The Anabasis Of Alexander / Or, The History Of The Wars And Conquests Of Alexander The Great - free ebook by Arrian

Read as playlist

The Anabasis Of Alexander / Or, The History Of The Wars And Conquests Of Alexander The Great

Arrian

209 chapters

9 hour read

Read as playlist

Selected Chapters

209 chapters

THE ANABASIS OF ALEXANDER;

THE ANABASIS OF ALEXANDER;

OR, LITERALLY TRANSLATED, WITH A COMMENTARY, FROM THE GREEK OF ARRIAN THE NICOMEDIAN , BY E. J. CHINNOCK, M.A., LL.B., LONDON, Rector of Dumfries Academy . HODDER AND STOUGHTON, 27, PATERNOSTER ROW. MDCCCLXXXIV. Butler &amp; Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London....

20 minute read

Read Chapter

PREFACE.

PREFACE.

When I began this Translation, more than two years ago, I had no intention of publishing it; but as the work progressed, it occurred to me that Arrian is an Author deserving of more attention from the English-speaking races than he has yet received. No edition of his works has, so far as I am aware, ever appeared in England, though on the Continent many have been published. In the following Translation I have tried to give as literal a rendering of the Greek text as I could without transgressing

2 minute read

Read Chapter

LIFE AND WRITINGS OF ARRIAN.

LIFE AND WRITINGS OF ARRIAN.

All we know of Arrian is derived from the notice of him in the Bibliotheca of Photius, who was Patriarch of Constantinople in the ninth century, and from a few incidental references in his own writings. We learn from Suidas that Dion Cassius wrote a biography of Arrian; but this work is not extant. Flavius Arrianus was born near the end of the first century of the Christian era, at Nicomedia, the capital of Bithynia. He became a pupil of the famous Stoic philosopher Epictetus, and afterwards wen

6 minute read

Read Chapter

ARRIAN'S PREFACE.

ARRIAN'S PREFACE.

I have admitted into my narrative as strictly authentic all the statements relating to Alexander and Philip which Ptolemy, son of Lagus, 11 and Aristobulus, son of Aristobulus, 12 agree in making; and from those statements which differ I have selected that which appears to me the 7 more credible and at the same time the more deserving of record. Different authors have given different accounts of Alexander’s life; and there is no one about whom more have written, or more at variance with each oth

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

Death of Philip and Accession of Alexander.—His Wars with the Thracians. It is said that Philip died 14 when Pythodemus was archon at Athens, 15 and that his son Alexander, 16 being then 9 about twenty years of age, marched into Peloponnesus 17 as soon as he had secured the regal power. There he assembled all the Greeks who were within the limits of Peloponnesus, 18 and asked from them the supreme command of the expedition against the Persians, an office which they had already conferred upon Phi

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

Battle with the Triballians. Alexander sent the booty away southward to the cities on the seashore, 27 entrusting to Lysanias and Philotas 28 the duty of setting it up for sale. But he himself crossed the summit, and advancing through the Haemus into the land of the Triballians, he arrived at the river Lyginus. 29 This river is distant from the Ister 30 three days’ march to one intending to go to the Haemus. Syrmus, king of the Triballians, hearing of Alexander’s expedition long before, had sent

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

Alexander at the Danube and in the Country of the Getae. On the third day after the battle, Alexander reached the river Ister, which is the largest of all the rivers in Europe, traverses a very great tract of country, and separates very warlike nations. Most of these belong to the Celtic race, 34 in whose territory the sources of the river take their rise. Of these nations the remotest are the Quadi 35 and Marcomanni 36 ; then the Iazygianns, 37 a branch of the Sauromatians 38 ; then the Getae,

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

Alexander Destroys the City of the Getae.—The Ambassadors of the Celts. They crossed over by night to a spot where the corn stood high; and in this way they reached the bank more secretly. At the approach of dawn Alexander led his men through the field of standing corn, ordering the infantry to lean upon the corn with their pikes 42 held transversely, and thus to advance into the untilled ground. As long as the phalanx was advancing through the standing corn, the cavalry followed; but when they

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

Revolt of Clitus and Glaucias. He then advanced into the land of the Agrianians and Paeonians, 50 where messengers reached him, who reported that Clitus, son of Bardylis, 51 had revolted, and that 19 Glaucias, 52 king of the Taulantians, 53 had gone over to him. They also reported that the Autariatians 54 intended to attack him on his way. He accordingly resolved to commence his march without delay. But Langarus, king of the Agrianians, who, in the lifetime of Philip, had been an open and avowed

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

Defeat of Clitus and Glaucias. Then Alexander drew up his army in such a way that the depth of the phalanx was 120 men; and stationing 200 cavalry on each wing, he ordered them to preserve silence, in order to receive the word of command quickly. Accordingly he gave the signal to the heavy-armed infantry in the first place to hold their spears erect, and then to couch them at the concerted sign; at one time to incline their spears to the right, closely locked together, and at another time toward

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

Revolt of Thebes ( September , B.C. 335 ). While these events were occurring, some of the exiles who had been banished from Thebes, coming to the city by night, and being brought in by some of the citizens, in order to effect a change in the government, apprehended and slew outside the Cadmea, 66 Amyntas and Timolaüs, 67 two of the men who held that fortress, having no suspicion that any hostile attempt was about to be made. Then entering the public assembly, they incited 26 the Thebans to revol

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

Fall of Thebes. But Ptolemy, son of Lagus, tells us that Perdiccas, who had been posted in the advanced guard of the camp with his own brigade, and was not far from the enemy’s stockade, did not wait for the signal from Alexander to commence the battle; but of his own accord was the first to assault the stockade, and, having made a breach in it, fell upon the advanced guard of the Thebans. 78 29 Amyntas, 79 son of Andromenes, followed Perdiccas, because he had been stationed with him. This gener

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

Destruction of Thebes. This was felt by the Greeks to be a general calamity for it struck the rest of the Greeks with no less consternation than it did those who had themselves taken part in the struggle, both on account of the magnitude of the captured city and the celerity of the action, the result of which was in the highest degree contrary to the expectation both of the sufferers and the perpetrators. For the disasters which befell the Athenians in relation to Sicily, 83 though in regard to

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

Alexander’s Dealings with Athens. As soon as news of the calamity which had befallen the Thebans reached the other Greeks, the Arcadians, who had set out from their own land for the purpose of giving aid to the Thebans, passed sentence of death on those who had instigated them to render aid. The Eleans also received back their exiles from banishment, because they were Alexander’s adherents; and the Aetolians, each tribe for itself, sent embassies to him, begging to receive pardon, because they a

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

Alexander Crosses the Hellespont and Visits Troy. Having settled these affairs, he returned into Macedonia. He then offered to the Olympian Zeus the sacrifice which had been instituted by Archelaüs, 100 and had been customary up to that time; and he celebrated the public contest of the Olympic games at Aegae. 101 It is said that he also held a public contest in honour of the Muses. At this time it was reported that the statue of Orpheus, son of Oeagrus the Thracian, which was in Pieris, 102 swea

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

Alexander at the Tomb of Achilles .— Memnon’s Advice Rejected by the Persian Generals. When he went up to Ilium, Menoetius the pilot crowned him with a golden crown; after him Chares the Athenian, 113 coming from Sigeum, as well as certain others, both Greeks and natives, did the same. Alexander then encircled the tomb of Achilles with a garland; and it is said that Hephaestion 114 decorated that of Patroclus in the 39 same way. There is indeed a report that Alexander pronounced Achilles fortuna

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

Battle of the Granicus ( B.C. 334). Meantime Alexander was advancing to the river Granicus, 121 with his army arranged for battle, having drawn up his 42 heavy-armed troops in a double phalanx, leading the cavalry on the wings, and having ordered that the baggage should follow in the rear. And Hegelochus at the head of the cavalry, who were armed with the long pike, 122 and about 500 of the light-armed troops, was sent by him to reconnoitre the proceedings of the enemy. When Alexander was not fa

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

Arrangement of the Hostile Armies. Having spoken thus, he sent Parmenio to command upon the left wing, while he led in person on the right. And at the head of the right wing he placed the following officers:—Philotas, son of Parmenio, with the cavalry Companions, the archers, and the Agrianian javelin-men; and Amyntas, son of Arrhabaeus, with the cavalry carrying the long pike, the Paeonians, and the squadron of Socrates, was posted near Philotas. Close to these were posted the Companions who we

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

Description of the Battle of the Granicus. The Persians began the contest by hurling missiles from above in the direction where the men of Amyntas and Socrates were the first to reach the bank; some of them casting javelins into the river from their commanding position on the bank, and others stepping down along the flatter parts of it to the very edge of the water. Then ensued a violent struggle on the part of the cavalry, on the one side to emerge from the river, and on the other to prevent th

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.

Defeat of the Persians.—Loss on Both Sides. The Persians themselves, as well as their horses, were now being struck on their faces with the lances from all sides, and were being repulsed by the cavalry. They also received much damage from the light-armed troops who were mingled with the cavalry. They first began to give way where Alexander himself was braving danger in the front. When their centre had given way, the 48 horse on both wings were also naturally broken through, and took to speedy fl

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII.

Alexander in Sardis and Ephesus. Having appointed Calas to the post of viceroy of the territory which had been under the rule of Arsites, and having commanded the inhabitants to pay to him the same tribute which they had paid to Darius, he ordered as many of the natives as came down from the mountains and surrendered to him to depart to their several abodes. He also acquitted the people of Zeleia 140 of blame, because he knew they had been compelled to assist the Persians in the war. He then des

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Alexander Marches to Miletus and Occupies the Island of Lade. Men now came to him both from Magnesia 149 and Tralles, 53 offering to surrender those cities; and to them he sent Parmenio, giving him 2,500 infantry from the Grecian auxiliaries, an equal number of Macedonians, and about 200 of the Cavalry Companions. He also sent Lysimachus, son of Agathocles, 150 with an equal force to the Aeolic cities, 151 and to as many of the Ionic cities 152 as were still under the Persians. He was ordered to

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.

Siege and Capture of Miletus. At this time Glaucippus, one of the most notable men in Miletus, was sent out to Alexander by the people and the Grecian mercenaries, to whom rather than to the citizens the town had been entrusted, to tell him that the Milesians were willing to make their walls and harbours 157 free to him and the Persians in common; and on these terms to demand that he should raise the siege. But Alexander ordered Glaucippus to depart without delay into the city, and tell the citi

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XX.

CHAPTER XX.

Siege of Halicarnassus.—Abortive Attack on Myndus. Alexander now resolved to disband his fleet, partly from lack of money at the time, and partly because he saw that his own fleet was not a match in battle for that of the Persians. On this account he was unwilling to run the risk of losing even a part of his armament. Besides, he considered, that now he was occupying Asia with his land force, he would no longer be in need of a fleet; and that he would be able to break up that of the Persians, if

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.

