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Alexander: Indian Campaign, Reforms, Plans, Death - Ancient History

Kings and Generals・118 minutes read

Alexander, the powerful Macedonian leader, conquered the Persian Empire before facing internal strife and rebellions. His campaigns in India showcased his tactical brilliance and psychological warfare, leaving a legacy that continues to be debated and explored in historical accounts and modern media.

Insights

  • Alexander's conquest of the Persian Empire marked him as the most powerful man of his time, leading his men from Macedonia to achieve unparalleled success.
  • The second half of Alexander's life was characterized by internal strife and brutal actions, with cracks in his ranks emerging due to claims of divinity and the adoption of Eastern customs.
  • Despite facing challenges, Alexander's ambition and audacity drove his army forward, with a reformed and flexible military structure.
  • Alexander's conquests faced resistance from various regions, including guerilla fighters and rebellions, with his psychological warfare tactics proving pivotal in securing victories.
  • Alexander's Indian campaign showcased his strategic prowess and adaptability in battle, culminating in victories like the Battle of Hydaspes despite facing significant opposition.
  • The conflicting accounts surrounding Alexander's death, with some suggesting poisoning and others citing natural causes, leave historians with an unresolved mystery regarding the cause of his demise.

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  • Who was Alexander the Great?

    A powerful conqueror of the Persian Empire.

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Summary

00:00

Alexander's Conquests and Internal Strife

  • Alexander, at 26, was the most powerful man, leading his men from Macedonia to conquer the Persian Empire.
  • After Darius' death, Alexander fulfilled his promise to the League of Corinth, ending the Achaemenid dynasty.
  • Alexander's life had two distinct halves, with the second marked by brutal actions and internal strife.
  • Cracks in Alexander's ranks emerged due to claims of divinity and adoption of Eastern customs.
  • Despite challenges, Alexander's army continued due to his ambition and audacity.
  • Alexander dismissed most forces, keeping around 43,500 troops for further conquests.
  • Alexander's army faced guerilla fighters and nebulous foes, requiring flexibility in operations.
  • Alexander's army was supplemented by reinforcements, totaling 43,500 troops.
  • Alexander's army was reformed, with units becoming more flexible and precise in operations.
  • Alexander pursued Bessus to Bactria, subjugating various provinces and facing internal conspiracies.

13:13

Alexander's Military Triumphs and Political Maneuvers

  • Parmenion was given a funeral with full military honors by Alexander.
  • Philotas was suspected of involvement in a conspiracy against Alexander.
  • Philotas may have allowed the plot to happen or misjudged its seriousness.
  • The conspiracy provided Alexander an opportunity to remove Parmenion and Philotas.
  • Coenus, related to Philotas, distanced himself from the accusations.
  • Alexander redistributed power among his officers after the removal of Parmenion and Philotas.
  • Alexander faced revolts in Drangiana and Aria but swiftly dealt with them.
  • Alexander crossed the Hindu Kush to pursue Bessus, facing harsh conditions.
  • Alexander captured Bessus, who was later executed.
  • Alexander faced rebellions in Sogdiana and Bactria, successfully subduing the regions.

26:37

Alexander's Conquest: Battles, Betrayal, and Regret

  • Approximately 1,000 Saka were killed, and 150 captured, while Alexander lost 160 men and had 1,000 wounded during a pursuit.
  • A peace offering was sent to Alexander by the Scythian king, leading to Alexander accepting due to being unable to continue the war.
  • Bactria and Sogdiana were still troublesome areas for Alexander, with Spitamenes causing issues in Maracanda.
  • Pharnuches, a translator, was tasked with confronting Spitamenes due to his knowledge of local language and customs, supported by Alexander's officers.
  • Spitamenes lured Pharnuches into a trap near the River Polytimetus, leading to a disastrous situation for Pharnuches' force.
  • Alexander, upon hearing of the defeat, marched on Maracanda where Spitamenes had returned to besiege.
  • Alexander carried out brutal reprisals in Sogdiana, including massacring the Branchidae, a Greek tribe.
  • Alexander split his army into parts under different commanders to suppress resistance in the area.
  • Cleitus the Black was appointed as the new governor of the province after Arzabazus retired.
  • Alexander killed Cleitus during a drunken argument, leading to deep regret and a period of mourning.

39:49

Alexander's Climbing Victory Over Sogdians

  • Alexander arrived with his army and demanded Ariamazes’ surrender, but was rebuffed by the Sogdians.
  • Ariamazes neglected to guard the cliff at his rear, providing an opportunity for Alexander to exploit.
  • Alexander requested 300 climbing-experienced volunteers from his army to scale the cliff under darkness.
  • The volunteers were supplied with iron tent pegs and ropes for the perilous climb.
  • Despite difficulties, some men fell to their deaths, but eventually, Alexander's men succeeded in reaching the summit.
  • With his men in position, Alexander convinced Ariamazes to surrender by pointing to the top of the cliffs.
  • Alexander then faced the Rock of Chorienes, a well-defended position under Sisimithres' command.
  • Alexander's army constructed ladders and a land bridge across a ravine to approach the Rock.
  • Progress was slow due to snowy conditions and enemy arrows, but Alexander's men eventually closed in on the Sogdians.
  • Alexander's psychological warfare tactics led to the surrender of Sisimithres and the end of the Bactrian-Sogdian revolt.

