Statues
Things do not look good for Antigonas:
- You have been told at the temple that one g o l d e n statue was missing - You noticed yourself that one statue in Antigonas' house missing
The statues were supposed to be exchanged. The black wax was used to cover/hide the golden one from the temple that was stolen by the 'priest' and thief.
Antigonas withdrew money from the bank to pay the 'priest' but changed his mind, killed him instead and celebrated a party.
There must be more than one suspect, otherwise the party would have not gone quiet when Xanthippe entered Antinonas' house.
Isodice (8/28/99 5:05:43 am) Re: The Statues
We seem to be agreed that there was only one statue and the it was that stolen from Crete. The 'priest' covered it in black wax to disguise it.
So - who wanted it and why
Herod (8/28/99 2:11:42 pm)
Statue
Who wanted the statue and why?
It is clearly of much value. Bacchylides was in need of money to clear his debts and Antigones desired the statue for his collection.
Could not both be involved? If the deception in the theatre was two work, at least two men had to be involved.
Do we know where the statue now rests?
Isodice (8/29/99 2:22:09 am) Re: Statue
Greetings Herod - the council welcomes new members. You are correct that another would have been involved - another actor would have been on stage while Bacchyllids did the deed.
The statue has not been found - nor do we expect it to be until the culprit is identified. And I think we are close to that now.
Herod, as leader of the council I would know more of you. Perhaps you could sign our guestbook or contact me directly isodice@marshal.co.uk
Philippos (8/27/99 3:12:07 am) Time for judgement - Antigonus
Hail fellow councillors, I feel we have gathered all that there is to know, and that the mystery may be unravelled soon.
Here are my thoughts upon this matter:
The oracle tells of a statue of the sleeping Zeus stolen from a temple on Crete, and warns that temple guards will pursue and kill the thief.
A curious priest arrives, claiming to be Athenian, but was seen outside the town with a bow - surely a Cretan weapon. He also has a slate statue of a sleeping Zeus - maybe this was the stolen golden statue, covered with the black wax found on the floor of the tavern room where the priest stayed?
Why would he have brought the statue to Corcyra? Why, to sell to Antigonus, famed for his collection of Minoan statues - indeed, Demetrius tells that Antigonus withdrew a large sum of money days before - perhaps to pay for the stolen statue? It could be that the empty plinth in his house was awaiting the statue...
Antigonus seems in good spirits now, celebrating with his friends.
Philippos (8/27/99 3:30:08 am) But what of Bachylides?
Demetrius has told us of the financial problems facing Bachylides, and this could explain his poor performance and rapid exit from town - without paying his tavern bill.
However, we know that he was recently on Crete and he stayed in the same tavern as the priest. This is pure conjecture, but it is possible that he entered the priest's room, scraped a little wax from the statue, discovered it was gold - and stole it to pay for his debts!
This could account for his nerves - after all, money troubles and actors go together like wine and olives! He may have even spotted the priest in the audience.
Philippos (8/27/99 3:35:30 am) The role of Themistocles
When Themistocles heard there was an Athenian priest in Corcyra, he would be bound to ask him questions - and with his sore throat he would need the Hawthorn remedy to talk. We know that Themistocles was in the theatre with the priest, and given that the "priest" was really a thief, it is likely that his answers would have been evasive - maybe enough so to convince Themistocles that this was the corrupt priest who killed his wife. He may be old, but revenge can strengthen even the weakest arm.
I think that it was old Themistocles who killed the priest, guided by the vengance of Zeus.
Philippos (8/27/99 3:41:35 am) After the murder
Antigonus had arranged to meet the priest at the back of the theatre to purchase the stolen statue - but when he arrived, the priest was dead! He may be in high spirits now because he has not bought a cursed statue - may he be more cautious in the future...
As for Bachylides, since he was in Crete he may know of the theft of the statue and may be on his way back there to return it swiftly, avoid Zeus's wrath and maybe even earn a reward.
I think we must bring both Antigonus and Themistocles before the council and question them closely to determine the truth of this matter, for indeed all we have is a Web of circumstance that has no proof in it.
I have spoken, now the floor is yours.
May Athena guide our words and actions.
Isodice (8/27/99 5:53:17 am) Re: The role of Themistocles
These are brave words, Phillipos. I would say this- is it likely that B would have spotted the priest in the audience - he was sitting at the back of the theatre. On the subject of Themistocles, his thoughts on Athenian priests are well known - a fine subject if someone wanted to deflect suspicion.