Siege of Halicarnassus. A few days after this, two Macedonian hoplites of the brigade of Perdiccas, living in the same tent and being messmates, happened in the course of conversation each to be extolling himself and his own exploits. Hence a quarrel arose between them as to which of them was the braver, and, being somewhat inflamed with wine, they agreed to arm themselves, and of their own accord go and assault the wall facing the citadel, which for the most part was turned towards Mylasa. This

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXII.

A few days after this, when Alexander again brought his military engines up to the inner brick wall, and was himself superintending the work, a sortie in mass was made from the city, some advancing by the breach in the wall, where Alexander himself was posted, others by the triple gate, where the Macedonians did not at all expect them. The first party cast torches and other combustibles at the engines, in order to set them on fire and to defy the engineers excessively. But when the men around Al

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIII.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Destruction of Halicarnassus.—Ada, Queen of Caria. Then Orontobates and Memnon, the commanders of the Persians, met and decided from the state of affairs that they could not hold out long against the siege, seeing that part of the wall had already fallen down and part had been battered and weakened, and that many of their 65 soldiers had either perished in the sorties or been wounded and disabled. Taking these things into consideration, about the second watch of the night they set fire to the wo

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIV.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Alexander in Lycia and Pamphylia. Some of the Macedonians who served in Alexander’s army had married just before he undertook the expedition. He thought that he ought not to treat these men with neglect, and therefore sent them back from Caria to spend the winter in Macedonia with their wives. He placed them under the command of Ptolemy, son of Seleucus, one of the royal body-guards, and of the two 67 generals Coenus, son of Polemocrates, and Meleager, son of Neoptolemus, because they were also

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXV.

CHAPTER XXV.

Treason of Alexander, Son of Aëropus. While the king was still near Phaselis he received information that Alexander, son of Aëropus, who was not only one of the Companions, but also at that time commander of the Thessalian horse, was conspiring against him. This Alexander was brother of Heromenes and Arrhabaeus, who had taken part in the murder of Philip. 179 At that time King Alexander pardoned him, though he 69 was accused of complicity with them, because after Philip’s death he was among the

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVI.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Alexander in Pamphylia.—Capture of Aspendus and Side. Alexander then, moving from Phaselis, sent part of his army to Perga through the mountains, where the 71 Thracians had levelled a road for him by a route which was otherwise difficult and long. But he himself led his own brigade by the beach along the sea, where there is no route, except when the north wind blows. But if the south wind prevails it is impossible to journey along the beach. At that time, after a strong south wind, the north win

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVII.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Alexander in Phrygia and Pisidia. The greater part of Aspendus had been built upon a strong and precipitous rock, at the very foot of which flows the river Eurymedon 189 ; but round the rock, on the low ground, were many of the citizens’ houses, surrounded by a small wall. As soon as they ascertained that Alexander was approaching, the inhabitants deserted the wall and the houses situated on the low ground, which they thought they were unable to protect; and they fled in a body to the rock. When

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVIII.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Operations in Pisidia. While he was there, ambassadors came to him from the Selgians, who are also Pisidian barbarians, inhabiting a large city, and being warlike. Because they happened to be inveterate enemies to the Termessians they had despatched this embassy to Alexander, to treat for his friendship. He made a treaty with them, and from this time found them faithful allies in all his proceedings. Despairing of being able to capture Termessus without a great loss of time, he marched on to Sag

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIX.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Alexander in Phrygia. Thence he went into Phrygia, passing by the lake called Ascania, 190 in which salt is naturally concreted. The natives use this salt, and do not need the sea at all for this article. On the fifth day of his march, he arrived at Celaenae, 191 in which city there was a fortified rock, precipitous on all sides. This citadel was occupied by the viceroy of Phrygia with a garrison of 1,000 Carians and 100 Grecian mercenaries. These men despatched ambassadors to Alexander, promisi

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

Capture of Mitylene by the Persians.—Death of Memnon. Soon after this, Memnon, whom King Darius had appointed commander of the whole fleet and of the entire sea-coast, with the design of moving the seat of war into Macedonia and Greece, acquired possession of Chios, which was surrendered to him by treachery. Thence he sailed to Lesbos and brought over to his side all the cities of the island, 198 except Mitylene, the inhabitants of which did not submit to him. When he had gained these cities ove

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

The Persians Capture Tenedus.—They are Defeated at Sea. After accomplishing this, Pharnabazus sailed to Lycia, taking with him the Grecian mercenaries; but Autophradates sailed to the other islands. Meantime Darius sent Thymondas, son of Mentor, 204 down to the maritime districts, to take over the Grecian auxiliaries from Pharnabazus and to lead them up to him; and to tell Pharnabazus that he was to be the ruler of all that Memnon had ruled. So Pharnabazus handed over to him the Grecian auxiliar

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

Alexander at Gordium. When Alexander arrived at Gordium, he was seized with an ardent desire to go up into the citadel, which contained the palace of Gordius and his son Midas. He was also desirous of seeing the wagon of Gordius and the cord which bound the yoke to the wagon. There was a great deal of talk about this wagon among the neighbouring population. It was said that Gordius was a poor man among the ancient Phrygians, who had a small piece of land to till, and two yoke of oxen. He used on

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

Conquest of Cappadocia.—Alexander’s Illness at Tarsus. The next day he sent out to Ancyra 214 in Galatia, where he was met by an embassy from the Paphlagonians, offering to surrender their nation to him and to enter into an alliance with him; but they requested him not to invade their land with his forces. He therefore commanded them to submit to the authority of Calas, the viceroy of Phrygia. Marching thence into Cappadocia, he subjugated all that part of it which lies on this side of the river

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

Alexander at the Tomb of Sardanapalus.—Proceedings in Cilicia. After this he sent Parmenio to the other Gates which separate the land of the Cilicians from that of the Assyrians, in order to capture them before the enemy could do so, and to guard the pass. 222 He gave him the allied infantry, the Grecian mercenaries, the Thracians who were under the command of Sitalces, and the Thessalian cavalry. He afterwards marched from Tarsus, and on the first day arrived at the city of Anchialus. 223 Accor

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

Alexander Advances to Myriandrus.—Darius Marches against him. While he was still at Mallus, he was informed that Darius was encamped with all his forces at Sochi, a place in the land of Assyria, distant about two days’ march from the Assyrian Gates. 235 Then indeed he collected the Companions and told them what was reported about Darius 90 and his army. They urged him to lead them on as they were, without delay. At that time he commended them, and broke up the conference; but next day he led the

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

Darius at Issus.—Alexander’s Speech to his Army. Darius crossed the mountain range by what are called the Amanic Gates, and advancing towards Issus, came without being noticed to the rear of Alexander. 239 Having reached Issus, he captured as many of the Macedonians as had 92 been left behind there on account of illness. These he cruelly mutilated and slew. Next day he proceeded to the river Pinarus. As soon as Alexander heard that Darius was in his rear, because the news did not seem to him tru

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

Arrangement of the Hostile Armies. Alexander then ordered his soldiers to take their dinner, and having sent a few of his horsemen and archers forward to the Gates to reconnoitre the road in the rear, he took the whole of his army and marched in the night to occupy the pass again. When about midnight he had again got possession of it, he caused the army to rest the remainder of the night there upon the rocks, having posted vigilant sentries. At the approach of dawn he began to descend from the p

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

Alexander Changes the Disposition of his Forces. Meantime when Alexander perceived that nearly all the Persian cavalry had changed their ground and gone to his left towards the sea, and that on his side only the Peloponnesians and the rest of the Grecian cavalry were posted there, he sent the Thessalian cavalry thither with speed, ordering them not to ride along before the front of the whole array, lest they should be seen by the enemy to be shifting their ground, but to proceed by stealth in th

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

Battle of Issus. Having thus marshalled his men, he caused them to rest for some time, and then led them forward, as he thought the enemy’s approach was very slow. For Darius was no longer leading the foreigners against him, as he had arranged them at first, but he remained in his position, upon the bank of the river, which was in many parts steep and precipitous; and in certain places, where it seemed more easy to ascend, he extended a stockade along it. By this it was at once evident to Alexan

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

Defeat and Flight of Darius. Hereupon the regiments on the right wing, perceiving that the Persians opposed to them had already been put to rout, wheeled round towards the Grecian mercenaries of Darius and their own hard-pressed detachment. Having driven the Greeks away from the river, they extended their phalanx beyond the Persian army on the side which had been broken; and attacking the Greeks on the flank, were already beginning to cut them up. However the Persian cavalry which had been poste

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

Kind Treatment of Darius’s Family. The next day, Alexander, though suffering from a wound which he had received in the thigh from a sword, visited the wounded, and having collected the bodies of the slain, he gave them a splendid burial with all his forces most brilliantly marshalled in order of battle. He also spoke with eulogy to those whom he himself had recognised performing any gallant deed in the battle, and also to those whose exploits he had learnt by report fully corroborated. He likewi

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

Flight of Macedonian Deserters into Egypt.—Proceedings of Agis, King of Sparta.—Alexander occupies Phoenicia. Darius fled through the night with a few attendants; but in the daytime, picking up as he went along the Persians and Grecian mercenaries who had come safely out of the battle, he had in all 4,000 men under his command. 107 He then made a forced march towards the city of Thapsacus 273 and the river Euphrates, 274 in order to put that river as soon as possible between himself and Alexande

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

Darius’s Letter, and Alexander’s Reply. While Alexander was still in Marathus, ambassadors came bringing a letter from Darius, entreating him to give up to their king his mother, wife, and children. They were also instructed to support this petition by word of mouth. The letter pointed out to him that 112 friendship and alliance had subsisted between Philip and Artaxerxes; 284 and that when Arses, son of Artaxerxes, ascended the throne, Philip was the first to practise injustice towards him, tho

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

Alexander’s Treatment of the Captured Greek Ambassadors.—Submission of Byblus and Sidon. When Alexander ascertained that all the money which Darius had sent off to Damascus with Cophen, son of Artabazus, was captured, and also that the Persians who had been left in charge of it, as well as the rest of the royal property, were taken prisoners, he ordered Parmenio to take the treasure back to Damascus, and there guard it. 289 When he also ascertained that the Grecian ambassadors who had reached Da

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.

The Worship of Hercules in Tyre.—The Tyrians Refuse to Admit Alexander. The reason of this demand was, that in Tyre there existed a temple of Heracles, 298 the most ancient of all those which are mentioned in history. It was not dedicated to the Argive Heracles, the son of Alcmena; for this Heracles was honoured in Tyre many generations before Cadmus set out from Phoenicia and occupied Thebes, and before Semele, the daughter of Cadmus, was born, from whom Dionysus, the son of Zeus, was born. Thi

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII.

Speech of Alexander to his Officers. “Friends and allies, I see that an expedition to Egypt will not be safe for us, so long as the Persians retain the sovereignty of the sea; nor is it a safe course, both for other reasons, and especially looking at the state of matters in Greece, for us to pursue Darius, leaving in our rear the city of Tyre itself in doubtful allegiance, and Egypt and Cyprus in the occupation of the Persians. I am apprehensive lest while we advance with our forces towards Baby

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Siege of Tyre.—Construction of a Mole from the Mainland to the Island. By this speech he easily persuaded his officers to make an attempt upon Tyre. Moreover he was encouraged by a divine admonition, for that very night in his sleep 307 he seemed to be approaching the Tyrian walls, and Heracles seemed to take him by the right hand and lead him up into the city. This was interpreted by Aristander 308 to mean that Tyre would be taken with labour, because the deeds of Heracles were accomplished wit

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.