53:20

Alexander's Indian Campaign: Triumphs and Challenges

  • Callisthenes was executed without a trial, but some sources suggest he was imprisoned until his death due to disease.
  • The Page’s Plot was an assassination attempt on Alexander, with uncertainty surrounding Callisthenes' involvement.
  • Alexander's motivations for the Indian campaign included Persian rule in the subcontinent and personal desires to expand his empire.
  • Alexander prepared for the Indian campaign with an army of 120,000 infantry and 15,000 cavalry, although modern historians question the accuracy of these numbers.
  • Alexander split his army for the Indian campaign, with one part securing a foothold in the region and the other facing resistance along the way.
  • Alexander faced resistance from various peoples during his campaign, with some cities offering significant opposition.
  • Alexander strategically defeated the Guraeans by splitting his army and attacking from multiple sides.
  • Alexander besieged the city of Massaga, facing challenges in breaching the walls and eventually resorting to a large siege tower.
  • Alexander broke a peace agreement with the mercenaries in Massaga, leading to a brutal attack on them and their families.
  • Alexander faced challenges in capturing the fortress atop the Aornos Mountain, eventually succeeding through strategic tactics and construction of a bridge.

01:06:14

Alexander's Triumph Over Porus in Battle

  • Alexander successfully took the fortress, leading to the subduing of the Cophen Valley and his march to the Indus River.
  • Alexander reunited with Hephaestion and Perdiccas before crossing the Indus with his entire army using a pontoon bridge.
  • At Taxila, Alexander received more allied local forces, including elephants, and rested his men while inquiring about other tribes in the area.
  • The powerful Nanda Empire, ruled by Dhana Nanda, posed a threat to Alexander's plans in North India.
  • Alexander needed to subdue various kingdoms between Taxila and Hyphasis before facing the Nanda Empire.
  • Porus, king of the Pauravas, was a formidable ruler known for his strength, intelligence, and respected leadership.
  • Alexander, with a force of 30-40,000 infantry, 7,000 cavalry, and 5,000 Taxilian allies, faced Porus' army of 35,000 infantry, 4,000 cavalry, 300 chariots, and 100 elephants.
  • Alexander devised a cunning strategy to outmaneuver Porus, including feints, scouting parties, and a surprise river crossing.
  • The battle between Alexander and Porus involved intricate tactics, with Alexander's cavalry and infantry strategically engaging Porus' forces.
  • Alexander's victory over Porus showcased his mastery of psychological warfare, logistical knowledge, and ability to adapt strategies under pressure.

01:19:33

Unreliable Alexander Romance: Myth or History?

  • The Alexander Romance is a problematic text, often considered unreliable due to its myth-like portrayal of Alexander's life.
  • Claims within the Alexander Romance include Bucephalus being a man-eating horse and Alexander using 24,000 metal elephants at the Battle of Hydaspes.
  • Both Justin and the Alexander Romance mention Alexander duelling Porus, recording it as a victory for Alexander, despite historical inaccuracies.
  • Greek and Roman sources unanimously state that Alexander won the Battle of Hydaspes, with no Persian sources available.
  • Alexander's treatment of captured rulers like Porus aligns with his prior actions towards defeated enemies.
  • Alexander's Indian Campaign continued after the Battle of Hydaspes, with resistance from local tribes like the Catheans.
  • Alexander's assault on the Cathean capital of Sangala resulted in a difficult battle, with significant casualties on both sides.
  • Following the Hyphasis River, Alexander's army mutinied, refusing to continue further into unknown territories.
  • Coenus, a general, spoke up for the tired and weakened army, suggesting a return to Macedonia for rest and rearmament.
  • Alexander, facing mutiny, ultimately agreed to return home, marking the end of his Eastern campaign at the Hyphasis River.

01:32:40

Alexander's Ruthless Conquest of Mallian Territory

  • Alexander's fleet faced destruction in fast-flowing waters, losing two large ships.
  • Alexander himself had to swim to safety after his ship almost succumbed to the torrents.
  • Despite the dangers, the majority of the fleet and army reached Mallian territory in 326BC.
  • Alexander's enemies, the Mallians and Oxydracians, formed an alliance to stop him.
  • Alexander employed a blitzkrieg strategy to swiftly conquer the Mallians from multiple directions.
  • His army was split into various parts for the attack, with different leaders assigned specific roles.
  • The campaign was ruthless, with Alexander's men killing resistors, including holy Brahmans.
  • The conquest of Mallian territory was brutal but successful, leading to the march on their capital.
  • Alexander was wounded during the attack on the citadel, facing a life-threatening injury.
  • After recovering, Alexander continued his conquest, subduing the Oxydracians and reaching the Ocean.

