Well, after constantly thinking of what to put in my next article I thought - hey on, why don�t I just interview someone who�s made a great contribution to PiRamesses! My immediate thoughts then turned to PiRamesses�s favourite General - Viaggra Artistides. I enjoyed talking with the General and I hoped he enjoyed it as much as me.

NeferAhmose: Firstly, Welcome Viaggra. Thank you for answering my call! Okay, why don�t I just jump right into it!

What first attracted you to PiRamesses?

Viaggra: I have always been interested in ancient cultures. And I wanted to try some role playing. I combined two interests by joining PiRamesses.

NeferAhmose: Was there any specific reason why you decided to role-play in the military?

Viaggra: I have been an avid war game player for a long time. I started out on the old Avalon Hill board games. When war games came out on the PC, I was overjoyed. It just seemed like the natural thing to do.

NeferAhmose: What are your views on the Battle of Kadesh?

Viaggra: I know that in Egypt, Ramesses described the battle as a victory. He was however forced to retreat without actually taking the city. One does not normally retreat from a victory. Still I believe that, overall, Egypt benefited more from that campaign that the Hittite Empire did.

NeferAhmose: What are your views on Ramesses II?

Viaggra: I am probably stating the obvious here, but I think that the reign of Ramesses II represents the high water mark of the Egyptian Empire. No other Egyptian ruler before or after manages to equal him.

NeferAhmose: Can you tell us what the real Viaggra Artistides is like?

Viaggra: Thats a tough one. I'm not sure even I know the answer to that one. But I will try. I am an overweight, 58 year old ex Tae Kwon Do instructor. I had to give up the Tae Kwon Do due to a health problem. I have been married to my second wife for almost six years now. My first wife died in 1992 after 23 years. All my children are grown and living away from home. That is why I am able to spend the time on line that I do. LOL!

NeferAhmose: LOL Thank you for your time Viaggra and may Ma�at bless you. Let�s give a round of applause for our great General, Viaggra.

Again, thanks for being so co-operative, Viaggra. Couldn�t have done it without you!