The Siege of Tyre. But to counteract this the Tyrians adopted the following contrivance. They filled a vessel, which had been used for transporting horses, with dry twigs and other combustible wood, fixed two masts on the prow, and fenced it round in the form of a circle as large as possible, so that the enclosure might contain as much chaff and as many torches as possible. Moreover they placed upon this vessel quantities of pitch, brimstone, and whatever else was calculated to foment a great fl

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XX.

CHAPTER XX.

Tyre Besieged by Sea as well as Land. About this time Gerostratus, King of Aradus, and Enylus, King of Byblus, ascertaining that their cities were in the possession of Alexander, deserted Autophradates and the fleet under his command, and came to Alexander 125 with their naval force, accompanied by the Sidonian triremes; so that about eighty Phoenician ships joined him. About the same time triremes also came to him from Rhodes, both the one called Peripolus , 317 and with it nine others. From So

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.

Siege of Tyre. He had now collected many engineers both from Cyprus and the whole of Phoenicia, and many engines of war had been constructed, 323 some upon the mole, others upon vessels used for transporting horses, which he brought with him from Sidon, and others upon the triremes which were not fast sailers. When all the preparations had been completed they brought up the engines of war along the mole that had been made and also began to shoot from ships moored near various parts of the wall a

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXII.

Siege of Tyre.—Naval Defeat of the Tyrians. It happened on that day that Alexander went away to his tent, but after a short time returned to his ships, not tarrying according to his usual custom. The Tyrians fell all of a sudden upon the ships lying at their moorings, finding some entirely empty and others being filled with difficulty from the men who happened to be present at the very time of the noise and attack. At the first onset they at once sank the quinquereme of the king Pnytagoras, that

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIII.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Siege of Tyre. The third day after this, having waited for a calm sea, after encouraging the leaders of the regiments for the action, he led the ships containing the military engines up to the city. In the first place he shook down a large piece of the wall; and when the breach appeared to be sufficiently wide, he ordered the vessels conveying the military engines to retire, and brought up two others, which carried his bridges, which he intended to throw upon the breach in the wall. The shield-b

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIV.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Capture of Tyre. To return to the fleet, the Phoenicians posted opposite the harbour looking towards Egypt, facing which they happened to be moored, forcing their way and bursting the bars asunder, shattered the ships in the harbour, attacking some of them in deep water and driving others ashore. The Cyprians also sailed into the other harbour looking towards Sidon, which had no bar across it, and made a speedy capture of the city on that side. The main body of the Tyrians deserted the wall when

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXV.

CHAPTER XXV.

The Offers of Darius Rejected.—Batis, Governor of Gaza, Refuses to Submit. While Alexander was still occupied by the siege of Tyre, ambassadors came to him from Darius, announcing that he would give him ten thousand talents 332 in exchange for his mother, wife, and children; that all the territory west of the river Euphrates, as far as the Grecian Sea, should be Alexander’s; and proposing that he should marry the daughter of Darius, and become his friend and 135 ally. 333 When these proposals we

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVI.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Siege of Gaza. Gaza is about twenty stades from the sea; 335 the approach to it is sandy and over heavy soil, and the sea near the city everywhere shallow. The city of Gaza 336 was large, and had been built upon a lofty mound, around which a strong wall had been carried. It is the last city the traveller meets with going from Phoenicia to Egypt, being situated on the edge of the desert. When Alexander arrived near the city, on the first day he encamped at the spot where the wall seemed to him mo

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVII.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Capture of Gaza. When Alexander heard this, he kept himself for a time near the military engines, out of the reach of missiles. But when a vigorous sortie was made from the city, and the Arabs were carrying torches to set fire to the military engines, and from their commanding position above hurling missiles at the Macedonians, who were defending themselves from lower ground, were driving them down from the mound which they had made, then Alexander either wilfully disobeyed the soothsayer, or fo

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

Conquest of Egypt.—Foundation op Alexandria. Alexander now led an expedition into Egypt, whither he had set out at first (from Tyre); and marching from Gaza, on the seventh day he arrived at Pelusium 341 in Egypt. His fleet had also set sail from Phoenicia to Egypt; and he found the ships already moored at Pelusium. 342 When Mazaces the Persian, whom Darius had appointed viceroy of Egypt, 343 ascertained how the battle at Issus had resulted, that Darius had fled in disgraceful flight, and that P

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

Foundation of Alexandria.—Events in the Aegean. The following story is told, which seems to me not un 143 worthy of belief 353 :—that Alexander himself wished to leave behind for the builders the marks for the boundaries of the fortification, but that there was nothing at hand with which to make a furrow in the ground. One of the builders 354 hit upon the plan of collecting in vessels the barley which the soldiers were carrying, and throwing it upon the ground where the king led the way; and thu

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

Alexander Visits the Temple of Ammon. After these transactions, Alexander was seized by an ardent desire to visit Ammon 360 in Libya, partly in order 145 to consult the god, because the oracle of Ammon was said to be exact in its information, and Perseus and Heracles were said to have consulted it, the former when he was despatched by Polydectes 361 against the Gorgons, and the latter, when he visited Antaeus 362 in Libya and Busiris 363 in Egypt. Alexander was also partly urged by a desire of e

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

The Oasis of Ammon. The place where the temple of Ammon is located is entirely surrounded by a desert of far-stretching sand, which is destitute of water. The fertile spot in the midst of this desert, is not extensive; for where it stretches into its greater expanse, it is only about forty stades broad. 368 It is full of cultivated trees, olives and palms; and it is the only place in those parts which is refreshed with dew. A spring also rises from it, quite unlike all the other springs which is

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

Settlement of the Affairs of Egypt. At Memphis, many embassies from Greece reached him; and he sent away no one disappointed by the rejection of his suit. From Antipater also arrived an army of 400 Grecian mercenaries under the command of Menidas, son of Hegesander: likewise from Thrace 500 cavalry, under the direction of Asclepiodorus, son of Eunicus. Here he offered sacrifice to Zeus the King, led his soldiers fully armed in solemn procession, and celebrated a gymnastic and musical contest. He

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

March into Syria.—Alexander’s Kindness to Harpalus and his other early Adherents. As soon as spring began to appear, he went from Memphis to Phoenicia, bridging the stream of the Nile near Memphis, as well as the canals issuing from it. When he arrived at Tyre, he found his fleet already there. 375 In this city he again offered sacrifice to Heracles, and celebrated both a gymnastic and musical contest. While there, the state vessel called the Paralus came to him from Athens, bringing Diophantus

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

Passage of the Euphrates and Tigris. Alexander arrived at Thapsacus in the month Hecatombaion, 381 in the archonship of Aristophanes at Athens; and he found that two bridges of boats had been constructed over the stream. But Mazaeus, to whom Darius had committed the duty of guarding the river, with about 3,000 cavalry, 2,000 of which were Grecian mercenaries, was up to that time keeping guard there at the river. For this reason the Macedonians had not constructed the complete bridge as far as th

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

Description of Darius’s Army at Arbela. Alexander therefore took the royal squadron of cavalry, and one squadron of the Companions, together with the Paeonian scouts, and marched with all speed; having ordered the rest of his army to follow at leisure. The Persian cavalry, seeing Alexander advancing quickly, began to flee with all their might. Though he pressed close upon them in pursuit, most of them escaped; but a few, whose horses were fatigued by the flight, were slain, others were taken pri

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

Alexander’s Tactics.—His Speech to the Officers. When Alexander had received all this information from the Persian scouts who had been captured, he remained four days in the place where he had received the news; and gave his army rest after the march. He meanwhile fortified his camp with a ditch and stockade, as he intended to leave behind the baggage and all the soldiers who were unfit for fighting, and to go into the contest accompanied by his warriors carrying with them nothing except their w

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

Rejection of Parmenio’s Advice. With these words and others like them he briefly exhorted his officers, and in return was exhorted by them to feel confidence in their valour. He then ordered the soldiers to take dinner and to rest themselves. It is said that Parmenio came to him in his tent, and urged him to make a night attack on the Persians; saying that thus he would fall upon them unprepared and in a state of confusion, and at the same time more liable to a panic in the dark. 400 But the rep

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

Tactics of the Opposing Generals. Darius and his army remained drawn up during the night in the same order as that in which they had first arrayed themselves; because they had not surrounded themselves with a completely entrenched camp, and, moreover, they were afraid that the enemy would attack them in the night. The success of the Persians, on this occasion, was impeded especially by this long standing on watch with their arms, and by the fear which usually springs up before great dangers; whi

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

Alexander’s Tactics. In this way had Alexander marshalled his army in front; but he also posted a second array, so that his phalanx might be a double one. 410 Directions had been given to the commanders of these men posted in reserve, to wheel round and receive the attack of the foreigners, if they should see their own comrades surrounded by the Persian army. Next to the royal squadron on the right wing, half of the Agrianians, under the command of Attalus, in conjunction with the Macedonian arc

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

The Battle of Arbela. When the armies drew near each other, Darius and the men around him were observed; viz. the apple-bearing Persians, the Indians, the Albanians, the Carians who had been forcibly transported into Central Asia, the Mardian archers ranged opposite Alexander himself and his royal squadron of cavalry. Alexander led his own army more towards the right, and the Persians marched along parallel with him, far outflanking him upon their left. 411 Then the Scythian cavalry rode along t

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

Battle of Arbela.—Flight of Darius. As soon as Darius began to set his whole phalanx in motion, Alexander ordered Aretes to attack those who were riding completely round his right wing; and up to that time he was himself leading his men in column. But when the Persians had made a break in the front line of their army, in consequence of the cavalry sallying forth to assist those who were surrounding the right wing, Alexander wheeled round towards the gap, and forming a wedge as it were of the Com

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

Defeat of the Persians and Pursuit of Darius. At this juncture, while the Macedonians were doubtful as to the result of the battle, Parmenio sent a messenger to Alexander in haste, to tell him that their side was in a critical position and that he must send him aid. 420 When this news was brought to Alexander, he immediately turned back again from the pursuit, and wheeling round with the Companion cavalry, led them with great speed against the right wing of the foreigners. In the first place he

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.

Escape of Darius into Media.—March of Alexander to Babylon and Susa. Immediately after the battle, Darius marched through the mountains of Armenia towards Media, accompanied in his flight by the Bactrian cavalry, as they had then been posted with him in the battle; also by those Persians who were called the king’s kinsmen, and by 171 a few of the men called apple-bearers. 428 About 2,000 of his Grecian mercenaries also accompanied him in his flight, under the command of Paron the Phocian, and Gl

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII.

