Expert: Joanne Yip - 10/22/2005

Question
Can you tell me about Xena's cultural heritage? I had heard that she may be of Mycenean or pre-Mycenean background. If you can cite an episode or specific information from the show that relates to her background, that would be greatly appreciated, too.

Thanks!

Answer
From the 1st episode of Xena, it clearly states that Xena is from the city of Amphipolis, in Thrace. Draco, in the first episode, mentions the Strymon River which Amphipolis lies on. It is now in modern Central Macedonia but Macedonia did not become a power city-state until the rise of Philip II, King of Macedon. According to Ancient Greek history, Amphipolis was founded in 437BC by Athenian colony as a strategic seaport city, a resting point before heading to the Hellespont and into the East. It became a city of conflict between Athens and Sparta during the Peloponnesian War.

I hope that helps.