Herodotus (8/28/99 2:16:06 pm)
Both men
Could not both men be guilty. Could this not have been a plot so both get what they desire - the actor his money and Antigonus his statue. This could have been planned between the two of them. If Bacchyliddes was not acting on that night, he must have had an ally to take his place - Antigonus?
Isodice (8/29/99 2:26:31 am) Re: Both men
I think this is possible - the replacing actor seems to have been particularly poor. However, Antigonus has an empty plinth - suggesting he doesn't have the statue - though he could be concealing it.
Are we moving towards agreement that Bacchyliddes was the one who is most likely to have committed the murder? If that is so are there suggestions as to the hawthorn's role in all this?
Isodice (8/26/99 2:16:30 am) Antigonus
what do we know of him? Motive? Means? Opportunity?
Demetrius (8/26/99 8:15:40 pm)
Re: Antigonus
Hello dear Corcyran.... In reviewing my bank records at home, I noticed that Antigonus made a large withdrawal from his account, just 2 days ago. This certainly causes one to raise an eyebrow on this situation.
Demetrius the banker
Isodice (8/27/99 1:01:31 am) Re: Antigonus
And what might this money have been for?
Xanthippe (8/29/99 3:59:12 pm)
Antigonus
Antigonus (why does that spelling look wrong?) found the dead body; I suppose that automatically makes him a suspect.
Isodice (8/26/99 2:18:24 am) Bacchylides
What do we know of this supposedly fine actor?
Herodotus (8/26/99 6:04:03 am) Explanations
The witness in the theatre (who is he?) says that the victim was still alive when Bacchylides was reading his poem. Why was the performance of the great actor so poor? Was his mind on other things? Or could it have been another person who was reading the poem?
Isodice (8/26/99 9:11:17 am) Re: Explanations
I wonder how easy it would have been for someone else to have replaced him on stage? I also note that the witness left at the start of the poem, and these are long poems.
Demetrius (8/26/99 8:11:18 pm)
Re: Bacchylides
Council members! I have more news....a letter from a banker friend of mine in Crete was in my home. It read that Bacchylides is in great debt and I am advised NOT to lend further funds to his troupe.
Demetrius the banker
Demetrius (8/27/99 12:55:41 am) Re: Bacchylides
It would have been very ease to replace him. Remember that the actors wear masks and large costumes. The size of the theatre is such that from the front row the actor must appear to be like 4 inches high and from the back row they are even smaller.
Isodice (8/27/99 5:57:27 am) Re: Bacchylides
So, if indeed it wasn't Bacchylides and he was free to move about the theatre, what would that mean?
Herodotus (8/28/99 4:50:17 am) Two questions
Who was impersonating Baccchlylides? He must have known of the scheme.
Was Bacchylides using his acting talents elsewhere, by also impersonating someone?
Hippocrates (8/29/99 4:30:43 pm)
Bacchylides
Of what significance is it that Bacchylides and his troupe are in town just recently arrived from Crete? Have we not suspected the alleged priest to be a Crete?
Hippocrates (8/29/99 4:32:28 pm)
Correction...
We suspect that the priest may have been a Cretan, not a Crete.
Isodice (9/1/99 9:21:31 am) A time to decide
Time for discussion is over, gentlemen. Please enter here the name of the suspect you suspect is the most likely to be guilty.
Philippos (9/2/99 4:09:37 am) My verdict
Hail fellow councillors. Judgement is called for, yet we have no more than circumstance to guide use - and to accuse a man of murder is a weighty thing without proof.
I have heard it said that Antigonus and Bachyylides may have planned this deed together, with Antigonus on the stage while Bachyylides committed the murder. This makes no sense, since it leaves Antigonus without an alibi - how could he explain where he had been without admitting guilt? And would an actor risk violence against a thief in a public place?
I think it would be best for the peace of Corcyra if we announced that temple guards from Crete had pursued the thief and killed him, rescuing the statue, of which there is no trace now.
If I am wrong, then we must remember that Zeus will have his vengance for this sacrilege, and that is a fate far heavier than any we can give.
Farewell - I must go to supervise the shipment of 500 lead replica sleeping Zeus statues to my merchant associates on Crete. I also have a special deal this week on phials of Hawthorn - excellent for sore throats, but do not exceed the stated dose or your heart will stop!
Philippos
Isodice (9/2/99 10:49:25 am) Re: My verdict
Philippos, you are now and always have been a coward. Have the courage of your convictions for once in your life. Our good citizens will not fall for such an obvious avoidance of the issue.
Demetrius (9/3/99 2:14:39 pm)
The killer is.....
I believe the killer to be Bacchylides. 3 had motives surely but I think he is the guilty one.
Demetrius the banker