Subjugation of the Uxians. He now set out from Susa, and, crossing the river Pasitigris, 442 invaded the country of the Uxians. Some of these people who inhabit the plains were under the rule of the viceroy of the Persians, and on this occasion surrendered to Alexander; but those who are called the mountaineers were not in subjection to the Persians, and at this time sent word to Alexander that they would not permit him to march with his forces into Persis, unless they received from him as much

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Defeat of Ariobarzanes and Capture of Persepolis. After this, Alexander despatched Parmenio with the baggage, the Thessalian cavalry, the Grecian allies, the mercenary auxiliaries, and the rest of the more heavily armed soldiers, to march into Persis along the carriage road leading into that country. He himself took the Macedonian infantry, the Companion cavalry, the light cavalry used for skirmishing, the Agrianians, and the archers, and made a forced march through the mountains. But when he ar

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.

Darius Pursued into Media and Parthia. After bringing these matters to a successful issue, he advanced towards Media; for he ascertained that Darius was there. Now Darius had formed the resolution, if Alexander remained at Susa or Babylon, to stay there among the Medes, in order to see if any change of policy were made by Alexander. But if the latter marched against him, he resolved to proceed into the interior towards Parthia and Hyrcania, as far as Bactria, laying waste all the land and making

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XX.

CHAPTER XX.

March through the Caspian Gates. Then taking the Companion cavalry, the light cavalry used for skirmishing, the Greek mercenary cavalry, under the command of Erigyius, the Macedonian phalanx, except the men who had been placed in charge of the money, the archers, and the Agrianians, he marched against Darius. In the forced march which he made, many of his soldiers were left behind, worn out with 182 fatigue, and many of the horses died. He nevertheless pressed on, and on the eleventh day arrived

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.

Darius is Assassinated by Bessus. At this time Bagistanes, one of the Babylonian nobles, came to him from the camp of Darius, accompanied by Antibelus, one of the sons of Mazaeus. These men informed him that Nabarzanes, the commander of the cavalry which accompanied Darius in his flight, Bessus, 183 viceroy of Bactria, and Barsaëntes, viceroy of the Arachotians and Drangians, 462 had jointly arrested the king. When Alexander heard this, he marched with still greater speed than ever, taking with

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXII.

Reflections on the Fate of Darius. Alexander sent the body of Darius into Persis, with orders that it should be buried in the royal sepulchre, in the same way as the other Persian kings before him had been buried. 466 He then proclaimed Amminaspes, a Parthian, viceroy over the Parthians and Hyrcanians. This man was one of those who with Mazaces had surrendered Egypt to Alexander. He also appointed Tlepolemus, son of Pythophanes, one of the Companions, to guard his interests in Parthia and Hyrcan

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIII.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Expedition into Hyrcania. Alexander now took the soldiers who had been left behind in his pursuit and advanced into Hyrcania, 471 which is the country lying on the left of the road leading to Bactra. 472 On one side it is bounded by lofty mountains densely covered with wood, and on the other it is a plain stretching as far as the Great Sea 473 in this part of the world. He led his army by this route, because he ascertained that the Grecian mercenaries serving under Darius had succeeded in escapi

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIV.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Expedition against the Mardians. He then marched forward against the Mardians 477 taking with him the shield-bearing guards, the archers, the 190 Agrianians, the brigades of Coenus and Amyntas, half of the Companion cavalry, and the horse-lancers; for he had now a troop of horse-lancers. Traversing the greater part of the land of the Mardians, he killed many of them in their flight, some indeed having turned to defend themselves; and many were taken prisoners. No one for a long time had invaded

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXV.

CHAPTER XXV.

March to Bactra.—Bessus Aided by Satibarzanes. Having settled these affairs, he marched to Zadracarta, the largest city of Hyrcania, where also was the seat of the Hyrcanian government. Tarrying here fifteen days, he offered sacrifice to the gods according to his custom, and celebrated a gymnastic contest, after which he began his march towards Parthia; thence to the confines of Areia 480 and to Susia, a city in that province, where Satibarzanes, the viceroy of the Areians, came to meet him. To

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVI.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Philotas and Parmenio put to Death. Here also Alexander discovered the conspiracy of Philōtas, son of Parmenio. Ptolemy and Aristobūlus say that it had already been reported to him before in Egypt 484 ; but that it did not appear to him credible, both 194 on account of the long-existing friendship between them, the honour which he publicly conferred upon his father Parmenio, and the confidence he reposed in Philotas himself. Ptolemy, son of Lagus, says that Philotas was brought before the Macedo

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVII.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Treatment of Amyntas.—The Ariaspians. They also say that about the same time Amyntas, son of Andromenes, was brought to trial, together with his brothers Polemo, Attalus, and Simmias, on the charge of being accessory to the conspiracy against Alexander, on account of their trust in Philotas and their intimate friendship with him. The belief in their participation in the plot was strengthened among the mass of men by the fact that when Philotas was arrested, Polemo, one of the brothers of Amyntas

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVIII.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Alexander Crosses the Hindu-Koosh. After the transaction of this business, he advanced against Bactra and Bessus, reducing the Drangians and Gadrosians 493 to subjection on his march. He also re 197 duced the Arachotians to subjection and appointed Menon viceroy over them. He then reached the Indians, who inhabit the land bordering on that of the Arachotians. All these nations he reached marching through deep snow and his soldiers experiencing scarcity of provisions and severe hardship. Learning

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIX.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Conquest of Bactria, and Pursuit of Bessus across the Oxus. Alexander now arrived at Drapsaca, and having there given his army a rest, he marched to Aornus and Bactra, which are the largest cities in the land of the Bactrians. These he took at the first assault; and left a garrison in the citadel of Aornus, over which he placed Archelaüs son of Androcles, one of the Companions. He appointed Artabazus the Persian, viceroy over the rest of the Bactrians, who were easily reduced to submission. Then

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXX.

CHAPTER XXX.

Capture of Bessus.—Exploits in Sogdiana. Here Ptolemy learned that Spitamenes and Dataphernes were not firmly resolved about the betrayal of Bessus. He therefore left the infantry behind with orders to follow him in regular order, and advanced with the cavalry till he arrived at a certain village, where Bessus was with a few soldiers; for Spitamenes and his party had already retired from thence, being ashamed to betray Bessus themselves. Ptolemy posted his cavalry right round the village, which

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

Rebellion of the Sogdianians. A few days after this, envoys reached Alexander from the people called Abian Scythians, whom Homer commended in his poem, calling them the justest of men. 510 This nation dwells in Asia and is independent, chiefly by reason of its poverty and love of justice. Envoys also came from the Scythians of Europe, who are the largest nation dwelling in that continent. 511 Alexander sent some of the Companions with them, under the pretext indeed that they were to conclude a f

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

Capture of Five Cities in Two Days. When Alexander was informed of this, he gave instructions to the infantry, company by company, to prepare the ladders which were assigned to each company. He then started from the camp and advanced to the nearest city, the name of which was Gaza; for the barbarians of the land were said to have fled for refuge into seven cities. He sent Craterus to the one called Cyropolis, 207 the largest of them all, into which most of the barbarians had gathered. 515 The or

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

Storming of Cyropolis.—Revolt of the Scythians. Having thus captured the five cities and reduced them to slavery in two days, 516 he went to Cyropolis, the largest city in the country. It was fortified with a wall higher than those of the others, as it had been founded by Cyrus. The majority of the barbarians of this district, and at the same time the most warlike of them, had fled for refuge thither, and consequently it was not possible for the Macedonians to capture it so easily at the first a

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

Defeat of the Scythians beyond the Tanais. In twenty days he fortified the city which he was projecting, and settled in it some of the Grecian mercenaries and those of the neighbouring barbarians who volunteered to take part in the settlement, as well as the Macedonians from his army who were now unfit for military service. 518 He then offered sacrifice to the gods in his customary manner and celebrated an equestrian and gymnastic contest. When he saw that the Scythians were not retiring from th

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

Spitamenes Destroys a Macedonian Detachment. Soon after this, arrived envoys from the king of the Scythians, who were sent to apologize for what had been done, and to state that it was not the act of the Scythian State, but of certain men who set out for plunder after the manner of freebooters. They also assured him that their king was willing to obey the commands laid upon him. Alexander sent to him a courteous reply, because it did not seem honourable for him to abstain from march 213 ing agai

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

Spitamenes Driven into the Desert. But Aristobulus says the greater part of this army was destroyed by an ambuscade, the Scythians having hidden themselves in a park and fallen upon the Macedonians from their place of concealment, when Pharnuches was in the very act of retiring from the command in favour of the Macedonians who had been sent with him, on the ground of his not being skilled in military affairs, and of his having been sent by Alexander rather to win the favour of the barbarians tha

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

Treatment of Bessus. When he had accomplished this, he came to Zariaspa; where he remained until the depth of winter arrived. 529 At this time came to him Phrataphernes the viceroy of Parthia, and Stasanor, who had been sent into the land of the Areians to arrest Arsames. 530 Him they brought with them in chains, as also Barzanes, whom Bessus had appointed viceroy of the land of the Parthians, and some others of those who at that time had joined Bessus in revolt. At the same time arrived from th

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

The Murder of Clitus. Here also I shall give an account of the tragic fate of Clitus, son of Dropidas, and of Alexander’s mishap in regard to it. Though it occurred a little while after this, it will not be out place here. The Macedonians kept a day sacred to Dionysus, and on that day Alexander used to offer sacrifice to him every year. But they say that on this occasion he was neglectful of Dionysus, 538 and sacrificed to the Dioscūri 539 instead; for he had resolved to offer sacrifice to those

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

Alexander’s Grief for Clitus. I think Clitus deserving of severe censure for his insolent behaviour to his king, while at the same time I pity Alexander for his mishap, because on that occasion he showed himself the slave of two vices, anger and drunkenness, by neither of which is it seemly for a prudent man to be enslaved. But then on the other hand I think his subsequent behaviour worthy of praise, because directly after he had done the deed he recognised that it was a horrible one. Some of hi

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

Dispute between Callisthenes and Anaxarchus. But it is said that Callisthenes the Olynthian, who had studied philosophy under Aristotle, and was somewhat brusque in his manner, did not approve of this conduct; and so far as this is concerned I quite agree with him. But the following remark of his, if indeed it has been correctly recorded, I do not think at all proper, when he declared that Alexander and his exploits were dependent upon him and his history, and that he had not come to him to acqu

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

Callisthenes Opposes the Proposal to Honour Alexander by Prostration. When Anaxarchus had uttered these remarks and others of a similar kind, those who were privy to the plan applauded his speech, and wished at once to begin the ceremony of prostration. Most of the Macedonians, however, were vexed 555 at the speech and kept silence. But Callisthenes interposed and said:—“O Anaxarchus, I openly declare that there is no honour which Alexander is unworthy to receive, provided that it is consistent

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

Callisthenes Refuses to Prostrate Himself. By making these and other remarks of a similar kind, Callisthenes greatly annoyed Alexander, but spoke the exact sentiments of the Macedonians. When the king perceived this, he sent to prevent the Macedonians from making any farther mention of the ceremony of prostration. But after the discussion silence ensued; and then the most honourable of the Persians arose in due order and prostrated their bodies before him. But when one of the Persians seemed to

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

Conspiracy of the Pages. It was a custom introduced by Philip, that the sons of those Macedonians who had enjoyed high office, should, as soon as they reached the age of puberty, be selected to attend the king’s court. These youths were entrusted with the general attendance on the king’s person and the protection of his body while he was asleep. Whenever the king rode out, some of them received the horses from the grooms, and brought them to him, and others assisted him to mount in the Persian f

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

Execution of Callisthenes and Hermolaüs. Aristobulus says that the youths asserted it was Callisthenes who instigated them to make the daring attempt; and Ptolemy says the same. 565 Most writers, however, do 232 not agree with this, but represent that Alexander readily believed the worst about Callisthenes, from the hatred which he already felt towards him, and because Hermolaüs was known to be exceedingly intimate with him. Some authors have also recorded the following particulars:—that Hermola

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

Alliance with the Scythians and Chorasmians. Another embassy from the European Scythians came to Alexander with the envoys whom he had despatched to those people; for the king who was reigning over them at the time when he sent these envoys, happened to die, and his brother was reigning in his stead. The object of the embassy was to state that the Scythians were willing to do whatsoever Alexander commanded. They were also bringing to him from their king the gifts which among them are deemed most

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.

