you would notice the alternator/alternater problems after it started but failed to stay running/stalled at stops. Since yours wouldn't turn over at all and attempts to turn it on weren't met with a clicking (starter), I think the initial problem might be with your distributor, and the dead battery might just be the first casualty. I hope I'm wrong, as it's not a cheap repair, but I had the same problem with my old car, and off the description you gave the similarities are too close.

Good luck.