This book offers a fresh insight into the conquests of Alexander the Great by attempting to view the events of 336-323 BCE from the vantage point of the defeated. The extent and form of the resistance of the populations he confronted varied according to their previous relationships with either
the Macedonian invaders or their own Achaemenid rulers. The internal political situations of many states - particularly the Greek cities of Asia Minor - were also a factor. In the vast Persian Empire that stretched from the Aegean to the Indus, some states surrendered voluntarily and others offered
fierce resistance. Not all regions were subdued through military actions. Indeed, as the author argues, the excessive use of force on Alexander's part was often ineffective and counterproductive.
In the Path of Conquest examines the reasons for these varied responses, giving more
emphasis to the defeated and less to the conqueror and his Macedonian army. In the process, it debunks many long-held views concerning Alexander's motives, including the idea that his aim was to march to the eastern limits of the world. It also provides a fresh reevaluation of Darius III's successes
and failures as a commander. Such a study involves rigorous analysis of the ancient sources, and their testimony is presented throughout the book in the form of newly translated passages. A unique portrait of a well-known age, In the Path of Conquest will significantly alter our understanding of
Alexander's career.
Preface
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
1. In the face of Panhellenic War: Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean, 340-334
2. The Long Road to Asia Minor: Resistance in Macedonia and Greece
3. First Clash in Asia Minor
4. From the Aegean to Cappadocia
5. Persian
Counter Measures: The War in the Aegean
6. The Great King and his Armies
7. The Campaign in Cilicia
8. The Levant and Egypt: Collaboration and Resistance
9. Darius' Last Stand and the Collapse of Persian Resistance
10. The End of Darius III
11. War in Central Asia
12.
Persianizing and the Internal Enemy
13. From the Hindu Kush to the Indus
14. From the Panjab to Pattala
15. Return to the West: Problems of Consolidation and the Revival of Old Grievances
16. Epilogue
Appendix: Sources for the History of
Alexander
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
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Waldemar Heckel is Professor Emeritus of Ancient History and Research Fellow at the Centre for Military and Strategic Studies, University of Calgary. His previous books include The Conquests of Alexander the Great, Who's Who in the Age of Alexander, and Alexander's Marshals.