Subjugation of Sogdiana.—Revolt of Spitamenes. He therefore crossed the river with a part of his army and entered Sogdiana, leaving Polysperchon, Attalus, Gorgias, and Meleager there among the Bactrians, with instructions to guard the land, to prevent the barbarians of that region from making any revolutionary change, and to reduce those who had already rebelled. He divided the army which he had with him into five parts; the first of which he put under the command of Hephaestion, the second unde

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII.

Defeat and Death of Spitamenes. When this news was brought to Craterus, he made a forced march against the Massagetians, who, when they heard that he was marching against them, fled as fast as they could towards the desert. Following them up closely, he overtook those very men and more than 1,000 other Massagetian horsemen, not far from the desert. A fierce battle ensued, in which the Macedonians were victorious. Of the Scythians, 150 horsemen were slain; but the rest of them easily escaped into

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Oxyartes Besieged in the Sogdian Rock. Meantime Coenus returned to Alexander at Nautaca, as also did Craterus, Phrataphernes the viceroy of the Parthians, and Stasanor the viceroy of the Areians, after executing all the orders which Alexander had given them. The king then caused his army to rest around Nautaca, because it was now mid-winter; but he despatched Phrataphernes into the land of the Mardians and Tapurians to fetch Autophradates the viceroy, because, though he had often been sent for,

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.

Alexander Captures the Rock and Marries Roxana. All the men who had gained practice in scaling rocks in sieges, banded themselves together to the number of three hundred, and provided themselves with the small iron pegs with which their tents had been fastened to the ground, with the intention of fixing them into the snow, where it might be seen to be frozen hard, or into the ground, if it should anywhere exhibit itself free from snow. Tying strong ropes made of flax to these pegs, they advanced

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XX.

CHAPTER XX.

Magnanimous Treatment of the Family of Darius. In relation to this subject there is a story current, that soon after the battle which was fought at Issus between 243 Darius and Alexander, the eunuch who was guardian of Darius’s wife escaped and came to him. When Darius saw this man, his first inquiry was, whether his children, wife, and mother were alive? Ascertaining that they were not only alive, but were called queens, and enjoyed the same personal service and attention which they had been ac

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.

Capture of the Rock of Chorienes. When Alexander had finished his operations among the Sogdianians, and was now in possession of the rock, he advanced into the land of the Paraetacians, because many of the barbarians were said to be holding another rock, a strongly fortified place in that country. This was called the rock of Chorienes; and to it Chorienes himself and many other chiefs had fled for refuge. The height of this rock was about twenty stades, and the circuit about sixty. It was precip

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXII.

Alexander Reaches the River Cabul, and Receives the Homage of Taxiles. After performing this exploit, Alexander himself went to Bactra; but sent Craterus with 600 of the cavalry Companions and his own brigade of infantry as well those of Polysperchon, Attalus, and Alcetas, against Catanes and Austanes, who were the only rebels still remaining in the land of the Paraetacenians. 594 A sharp battle was fought 247 with them, in which Craterus was victorious; Catanes being killed there while fighting

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIII.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Battles with the Aspasians. Alexander now took command of the shield-bearing guards, the Companion cavalry with the exception of 249 those who had been joined with Hephaestion’s division, the regiments of what were called foot-Companions, the archers, the Agrianians and the horse-lancers, and advanced with them into the land of the Aspasians, Guraeans and Assacenians. 601 Marching by a mountainous and rough road along the river called Choes, 602 which he crossed with difficulty, he ordered the m

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIV.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Operations against the Aspasians. Alexander now took command of the shield-bearing guards, the archers, the Agrianians, the brigade of Coenus and Attalus, the royal body-guard of cavalry, about four regiments of the other Companion cavalry, and half of the horse-archers, and advanced towards the river Euaspla, 603 where the chieftain of the Aspasians was. After a long journey he arrived at the city on the second day. When the barbarians ascertained that he was approaching they set fire to the ci

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXV.

CHAPTER XXV.

Defeat of the Aspasians.—The Assacenians and Guraeans Attacked. When the enemy who were occupying the commanding heights perceived the Macedonians approaching, they descended into the plain, being emboldened by their superiority in number and despising the Macedonians, because they were seen to be few. A sharp contest ensued; but Alexander won the victory with ease. Ptolemy’s men did not range themselves on the level ground, for the barbarians were occupying a hill. Wherefore Ptolemy, forming hi

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVI.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Siege of Massaga. In the first place Alexander led his forces against Massaga, 607 the largest of the cities in that district; and when he was approaching the walls, the barbarians being emboldened by the mercenaries whom they had obtained from the more distant Indians to the number of 7,000, when they saw the Macedonians pitching their camp, advanced against them with a run. Alexander, seeing that the battle was about to be fought near the city, was anxious to draw them further away from their

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVII.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Sieges of Massaga and Ora. Alexander now sent Alcetas with his own brigade to recover the men who had been severely wounded, and to recall to the camp those who were assailing the enemy. On the fourth day he brought up another bridge against 256 the wall in like manner upon another military engine. The Indians, as long as the ruler of the place survived, defended themselves gallantly; but when he was struck and killed with a missile hurled from an engine, and as some of their number had fallen i

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVIII.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Capture of Bazira.—Advance to the Rock of Aornus. When the men in Bazira heard this news, despairing of 258 their own affairs, they abandoned the city about the middle of the night, and fled to the rock as the other barbarians were doing. For all the inhabitants deserted the cities and began to flee to the rock which is in their land, and is called Aornus. 613 For stupendous is this rock in this land, about which the current report is, that it was found impregnable even by Heracles, the son of Z

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIX.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Siege of Aornus. At this juncture some of the natives came to him, and surrendering themselves, offered to lead him to the part of the rock where it could be most easily assailed, and from which it would be easy for him to capture the place. With these he sent Ptolemy, son of Lagus, the confidential body-guard, in command of the Agrianians and the other light-armed troops, together with picked men from the shield-bearing guards. He gave this officer instructions, as soon as he had got possession

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXX.

CHAPTER XXX.

Capture of Aornus.—Arrival at the Indus. On the first day his army constructed the mound the length of a stade; and on the following day the slingers shooting at the Indians from the part already finished, assisted by the missiles which were hurled from the military engines, repulsed the sallies which they made against the men who were constructing the mound. He went on with the work for three days without intermission, and on the fourth day a few of the Macedonians forcing their way occupied a

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

Alexander at Nysa. In this country, lying between the rivers Cophen and Indus, which was traversed by Alexander, the city of Nysa 621 is said to be situated. The report is, that its foundation was the work of Dionysus, who built it after he had subjugated the Indians. 622 But it is impossible to determine who this Dionysus 623 was, and at what time, or from what quarter he led an army against the Indians. For I am unable to decide whether the Theban Dionysus, starting from Thebes or from the Lyd

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

All this was very pleasant to Alexander to hear; for he wished that the legend about the wandering of Dionysus should be believed, as well as that Nysa owed its foundation to that deity, since he had himself reached the place where Dionysus came, and had even advanced beyond the limits of the latter’s march. He also thought that the Macedonians would not decline still to share his labours if he advanced further, from a desire to surpass the achievements of Dionysus. He therefore granted the inha

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

Incredulity of Eratosthenes.—Passage of the Indus. Any one who receives these stories may believe or disbelieve them as he pleases. But I do not altogether agree with Eratosthenes the Cyrenaean, 630 who says that everything which was attributed to the divine agency by the Macedonians was really said to gratify Alexander by their excessive eulogy. For he says that the Macedonians, seeing a cavern in the land of the Parapamisadians, 631 and hearing a certain legend which was current among the nati

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

Digression about India. The following are statements about the river Indus which are quite unquestionable, and therefore let me record them. The Indus is the largest of all the rivers in Asia and Europe, except the Ganges, 637 which is also an Indian river. It takes its rise on this side mount Parapamisus, or Caucasus, and discharges its water into the Great Sea which lies near India in the direction of the south wind. It has two mouths, both of which outlets are full of shallow pools like the f

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

Mountains and Rivers of Asia. But of the Indians I shall treat in a distinct work, 647 giving the most credible accounts which were compiled by those who accompanied Alexander in his expedition, as well as by Nearchus, 648 who sailed right round the Great Sea which is near India. Then I shall add what has been compiled by Megasthenes 649 and Eratosthenes, two men of distinguished authority. I shall describe the customs peculiar to the Indians and the strange animals which are produced in the cou

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

General Description of India. Whoever arranges the position of Asia in such a way that it is divided by the Taurus and the Caucasus from the west wind to the east wind, will find that these two very large divisions are made by the Taurus itself, one of which is inclined towards the south and the south wind, and the other towards the north and the north wind. Southern Asia again may be divided into four parts, of which Eratosthenes and Megasthenes make India the 275 largest. The latter author liv

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

Method of Bridging Rivers. How Alexander constructed his bridge over the river Indus, is explained neither by Aristobulus nor Ptolemy, authors whom I usually follow; nor am I able to form a decided opinion whether the passage was bridged with boats, as the Hellespont was by Xerxes and the Bosporus and the Ister were by Darius, 663 or whether he made a continuous bridge over the river. To me it seems probable that the bridge was made of boats; for the depth of the water would not have admitted of

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

March from the Indus to the Hydaspes. This has been the method of constructing bridges, practised by the Romans from olden times; but how Alexander laid a bridge over the river Indus I cannot say, because those who served in his army have said nothing about it. But I should think that the bridge was made as near as possible as I have described, or if it were effected by some other contrivance so let it be. When Alexander had crossed to the other side of the river Indus, he again offered sacrific