01:45:54

Alexander's Desert March: Strategic Mistake or Triumph?

  • Alexander's decision to march through a tortuous route was not to punish his men for mutiny at the Hyphasis, as he had other methods of dealing with mutineers.
  • Alexander personally endured the same hardships as his army, leading scouting missions and sharing their dangers.
  • Alexander did not have his full army with him during the march through the desert, with significant portions under other commanders.
  • Plutarch claimed Alexander lost as much as ¾ of his army during the march through the desert, but modern estimates suggest a smaller number.
  • Alexander's decision to march through the desert is considered his greatest strategic mistake, leading to significant losses.
  • Alexander's Indian campaign had both high and low points, with victories like the Hydaspes and strategic achievements, but also brutal tactics and losses.
  • Alexander dealt with corrupt satraps and disobedience among his men, executing offenders and appointing new governors.
  • Alexander's Dissolution Decree ordered mercenaries to disband, leading to potential future issues with unpaid and armed mercenaries.
  • Alexander's march to Carmania was marked by celebrations and his increasing association with gods, causing division among his army.
  • Alexander's administrative tasks in Pasargadae and Persepolis included punishing corrupt officials, renovating Cyrus the Great's tomb, and addressing the mercenary issue.

01:59:37

Alexander's Influence and Integration in Persia

  • Some Companions and their wives may have been coerced into marriages by Alexander.
  • Persian women, married off to their conquerors, may not have been pleased with the marriages.
  • The Susa wedding and Exile Decree highlight Alexander's political and military roles.
  • Alexander's preference for bold actions was consistent in both battle and politics.
  • Alexander integrated more Persians into his army from Arachosia, Bactria, and Sogdiana.
  • Motives behind integrating Persians into the army are debated, viewed as unity or pragmatic.
  • Alexander faced resistance from his army due to increasing Persian influence.
  • Alexander's dramatic reaction to army mutiny included executing agitators and a powerful speech.
  • Alexander reconciled with his men after a mutiny, emphasizing his vision for a new army.
  • Hephaestion's death deeply affected Alexander, leading to public mourning and grief.

02:12:55

"Alexander's Mysterious Death and Controversial Will"

  • Alexander died on the 11th, with his last words being "to the strongest"
  • Arrian and Plutarch dismiss rumors of poisoning, attributing Alexander's death to natural causes
  • The Pamphlet in the Alexander Romance details a poisoning plot involving Antipater, Cassander, and Iollas
  • Alexander attended a drinking party with 20 others, including Medius, Perdiccas, and Ptolemy
  • Iollas poisoned Alexander, causing severe pain and spasms, leading to his will being written
  • Alexander's will named various individuals for regency and satrapies, with contradictions and revisions
  • The Royal Diaries and the Pamphlet offer conflicting accounts of Alexander's death and will
  • The Royal Diaries are detailed and possibly created for an official narrative, while the Pamphlet may have political motives
  • The Royal Diaries suggest natural causes for Alexander's death, citing binge drinking and malaria exposure
  • Skeptics point out inconsistencies in the Royal Diaries, including anachronistic details and potential cover-ups.

02:26:19

"Alexander's Mysterious Death and Succession Controversy"

  • Alexander the Great left his empire "to the strongest" as his final words before his death.
  • His generals engaged in prolonged battles over the spoils of his empire after his passing.
  • The Royal Diaries do not mention a physician attending Alexander, raising suspicions of a cover-up.
  • The Diaries may have been constructed to control the narrative of Alexander's death.
  • The temple of Serapis in the Diaries may have been a misidentification of the Babylonian god Bel-Marduk.
  • The Pamphlet suggests Alexander was poisoned, detailing the plot and those involved.
  • The Pamphlet also presents Alexander's final will, which appears to have been edited or fabricated.
  • The Will names successors and satraps, aligning with the division made by Alexander's generals after his death.
  • The Will's ambiguity regarding Alexander's successor raises questions about its authenticity.
  • The conflicting accounts of Alexander's death leave historians unable to definitively determine the cause.

02:40:18

"Alexander the Great: Immortal Legacy Revealed"

  • Alexander the Great achieved immense power and success before his 33rd birthday, becoming the most powerful man in the world and undefeated in battle, leaving behind an immortal legacy. The Diadochi series will be released in January, with over 10 episodes on Alexander's successors, and viewers are encouraged to subscribe, like, share, and comment on the videos. Weekly exclusive content is available for patrons and YouTube members, offering early access to videos, access to a private discord, and more.
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