Though a world-tripper, it is believed that when Alexander the Great caught sight of Roxane, it was love at first sight. Considering that Alexander was conquering all the lands thereabouts, including those of Roxanes father, it was fortunate for Roxane that he was so susceptible.

Roxanes father, prepared to live and let live, had had the wonderful idea of inviting Alexander to a banquet, and there his young daughter chose to entertain the visitor with a dance or two. Alexander was enchanted. And the next thing nothing would do but that they marry and live happily ever after.

Having himself tied the knot with the Persian lady, Alexander was very keen that his followers followed his example. But since the Persian ways were not the Macedonian ways, not all of his followers were keen to abandon the old ways to start new families in Persia.

They realized, of course, that in the eyes of Alexander, those who werent with him, must be deemed to be against him. Principles battled self interest, and then, as now, it was not long before principles fell by the wayside.

Alexander, of course, fully embraced the Persian life. Its style suited him just fine. He loved the clothes, he loved his two wives, and he really went for the way people threw themselves on the ground when they addressed him.

His generals, after sulking in the corner for a while, decided what the heck. Numerous soldiers, with wives and children back home, happily took on one or more Persian wives to please their leader.

Alexander was extremely appreciative of their gesture. Like all grooms who fete their guests by sending them away with a piece of wedding cake or other good things, he decided to reward his soldiers with a gift they would never forget. For all the thousands of his soldiers who chose to marry a Persian bride, he offered to pay off all their current debts.

It was a ceremony like no other. After placing a table where everyone could see it, Alexander loaded it with a mountain of gold pieces. As each soldier, in turn, approached it, he was asked for his tab. And so long as he could prove that he was indeed married to a Persian bride, all his debts would be wiped out just like that.

Though this was something that was much talked of for a long time to come, it failed to cement the affection between the partners as Alexander had hoped. No sooner was Alexander dead and buried, than the soldiers were only to quick to abandon their Persian brides and revert to their Macedonian ways.

Vlady Peters

Vlady Peters is an Australian Civil Marriage Celebrant performing weddings, naming, renenewal of vows and commitment ceremonies both for Australian citizens and for overseas couples visiting friends and relatives in Australia.

She is the author of two traditionally published books, "The Complete Book of Australian Weddings" and "The Small Organisation Handbbook" and is in the process of releasing two ebooks dealing with weddings and honeymoons.

Her major interest is research into customs and traditions of weddings.

By going back to the roots of customs, she believes couples can more clearly differentiate between what is essential in a wedding ceremony, and what is merely a personal preference.

This allows them to choose a ceremony reflecting their own situation within the framework of legal requirements.

Vlady has a bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Government, and has studied the writing of novels and romances. She has written children picture books as well as novels.

She is a member of Queesland Civil Marriage Celebrants - the largest Civil Marriage Celebrants Association in Australia - as well as member of Celebrants' Training Association.

She is also a member of Australian Authors, as well as Romance Writers Association where for a number of years she was the Convenor of the prestigious Emma Darcy Award - Australia's leading Lady of Romance.