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

Porus obstructs Alexander’s Passage. Alexander encamped on the bank of the Hydaspes, and Porus was seen with all his army and his large troop of elephants lining the opposite bank. 671 He remained to guard the passage at the place where he saw Alexander had encamped; and sent guards to all the other parts of the river which were easily fordable, placing officers over each detachment, being resolved to obstruct the passage of the Macedonians. When Alexander saw this, 281 he thought it advisable t

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

Alexander and Porus at the Hydaspes. Alexander therefore spread a report that he would wait for that season of the year, if his passage was obstructed at the present time; but yet all the time be was waiting in ambush to see whether by rapidity of movement he could steal a passage anywhere without being observed. But he perceived that it was impossible for him to cross at the place where Porus himself had encamped near the bank of the Hydaspes, not only on account of the multitude of his elephan

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

Alexander’s Stratagem to Get Across. There was in the bank of the Hydaspes, a projecting headland, where the river makes a remarkable bend. It was densely covered by a grove, 676 containing all sorts of trees; and over against it in the river was an island full of trees and without a foot-track, on account of its being uninhabited. Perceiving that this island was right in front of the headland, and that both the spots were woody and adapted to conceal his attempt to cross the river, he resolved

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

Passage of the Hydaspes. Such were the injunctions laid upon Craterus. Between the island and the great camp where Alexander had left this general, he posted Meleager, Attalus, and Gorgias, with the Grecian mercenaries, cavalry and infantry, giving them instructions to cross in detachments, breaking up the army as soon as they saw the Indians already involved in battle. He then picked the select body-guard called the Companions, as well as the cavalry regiments of Hephaestion, Perdiccas, and Dem

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

Alexander himself embarked in a thirty-oared galley and went over, accompanied by Perdiccas, Lysimachus, the confidential body-guards, Seleucus, one of the Companions, who was afterwards king, 680 and half of the shield-bearing guards; the rest of these troops being conveyed in 286 other galleys of the same size. When the soldiers got beyond the island, they openly directed their course to the bank; and when the sentinels perceived that they had started, they at once rode off to Porus as fast as

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

The Battle at the Hydaspes. Having thus arranged his army, he ordered the infantry to follow at a slow pace and in regular order, numbering as it did not much under 6,000 men; and because he thought he was superior in cavalry, he took only his horse-soldiers, who were 5,000 in number, and led them forward with speed. He also instructed Tauron, the commander of the archers, to lead them on also with speed to back up the cavalry. He had come to the conclusion that if Porus should engage him with a

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

Arrangements of Porus. Ptolemy also says that Alexander in the first place sent the horse-archers against these, and led the cavalry himself, thinking that Porus was approaching with all his forces, and that this body of cavalry was marching in front of the rest of his army, being drawn up by him as the vanguard. But as soon as he had ascertained with accuracy the number of the Indians, he immediately made a rapid charge upon them with the cavalry around him. When they perceived that Alexander h

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.

Alexander’s Tactics. Such was the arrangement which Porus made of his forces. As soon as Alexander observed that the Indians were drawn up in order of battle, he stopped his cavalry from advancing farther, so that he might take up the infantry as it kept on arriving; and even when the phalanx in quick march had effected a junction with the cavalry, he did not at once draw it out and lead it to the attack, not wishing to hand over his men exhausted with fatigue and out of breath, to the barbarian

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII.

Defeat of Porus. Meantime the Indians had collected their cavalry from all parts, and were riding along, advancing out of their position to meet Alexander’s charge. Coenus also appeared with his men in their rear, according to his instructions. The Indians, observing this, were compelled to make the line of their cavalry face both ways 686 ; the largest and best part against Alexander, while the rest wheeled round against Coenus and his forces. This therefore at once threw the ranks as well as t

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Losses of the Combatants.—Porus Surrenders. At the same time Craterus and the other officers of Alexander’s army who had been left behind on the bank of the Hydaspes crossed the river, when they perceived that Alexander was winning a brilliant victory. These men, being fresh, followed up the pursuit instead of Alexander’s exhausted troops, and made no less a slaughter of the Indians in their retreat. Of the Indians little short of 20,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry were killed in this battle. 687

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.

Alliance with Porus.—Death of Bucephalas. When Alexander heard that Meroës was bringing Porus to him, he rode in front of the line with a few of the Companions to meet Porus; and stopping his horse, he admired his handsome figure and his stature, 690 which reached somewhat above five cubits. He was also surprised that he did not seem to be cowed in spirit, 691 but advanced to meet him as one brave man would meet another brave man, after having gallantly struggled in defence of his own kingdom ag

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XX.

CHAPTER XX.

Conquest of the Glausians.—Embassy from Abisares.—Passage of the Acesines. When Alexander had paid all due honours to those who had been killed in the battle, he offered the customary sacrifices to the gods in gratitude for his victory, and celebrated a gymnastic and horse contest upon the bank of the Hydaspes at the place where he first crossed with his army. 697 He then left Craterus behind with a part of the army, to erect and fortify the cities which he was founding there; but he himself mar

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.

Advance Beyond the Hydraotes. After crossing the river, 701 he left Coenus with his own brigade there upon the bank, with instructions to superintend the passage of the part of the army which had been left behind for the purpose of collecting 702 corn and other supplies from the country of the Indians which was already subject to him. He now sent Porus away to his own abode, commanding him to select the most warlike 300 of the Indians and take all the elephants he had and come to him. He resolve

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXII.

Invasion of the Land of the Cathaeans. Meantime he received information that the tribe called Cathaeans and some other tribes of the independent Indians were preparing for battle, if he approached their land; and that they were summoning to the enterprise all the tribes conterminous with them who were in like manner independent. He was also informed that the city, Sangala by name, 704 near which they were thinking of having the struggle, was a strong one. The Cathaeans themselves were considered

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIII.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Assault upon Sangala. As the Indians did not run out from behind the waggons against the advancing cavalry, but mounted upon them and began to shoot from the top of them, Alexander, perceiving that it was not the work for cavalry, leaped 303 down from his horse, and on foot led the phalanx of infantry against them. The Macedonians without difficulty forced the Indians from the first row of waggons; but then the Indians, taking their stand in front of the second row, more easily repulsed the atta

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIV.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Capture of Sangala. Such were the orders he gave; and Ptolemy collected there as many waggons as he could from those which had been left behind in the first flight, and placed them athwart, so that there might seem to the fugitives in the night to be many difficulties in their way; and as the stockade had been knocked down, or had not been firmly fixed in the ground, he ordered his men to heap up a mound of earth in various places between the lake and the wall. This his soldiers effected in the

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXV.

CHAPTER XXV.

The Army Refuses to Advance.—Alexander’s Speech to the Officers. It was reported that the country beyond the river Hyphasis was fertile, and that the men were good agri 307 culturists, and gallant in war; and that they conducted their own political affairs in a regular and constitutional manner. For the multitude was ruled by the aristocracy, who governed in no respect contrary to the rules of moderation. It was also stated that the men of that district possessed a much greater number of elephan

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVI.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Alexander’s Speech ( continued ). “I, for my part, think, that to a brave man there is no end to labours except the labours themselves, provided 309 they lead to glorious achievements. But if any one desires to hear what will be the end to the warfare itself, let him learn that the distance still remaining before we reach the river Ganges and the Eastern Sea is not great; and I inform you that the Hyrcanian Sea will be seen to be united with this, because the Great Sea encircles the whole earth.

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVII.

CHAPTER XXVII.

The Answer of Coenus. When Alexander had uttered these remarks, and others in the same strain, a long silence ensued, for the auditors neither had the audacity to speak in opposition to the king without constraint, nor did they wish to acquiesce in his proposal. Hereupon, he repeatedly urged any one who wished it, to speak, if he entertained different views from those which he had himself expressed. Nevertheless the silence still continued a long time; but at last, Coenus, son of Polemocrates, p

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVIII.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Alexander Resolves to Return. When Coenus had concluded this speech, loud applause was given to his words by those who were present; and the fact that many even shed tears, made it still more 314 evident that they were disinclined to incur further hazards, and that return would be delightful to them. Alexander then broke up the conference, being annoyed at the freedom of speech in which Coenus indulged, and the hesitation displayed by the other officers. But the next day he called the same men t

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIX.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Alexander Recrosses the Hydraotes and Acesines. Then they shouted as a mixed multitude would shout when rejoicing; and most of them shed tears of joy. 315 Some of them even approached the royal tent, and prayed for many blessings upon Alexander; because by them alone he suffered himself to be conquered. Then he divided the army into brigades, and ordered twelve altars to be prepared, equal in height to very large towers, and in breadth much larger than towers, to serve as thank-offerings to the

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

Preparations for a Voyage down the Indus. Alexander now resolved to sail down the Hydaspes to the Great Sea, after he had prepared on the banks of that river many thirty-oared galleys and others with one and a half bank of oars, as well as a number of vessels for conveying horses, and all the other things requisite for the easy conveyance of an army on a river. At first he thought he had discovered the origin of the Nile, when he saw crocodiles in the river Indus, which he had seen in no other r

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

Voyage down the Hydaspes. At this time Coenus, who was one of Alexander’s most faithful Companions, fell ill and died, and the king buried him with as much magnificence as circumstances allowed. Then collecting the Companions and the Indian envoys who had come to him, he appointed Porus king of the part of India which had already been conquered, seven 319 nations in all, containing more than 2,000 cities. After this he made the following distribution of his army. 729 With himself he placed on bo

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

Voyage down the Hydaspes ( continued ). When he had made all the necessary preparations the army began to embark at the approach of the dawn; while according to custom he offered sacrifice to the gods and to the river Hydaspes, as the prophets directed. 736 When he had embarked he poured a libation into the river from the prow of the ship out of a golden goblet, invoking the Acesines as well as the Hydaspes, because he had ascertained that it is the largest of all the rivers which unite with the

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

Voyage down the Hydaspes into the Acesines. Sailing thus, he stopped on the third day at the spot where he had instructed Hephaestion and Craterus to encamp on opposite banks of the river at the same place. Here he remained two days, until Philip with the rest of the army came up with him. He then sent this general with the men he brought with him to the river Acesines, with orders to march along the bank of that river. He 322 also sent Craterus and Hephaestion off again with instructions how th

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

Voyage down the Acesines. When they came near the junction of the rivers, the pilots passed on the order that the men should row as hard as possible to get out of the narrows, so that the ships might not fall into the eddies and be overturned by them, but might by the vigorous rowing overcome the whirlings of the water. Being of a round form, the merchant vessels which happened to be whirled round by the current received no damage from the eddy, but the men who were on board were thrown into dis

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

Campaign against the Mallians. He then took the shield-bearing guards, the bowmen, the Agrianians, Peithon’s brigade of men, who were 325 called foot Companions, all the horse bowmen and half the cavalry Companions, and marched through a tract of country destitute of water against the Mallians, a tribe of the independent Indians. 741 On the first day he encamped near a small piece of water which was about 100 stades distant from the river Acesines. Having dined there and caused his army to rest

