Alexander in
Geography
Difficult terrain [A 3.24.2]
Great deserts
Mountainous
Fertile valleys
Oases
Key mountain passes
Poor population
Low population
Small cities
Nomadic peoples mixed with agriculturalists
Warlike
Many different ethnic groups
Strategic goals
Complete subjugation of the
Capture Bessus = symbolic leader of resistance
Subjugation policies
Breakup of Persians into independent satrapies
Reinstate local rulers
Encourage defections
Easier to rule local people
Always have Macedonian commanders with garrisons
Founding cities =
Destroy any rebellion of satraps
Crush any opposition
Guerilla warfare
Resistance increases as Alexander leaves
Fails to permanently subjugate
Campaign in Hyrcania [A 3.23]
Surrender of Persians loyal to Darius
Well treated
1500 Greek mercenaries from Darius’ service
want safe passage
Alexander demands unconditional surrender
They surrender but get amnesty
Campaign against the Mardians [A 3.24]
Chases them down into mountain retreats
Rest and games in Zadracarta [A 3.25]
New arrives of Bessus taking royal honors [A 3.25.3]
Satibarzanes of Areia
comes to surrender
He is reinstated in his office
Sent with Macedonian garrison
Satibarzanes rebels and massacres Macedonians
Alexander marches quickly to his city of
Alexander marches on to
Satibarzanes with 2000 cavalry regroups and attacks, but is defeated and killed
Path of March (Trace path on map)
Mountain passes in winter
Desert plains in summer
Drapsaca to Zariaspa
(
Pattern of resistance of Soghdians
Don’t meet in open battle
Fighting withdrawal
Scorched earth policy
Guerilla raids
First Signs of Collapse of Army [A 3.29.5]
Mutiny or just decision to send troops home?
A = decision
Unknown terrain and ecology
Fighting since Philip’s time
4000 miles and five years under arms
still 4000 miles to walk home
Leaving wealth and luxury to chase nomads
Demobilized had received a talent each
Sickness
Frostbite and cold
Heat stroke and dehydration
More casualties from this than battle
No end in sight
Recruitment of local mercenaries
Knew terrain and conditions
Knew fighting methods of enemies
Cheap and willing to fight
Excellent warriors
Crossing the
Bessus flees across the
7000 Bactrians desert when their land is abandoned
Floats
Five days
Capture of Bessus [A 3.29.6-30.5]
Desertion of Bactrian cavalry
Returned home with Bessus
refused to defend
Spitamenes and the Soghdians
Arrest Bessus and turn him over to Alexander
Public humiliation, scourged, mutilated and executed
Resistance now becomes completely fragmented