CHAPTER VIL
jffiEXANDER'S EASTERN EXPEDITION.
4';
Alexander's Conquests—His Political and Social^ Aims—Develop-
ment of Geography—Novel Aspects of Nature—Narratives of the Expe<
dition—The Expedition originated by Philip—His Death, 336 B.C.—The
Projegt renewed by Alexander—Battle of the Granicus, 334 K.C.—Battle
of Issui 333 B.C.—Siege of Tyre, 332 B.c.—Occupation of Egypt—Visit
to the Temple of Zeus Ammon—March to the Tigris, 331 B.C.—Battle of
Arbela—March to Persepolis—Depot at Ecbatana (Hamaclan) 330 a,c,—
Description of Iran or Arkina—Flight of Darius into Parthia—The Caspian
Gates (Sirdar Pass)—Death of Darius—Ilecatompylus in Parthia—The
Hyrcani and Mardi—The Caspian Sea—Artacoana (Herat)—Drangiana
(Seistan)—Arachosia (Candahar)—Paropamisus Range (Hindu Kush)—
Alexandria ad Caucasum—Invasion of Bactria, 329 B.c,—The Oxus
(Jihoun)—Its Ancient Course—Maracanda (Samarcand)—The Polytimetus
(Zerafshan)—Alexandria Eschate—Mistakes concerning the Jaxartes and
the Caspian—March to the Indus, 337 B,a— Campaign in the Punjab,
326 B.C.—The Hydaspes (Jhelum)—The Hyphasis (Bias)—Descent of the
Indus—Pattala (Hyderabad) 335 B.C.—Bore of the Indus-Indian Trees
—Return March of Craterus through Drangiana, of Alexander through
Gedrosia—Arrival at Persepolis—Embassies from the West—Death of
Alexander, 323 B.C.—The Voyage of Nearchus—Alexandri Portus (Kara-
chi)—Harmozia (Ormuz)—Pearl Fishery—Encounter with Whales-
Arrival at Susa.
THE conquest of Western Asia by Alexander the Great is the
Effects of highest military achievement which the world has
Alexander's seen. The extraordinary gifts of the commander
unless. ky wkom it was accomplished—his personal
prowess, which impelled him whenever occasion offered to
encourage his soldiers by his own heroic daring; his unrivalled
genius, both in organising strategical combinations on a grand
scale, and in disposing his troops and handling them in the field;
and his. unfailing foresight in providing for contingencies, and
arranging beforehand the conditions which might secure the
success of his undertakings—caused him to appear to his con-
Jemporaries a superhuman being, and still excite our wondering