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

Campaign against the Mallians ( continued ). After dining and causing his men to rest until the first watch of the night, Alexander marched forward; and travelling a great distance through the night, he arrived at the river Hydraotes 743 at daybreak. There he ascertained that most of the Mallians had already crossed the river; but coming upon those who were still in the act of crossing, he slew many of them in their passage. Having crossed with them in pursuit without any delay by the same ford,

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

Defeat of the Mallians at the River Hydraotes. Having remained there one day to give his army rest, he advanced on the morrow against the other Mallians. He found the cities abandoned, and ascertained that the men had fled into the desert. There he again gave the army one day’s rest, and on the next day sent Peithon and Demetrius the cavalry general back to the river, in command of their own troops, giving them in addition as many battalions of the light-armed infantry as were sufficient for the

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

Storming of the Mallian Stronghold. On the following day, dividing the army into two parts, he himself assaulted the wall at the head of one, and Perdiccas led on the other. Upon this the Indians did not wait to receive the attack of the Macedonians, but abandoned the walls of the city and fled for safety into the citadel. Alexander and his troops therefore split open a small gate, and got within the city long before the 330 others; for those who had been put under Perdiccas were behind time, ha

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

Alexander Dangerously Wounded. Meantime Peucestas and Abreas, the soldier entitled to double pay, and after them Leonnatus, being the only men who happened to have scaled the wall before the ladders were broken, had leaped down and were fighting in front of the king. Abreas, the man entitled to double pay, fell there, being shot with an arrow in the forehead. Alexander himself also was wounded with an arrow under the breast through his breastplate into the chest, so that 332 Ptolemy says air was

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

Alexander Wounded. Hereupon some of them began to kill the Indians, all of whom they slew, sparing not even a woman or child. Others carried off the king, who was lying in a faint condition, upon his shield; and they could not yet tell whether he was likely to survive. Some authors have stated that Critodemus, a physician of Cos, an Asclepiad by birth, 748 made an incision into the injured part and drew the weapon out of the wound. Other authors say that as there was no physician present at the

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

Anxiety of the Soldiers about Alexander. While Alexander was remaining in this place until his wound was cured, the first news which reached the camp from which he had set out to attack the Mallians was 336 that he had died of the wound; and at first there arose a sound of lamentation from the entire army, as one man handed the rumour on to another. When they ceased their lamentation, they became spiritless, and felt perplexed as to the man who was to become the leader of the army; for many of t

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

Joy of the Soldiers at Alexander’s Recovery. When Alexander became acquainted with this, for fear some attempt at a revolution might be made in the army, he had himself conveyed, as soon as it could be done with safety, to the bank of the river Hydraotes, and placed in a boat to sail down the river. For the camp was at the confluence of the Hydraotes and Acesines, 337 where Hephaestion was at the head of the army, and Nearchus of the fleet. When the ship bearing the king approached the camp, he

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

Voyage down the Hydraotes and Acesines into the Indus. At this time arrived envoys from the Mallians who still survived, offering the submission of the nation; also from the Oxydracians came both the leaders of the cities and the governors of the provinces, accompanied by the other 150 most notable men, with full powers to make a treaty, bringing the gifts which are considered most valuable among the Indians, and also, like the Mallians, offering the submission of their nation. They said that th

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

Voyage down the Indus to the Land of Musicanus. There , at the confluence of the Acesines and Indus, he waited until Perdiccas with the army arrived, after having routed on his way the independent tribe of the Abastanians. 762 Meantime, he was joined by other thirty-oared galleys and trading vessels which had been built for him among the Xathrians, another independent tribe of Indians who had yielded to him. From the Ossadians, who were also an independent tribe of Indians, came envoys to offer

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.

Campaign against Oxycanus and Sambus. Then he took the archers, Agrianians, and cavalry sailing with him, and marched against the governor of that country, whose name was Oxycanus, 765 because he neither came himself nor did envoys come from him, to offer the surrender of himself and his land. At the very first assault he took by storm the two largest cities under the rule of Oxycanus; in the second of which that prince himself was captured. The booty he gave to his army, but the elephants he le

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII.

Musicanus Executed.—Capture of Patala. Meantime he was informed that Musicanus had revolted. He despatched the viceroy, Peithon, son of Agenor, with a sufficient army against him, while he himself marched against the cities which had been put under the rule of Musicanus. Some of these he razed to the ground, reducing the inhabitants to slavery; and into others he introduced garrisons and fortified the citadels. After accomplishing this, be returned to the camp and fleet. By this time Musicanus h

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Voyage down the Indus. After instructing Hephaestion to fortify the citadel in Patala, he sent men into the adjacent country, which was waterless, to dig wells and to render the land fit for habitation. Certain of the native barbarians attacked these men, and falling upon them unawares slew some of them; but having lost many of their own men, they fled into the desert. The work was therefore accomplished by those who had been sent out, another army having joined them, which Alexander had despatc

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.

Voyage down the Indus into the Sea. While their vessels were moored here, the phenomenon of the ebb and flow of the tide in the great sea occurred, so that their ships were left upon dry ground. This caused Alexander and his companions no small alarm, inasmuch as they were previously quite unacquainted with it. But they were much more alarmed when, the time coming round again, the water approached and the hulls of the vessels were raised aloft. 776 The ships which it caught settled in the mud we

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XX.

CHAPTER XX.

Exploration of the Mouths of the Indus. Returning to Patala, he found that the citadel had been fortified and that Peithon had arrived with his army, having accomplished everything for which he was despatched. He ordered Hephaestion to prepare what was needful for the fortification of a naval station and the construction of dockyards; for he resolved to leave behind here a fleet of many ships near the city of Patala, where the river Indus divides itself into two streams. He himself sailed down a

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.

Campaign against the Oritians. The season of the year was then unfit for voyaging; for the periodical winds prevailed, which at that season do not blow there from the north, as with us, but from the Great Sea, in the direction of the south wind. 781 Moreover it was reported that there the sea was fit for navigation after the beginning of winter, from the setting of the Pleiades 782 until the winter solstice; for at that season mild breezes usually blow from the land, drenched as it has been with

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXII.

March through the Desert of Gadrosia. Again he took half of the shield-bearing guards and Agrianians, the guard of cavalry and the horse-bowmen, and marched forward to the confines of the Gadrosians and Oritians, where he was informed that the passage was narrow, and the Oritians were drawn up with the Gadrosians and were encamping in front of the pass, with the purpose of barring Alexander’s passage. They had indeed marshalled themselves there; but when it was reported that he was already appro

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIII.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Thence Alexander marched through the land of the Gadrosians, by a difficult route, which was also destitute of all the necessaries of life; and in many places there was no water for the army. Moreover they were compelled to march most of the way by night, and a great distance from the sea. However he was very desirous of coming to the part of the country along the sea, both to see what harbours were there, and to make what preparations he could on his march for the fleet, either by employing his

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIV.

CHAPTER XXIV.

March through Gadrosia. He then advanced towards the capital of the Gadrosians, which was named Pura 796 ; and he arrived there in sixty days after starting from Ora. Most of the historians of Alexander’s reign assert that all the hardships which his army suffered in Asia were not worthy of comparison with the labours undergone here. Nearchus alone asserts that Alexander pursued this route, not from ignorance of the difficulty of the journey, but because he heard that no one had ever hitherto pa

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXV.

CHAPTER XXV.

Sufferings of the Army. The soldiers killed many of the beasts of burden of their own accord; for when provisions were lacking, they came together, and slaughtered most of the horses and mules. They ate the flesh of these, and said that they had died of thirst or had perished from the heat. There was no one who divulged the real truth of their conduct, both on account of the men’s distress and because all alike were implicated in the same offence. What was being done had not escaped Alexander’s

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVI.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Alexander’s Magnanimous Conduct. Here I have resolved not to pass over in silence the most noble deed perhaps ever performed by Alexander, which occurred either in this land or, according to the assertion of some other authors, still earlier, among the Parapamisadians. 801 The army was continuing its march through the sand, though the heat of the sun was already 359 scorching, because it was necessary to reach water before halting. They were far on the journey, and Alexander himself, though oppr

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVII.

CHAPTER XXVII.

March through Carmania.—Punishment of Viceroys. When he arrived at the capital of Gadrosia, he there gave his army a rest. He deposed Apollophanes from the viceroyalty, 803 because he discovered that he had paid no heed to his instructions. Thoas was appointed viceroy over the people of this district; but as he fell ill and died, Sibyrtius succeeded to the office. The same man had also lately been appointed by Alexander viceroy of Carmania; but now the rule over the Arachotians and Gadrosians wa

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVIII.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Alexander in Carmania. Certain authors have said (though to me the statement seems incredible) that Alexander led his forces through Carmania lying extended with his Companions upon two covered waggons joined together, the flute being played to him; and that the soldiers followed him wearing garlands and sporting. Food was provided for them, as well as all kinds of dainties which had been brought together along the roads by the Carmanians. They say that he did this in imitation of the Bacchic re

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIX.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Alexander in Persis.—Tomb of Cyrus Repaired. He himself then marched to Pasargadae in Persis, with the lightest of his infantry, the Companion cavalry and a part of the archers; but he sent Stasanor down to his own land. 815 When he arrived at the confines of Persis, he found that Phrasaortes was no longer viceroy, for he 365 happened to have died of disease while Alexander was still in India. Orxines was managing the affairs of the country, not because he had been appointed ruler by Alexander,

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXX.

CHAPTER XXX.

Peucestas Appointed Viceroy of Persis. Thence he proceeded to the royal palace of the Persians, which he had on a former occasion himself burnt down, as I have previously related, expressing my disapprobation of the act 821 ; and on his return Alexander himself did not commend it. Many charges were brought by the Persians against Orxines, who ruled them after the death of Phrasaortes. He was convicted of having pillaged temples and royal tombs, and of having unjustly put many of the Persians to

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

Alexander’s Plans.—The Indian Philosophers. When Alexander arrived at Pasargadae and Persepolis, 824 he was seized with an ardent desire to sail down the Euphrates and Tigres 825 to the Persian Sea, and to see the mouths of those rivers as he had already seen those of the Indus as well as the sea into which it flows. Some authors 826 also have stated that he was meditating a voyage round the larger portion of Arabia, the country of the Ethiopians, Libya ( i.e. Africa), and Numidia beyond Mount A

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

Alexander’s Dealings with the Indian Sages. On this occasion Alexander commended both the words and the men who spoke them; but nevertheless he did just the opposite to that which he commended. When also in the Isthmus he met Diogenes of Sinope, lying in the sun, standing near him with his shield-bearing guards and foot Companions, he asked if he wanted anything. But Diogenes said that he wanted nothing else, except that he and his attendants would stand out of the sunlight. Alexander is said to

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

Self-sacrifice of the Indian Calanus. This I have recorded, because in a history of Alexander it is necessary also to speak of Calanus; for when he was in the country of Persis his health became delicate, though he had never before been subject to illness. 837 Accordingly, not being willing to lead the life of a man in infirm health, he told Alexander that in such circum 373 stances he thought it best for him to put an end to his existence, before he came into experience of any disease which mig

