Alexander the Great | Lord of Asia
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What were the major battles in Alexander's campaigns?
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329 BC. The ancient land of Bactria, modern-day Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. An incredibly affluent area of the ancient Middle East. A real crossroads of Asia that connects east, west, north and south. Home to verdant river valleys full of fertile lands, surrounded by towering mountain ranges full of precious minerals, gold, silver… Not to mention the precious blue stone that Egyptian pharaohs, Indian elites and Chinese emperors alike have all sought for millennia – lapis lazuli. Bactria has a long and prestigious history. Blowing through its heart was the mighty Oxus River, the Nile of Central Asia. Dozens of prosperous centuries-old cities line the river and its many tributaries. Their formidable walls are made of thick unbaked mud brick, towering several metres high.
Their houses within are also made of this abundant mud brick material. These cities are home to large populations, sustained by the nearby nutrient-rich farmlands irrigated by the Oxus along both of its banks. No wonder Bactria became known as the land of a thousand cities. The Oxus River has already witnessed many great armies crossing its waters. Now, a new formidable force reaches its banks, tens of thousands strong. Most of these soldiers are tired and veteran, serving thousands of kilometers away from their homelands. For years on end, they haven't seen their loved ones back home. Instead, they have followed their king into countless battles and sieges, fighting their way through great plains, overcoming coastal strongholds and crushing fortified mountain defences.
They have won numerous victories to conquer the ancient superpower of the time, the Persian Empire. But their fight isn't over. King Alexander, their revered leader, wants to go even further. So now they cross this mighty life-giving river north towards the lands of Sogdia, modern Uzbekistan and the great steppe that lies beyond. For now, these lands prove welcoming to Alexander and his men. The locals offer food, knowledge and hospitality. They expect Alexander's army to move on pretty quickly and indeed, this commander has every intention of moving on. Alexander's eyes are already fixed southeast, on India. But before he leaves, Alexander wants to found a city, permanently leaving his mark on this north-eastern fringe of his new expanding empire.
Does he have any idea that his actions were about to upset the status quo and spark some of the most vicious fighting of his entire career? Welcome to Episode 4, the final part of this series about the life and legend of Alexander the Great, one of history's most formidable commanders. Last week we followed Alexander's journey from Syria to Afghanistan, his final great victory against the Persian King of Kings Darius III and his takeover of the Persian Empire. But alongside this remarkable conquest, we started to see cracks emerging in Alexander's retinue, culminating in the executions of two high-ranking generals, Philotas and his father the esteemed Parmenion. Today we continue the story. In this episode we will track the last few years of Alexander's life, from the most intense battles of his entire career in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, to his campaigning in India against armies that included mighty elephants, to ultimately his return to Babylon and the early demise of this legendary conqueror.
We're going to see how Alexander's condition deteriorated over these years, leading to his death aged just 32. Joining me in this episode, once again, is Dr. Adrian Goldsworthy, the author of Philip and Alexander, Kings and Conquerors.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What were the major battles in Alexander's campaigns?
0:00–19:27
2
How did Alexander's leadership impact his army's morale?
19:27–23:40
3
What were the consequences of Alexander's decision to establish cities?
23:40–46:52
4
How did the Sogdian revolt challenge Alexander's authority?
46:52–58:45
5
What role did elephants play in the Battle of the Hydaspes?
58:45–1:10:46
6
How did Alexander's campaigns affect local populations in India?
1:10:46–1:18:39