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

Marriages between Macedonians and Persians. At this time Alexander sent Atropates away to his own viceroyalty, 841 after advancing to Susa; where he arrested Abulites and his son Oxathres, and put them to death on the ground that they were governing the Susians badly. 842 Many outrages upon temples, tombs, and the subjects themselves had been committed by those who were ruling the countries conquered by Alexander in war; because the king’s expedition into India had taken a long time, and it was

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

The Soldiers Rewarded. He now thought it a favourable opportunity to liquidate the debts of all the soldiers who had incurred them 849 ; and for this purpose he ordered that a register should be made of how much each man owed, in order that they might receive the money. At first only a few registered their names, fearing that this was being instituted as a test by Alexander, to discover which of the soldiers found their pay insufficient for their expenses, and which of them were extravagant in t

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

An Army of Asiatics Trained under the Macedonian Discipline. The viceroys from the newly-built cities and the rest of the territory subdued in war came to him, bringing with them youths just growing into manhood to the number of 30,000, all of the same age, whom Alexander called Epigoni (successors). 852 They were accoutred with Macedonian arms, and exercised in military discipline after the Macedonian system. The arrival of these is said to have vexed the Macedonians, who thought that Alexander

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

Navigation of the Tigres. Alexander now ordered Hephaestion to lead the main body of the infantry as far as the Persian Sea, while he himself, his fleet having sailed up into the land of Susiana, embarked with the shield-bearing guards and the body-guard of infantry; and having also put on board a few of the cavalry Companions, he sailed down the river Eulaeus to the sea. 855 When he was near the 380 place where the river discharges itself into the deep, he left there most of his ships, includin

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

The Macedonians Offended at Alexander. When he arrived at Opis, he collected the Macedonians and announced that he intended to discharge from the army those who were useless for military service either from age or from being maimed in the limbs; and he said he would send them back to their own abodes. He 382 also promised to give those who went back as much as would make them special objects of envy to those at home and arouse in the other Macedonians the wish to share similar dangers and labour

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

Alexander’s Speech. “The speech which I am about to deliver will not be for the purpose of checking your start homeward, for, so far as I am concerned, you may depart wherever you wish; but because I wish you to know what kind of men you were originally and how you have been transformed since you came into our service. In the first place, as is reasonable, I shall begin my speech from my father Philip. For he found you vagabonds and destitute of means, most of you clad in hides, feeding a few sh

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

Alexander’s Speech ( continued ). “But some one may say, that while you endured toil and fatigue, I have acquired these things as your leader without myself sharing the toil and fatigue. But who is there of you who knows that he has endured greater toil for me than I have for him? Come now! whoever of you has wounds, let him strip and show them, and I will show mine in turn; for there is no part of my body, in front at any rate, remaining free from wounds; nor is there any kind of weapon used ei

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

Reconciliation between Alexander and his Army. Having thus spoken, he leaped down quickly from the platform, and entered the palace, where he paid no atten 388 tion to the decoration of his person, nor was any of his Companions admitted to see him. Not even on the morrow was any one of them admitted to an audience; but on the third day he summoned the select Persians within, and among them he distributed the commands of the brigades, and made the rule that only those whom he had proclaimed his k

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

Ten Thousand Macedonians Sent Home with Craterus.—Disputes between Antipater and Olympias. Then those of the Macedonians who were unfit for service on account of age or any other misfortune, went back of their own accord, to the number of about 10,000. To these Alexander gave the pay not only for the time which had already elapsed, but also for that which they would spend in returning home. He also gave to each man a talent in addition to his pay. 881 If any of them had children by Asiatic wives

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

The Nisaean Plain.—The Amazons. It is said that Hephaestion much against his will yielded to this argument and was reconciled to Eumenes, who on his part wished to settle the dispute. 889 In this journey 890 Alexander is said to have seen the plain which was devoted to the royal mares. Herodotus says that the plain itself was named Nisaean, and that the mares were called Nisaean 891 ; adding that in olden times there were 150,000 of these horses. But at this time Alexander found not many above 5

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

Death of Hephaestion. In Ecbatana Alexander offered sacrifice according to his custom, for good fortune; and he celebrated a gymnastic and musical contest. He also held drinking parties with his Companions. At this time Hephaestion fell sick; and they say that the stadium was full of people on the seventh day of his fever, for on that day there was a gymnastic contest for boys. When Alexander was informed that Hephaestion was in a critical state, he went to him without delay, but found him no lo

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

Subjugation of the Cossaeans.—Embassies from Distant Nations. The mourning was prolonged for many days; and as he was now beginning to recall himself from it, under such circumstances his Companions had less difficulty in rousing him to action. Then at length he made an expedition against the Cossaeans, 910 a warlike race bordering on the territory of the Uxians. They are mountaineers, inhabiting strong positions in separate villages. Whenever a force approached them, they were in the habit of r

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.

Exploration of the Caspian.—The Chaldaean Soothsayers. After this, Alexander sent Heraclides, son of Argaeus, into Hyrcania in command of a company of shipwrights, with orders to cut timber from the Hyrcanian mountains and with it to construct a number of ships of war, some without decks and others with decks after the Grecian fashion of ship-building. 917 For he was very desirous of discovering with what sea the one called the Hyrcanian or Caspian unites; whether it communicates with the water

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII.

The Advice of the Chaldees Rejected. But he had a suspicion that the Chaldaeans were trying to prevent his entrance into Babylon at that time with reference rather to their own advantage than to the declaration of the oracle. For in the middle of the city of the Babylonians was the temple of Belus, 925 an edifice very great in size, constructed of baked bricks which 403 were cemented together with bitumen. This temple had been razed to the ground by Xerxes, when he returned from Greece; as were

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Predictions of Alexander’s Death. Moreover Aristobulus has recorded the following story. Apollodorus the Amphipolitan, one of Alexander’s Companions, was general of the army which the king left with Mazaeus, the viceroy of Babylon. 927 When he joined his forces with the king’s on the return of the latter from India, and observed that he was severely punishing the viceroys who had been placed over the several countries, he sent to his brother Peithagoras and asked him to divine about his safety.

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.

Embassies from Greece.—Fleet prepared for Invading Arabia. As he was entering Babylon, he was met by embassies from the Greeks; but for what purpose each embassy was sent has not been recorded. 931 To me indeed it seems probable that most of them came to crown and eulogize him on account of his victories, especially the Indian ones, as well as to say that the Greeks rejoiced at his safe return from India. It is said that he greeted these men with the right hand, and after paying them suitable ho

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XX.

CHAPTER XX.

Description of Arabia.—Voyage of Nearchus. The common report is, that he heard that the Arabs venerated only two gods, Uranus and Dionysus 938 ; the former because he is visible and contains in himself the heavenly luminaries, especially the sun, from which emanates the greatest and most evident benefit to all things human; and the latter on account of the fame he acquired by his expedition into India. Therefore he thought himself quite worthy to be considered by the Arabs as a third god, since

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.

Description of the Euphrates and the Pallacopas. While the triremes were being built for him, and the harbour near Babylon was being excavated, Alexander sailed from Babylon down the Euphrates to what was called the river Pallacopas, which is distant from Babylon about 800 stades. 947 This Pallacopas is not a river rising from springs, but a canal cut from the Euphrates. For that river flowing from the Armenian mountains, 948 proceeds within its banks in the season of winter, because its water i

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXII.

An Omen of Alexander’s Approaching Death. Having thus proved the falsity of the prophecy of the Chaldaeans, by not having experienced any unpleasant 413 fortune in Babylon, 950 as they had predicted, but having marched out of that city without suffering any mishap, be grew confident in spirit and sailed again through the marshes, having Babylon on his left hand. Here a part of his fleet lost its way in the narrow branches of the river through want of a pilot, until he sent a man to pilot it and

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIII.

CHAPTER XXIII.

The Army Recruited from the Persians.—Hephaestion’s Memory Honoured. When he returned to Babylon he found that Peucestas had arrived from Persis, bringing with him 20,000 Persians, as well as many Cossaeans and Tapurians, because these races were reported to be the most warlike of those bordering on Persis. Philoxenus also came to him, bringing an army from Caria; Menander, with another from Lydia, and Menidas with the cavalry which had been put under his command. 955 At the same time arrived em

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIV.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Another Omen of Alexander’s Death. But Alexander’s own end was now near. Aristobulus says that the following occurrence was a prognostication of what was about to happen. He was distributing the army which came with Peucestas from Persia, and that which came with Philoxenus and Menander from the sea, 963 among the Macedonian lines, and becoming thirsty he retired from his seat and thus left the royal throne empty. On each side of the throne were couches with silver feet, upon which his personal

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXV.

CHAPTER XXV.

Alexander Seized with Fever. The Royal Diary gives the following account, 966 to the effect that he revelled and drank at the dwelling of Medius; then rose up, took a bath, and slept; then again supped at the house of Medius and again drank till far into the night. After retiring from the drinking party he took a bath; after which he took a little food and slept there, because he already felt feverish. He was carried out upon a couch to the sacrifices, in order that he might offer them according

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVI.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Alexander’s Death. Such is the account given in the Royal Diary. In addition to this, it states that the soldiers were very desirous of seeing him; some, in order to see him once more while still alive; others, because there was a report that he was already dead, imagined that his death was being concealed by the confidential body-guards, as I for my part suppose. Most of them through grief and affection for their king forced their way in to see him. It is said that when his soldiers passed by h

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVII.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Rumour that Alexander was Poisoned. I am aware that many other particulars have been related by historians concerning Alexander’s death, and especially that poison was sent for him by Antipater, from the effects of which he died. 971 It is also asserted that the poison was procured for Antipater by Aristotle, who was now afraid of Alexander on account of Callisthenes. 972 It is said to have been conveyed by Cassander, the son of Antipater, 973 some recording that he conveyed it in the hoof of a

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVIII.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Character of Alexander. Alexander died in the hundred and fourteenth Olympiad, 423 in the archonship of Hegesias at Athens. 976 According to the statement of Aristobulus, he lived thirty-two years, and had reached the eighth month of his thirty-third year. He had reigned twelve years and these eight months. 977 He was very handsome in person, and much devoted to exertion, very active in mind, very heroic in courage, very tenacious of honour, exceedingly fond of incurring danger, and strictly obs

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIX.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Apology for Alexander’s Errors. That Alexander should have committed errors in his conduct from quickness of temper or from wrath, 978 and that he should have been induced to comport himself like the Persian monarchs to an immoderate degree, I do not think remarkable if we fairly consider both his youth 979 and his uninterrupted career of good fortune; likewise that kings have no associates in pleasure who aim at their best interests, but that they will always have associates urging them to do w

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXX.

CHAPTER XXX.

Eulogy of Alexander. Whoever therefore reproaches Alexander as a bad man, let him do so; but let him first not only bring before his mind all his actions deserving reproach, but also gather 426 into one view all his deeds of every kind. Then, indeed, let him reflect who he is himself, and what kind of fortune he has experienced; and then consider who that man was whom he reproaches as bad, and to what a height of human success he attained, becoming without any dispute king of both continents, 98

1 minute read

Read Chapter