1847. When Alexander came to Tyre, he met his fleet which he had sent there ahead of him. He sacrificed a second time to Hercules and held games and exercises of wrestling and music and the like. (Arrian. l. 3.) The kings of the Cyprus had the duty of providing suitable actors for them. Nicocreon, king of Salamis, sent Theslalus, a man very much favoured by Alexander. Pasicrates king of Solos sent Athenodorus, who took the prize from all by the majority decision. (Plut. in Alex.) These kings of Cyprus had long before defected from Darius to Alexander and sent him ships when he besieged Tyre. From that time on, he always honoured them as they deserved. (Curt. l. 4. c. 21.) Concerning Nicocreon it is said that Anaxarchus of Abdera the philosopher said to Alexander as he sat at supper (according to Laertius , in his Life.) that there was also a certain Persian governor had been served there. For this saying of his, Alexander later had him put to a most miserable death. (??)

1848. Alexander made Caeranus of Berthaea treasurer of Phoenicia to gather his tribute there. In Asia, he had Philoxenus do the same in the regions beyond the mountain of Taurus. He put Harpalus into their former job of being in charge of the money which was in his own treasury. He sent Menander, one of his confederates, into Lydia to be the governor. He put Clearchus into Menander's former job of overseeing the foreigners. He replaced Arimna by Asclepiodorus, the son of Eunicus to be governor of Syria. (Arrian. l. 3.)

1849. When these tasks were done, Alexander offered at Hercules' shrine a great vessel of gold with thirty dishes in it. Now he was anxious to get after Darius, so he marched forward toward the Euphrates River. (Curt. l. 4. c. 21.)

1850. When news came to Darius that wherever he went, Alexander would follow him, he ordered all countries no matter how far they were away, to come to him at Babylon. His army was now grown to about half the size it was at Issos in Cilicia. Many lacked weapons, which were provided for them. (Curt. l. 4. c. 22.) He is said to have 45,000 cavalry and 200,000 foot soldiers. At Issos, his forces in both kinds far exceeded these in number. It is certain that the number found in Justin, (l. 11. c. 12. and in Orosius, l. 3. c. 17.) is short of what it really was, 400,000 or 404,000 foot soldiers and 100,000 cavalry. Plutarch (in Alex.) says they were 10,000,000 and in his Apophthegmes, 100,000,000. (which is incorrectly printed) It should be 1,000,000. With this Diodorus agrees somewhat. He says there were 800,000 foot soldiers and 200,000 calvary. Arrian attributes to the foot soldiers only as much as Plutarch does to the sum of both of cavalry and the foot soldiers. That is a 1,000,000 and adding 40,000 cavalry to that number. Though some instead of 40 thousand, put there 400,000 cavalry so that the number of cavalry might be some what more proportional to the number of the foot soldiers. Also so that the number of cavalry might not here seem so far less of what it was at Issos. However, Curtius, (l. 4. c. 22.) says it was far in excess of it. In addition he had 200 iron chariots and 15 elephants which the Indians brought him. On the other side, Alexander's army had not more than 7000 cavalry and 40,000 foot soldiers in it. (Arrian. l. 3.)

1851. Darius moved with this vast army from Babylon to Nineveh. He had the Tigris River on his left hand and Euphrates on his right. His army filled all that huge plain of Mesopotamia. (Diod. Sic. year 2, Olymp. 112. Curt. l. 4. c. 22.) When they had crossed the Tigris River, he heard that the enemy was not for off. He sent Satropaces, general of his cavalry with 1000 choice men to hinder the approach of the enemy. He ordered him to burn and lay waste all the lands through which Alexander was to pass. Darius thought want of supplies might defeat Alexander since he had nothing else but the spoil of the country for supplies. Darius marched to Arabela and left his baggage there. He marched forward as far as the Lycus River where he made a bridge. When he and his army had crossed over it in 5 days, they marched 10 miles to the Bumelus River. (Curt. l. 4. c. 22.) Arrian says that he pitched his camp at Gaugamela by the Bumelus River, for so he calls the place, (l. 6. p. 131.) not as in (l. 3. c. 57.) Bumadus. It was a level field for if there were any hilly or uneven ground there, Darius ordered it to be made level. This would allow his cavalry to a freer range to attack. Also the whole area would be more open to his view. (Arrian. l. 3. Curt. l. 4. c. 22.)

3673d AM, 4383 JP, 331 BC

1852. Alexander advanced to Thapsacus, a large city in Syria, in the month Hecatombeon, when Aristophanes was archon at Athens. That is in year 2 of the 112th Olympiad in the very beginning of that year. Here the Euphrates River had a ford where Alexander found 2 bridges already made. They were not completely finished nor quite reached to the other bank. Mazaeus was sent by Darius to secure that crossing. As soon as Mazaeus heard that Alexander was coming, he fled with all his army. When he was gone, Alexander quickly completed the bridges to the other side and his army crossed over and then marched toward Babylon. They left the Euphrates River and the mountains of Armenia on their left hand. They did not take the shortest route there. The longer route was more suitable for provisions for his army and was cooler and more comfortable for the march. On the way, he intercepted some scouts from Darius. They informed him that Darius with all his army was on the bank of the Tigris River to prevent him from crossing there. His forces were now far more numerous than when he fought with Alexander in Cilicia. When Alexander went there, he did not find Darius or anyone else. (Arrian. l. 3.)

1853. Therefore, Alexander crossed the Tigris River. Although there was no one there to hinder him, it was difficult and dangerous to cross. The river ran quite swiftly there. However, he crossed safely and lost nothing except a small quantity of his baggage. (Arian. l. 3. Diod. Sic. year 2. Olymp. 112. Curt. l. 4. c. 23.) From Thaphacus where they crossed over the Euphrates to the place where he crossed the Tigris, Eratosthenes, calculates to be 1400 stadia or 350 miles. (Strabo, l. 2. p. 79. and l. 16. p. 746.)

1854. Alexander broke camp from the bank of Tigris and led his army through the country of Assyria. On his left hand were the mountains of Sogdiana and on the right, the Tigris River. The 4th day after crossing the Tigris, Mazaeus attacked him with 1000 cavalry. Alexander sent Aristo, who commanded the cavalry of Paeonia to counter the attack. Aristo singled out Satropaces, the commander of that troop and ran a spear through his throat. Although wounded, he fled away and Aristo chased him through the middle of the enemies' troops. He knocked him off his horse and decapitated him. Aristo brought his head and threw it down at Alexander's feet. He said:

``Sir, in our country, such a present used to be rewarded with a cup of gold.''

1855. Alexander smiled and replied:

``Yea, with an empty one, but I will give thee one full of wine.'' (Arrian. l. 3. Curt. l. 4. c. 23. Plutarch in Alexander.)

1856. Alexander camped there 2 days and ordered to move the next day. That night there was an eclipse of the moon in the first watch of the night. At first the moon was dimmed. Soon after the entire face of it turned a blood like colour. The whole army, considering the upcoming battle, were first troubled and later terrified at this sight. (Curt. l. 4. c. 23, 24.) Pliny correctly noted that:

``The moon was eclipsed at Arbela, in the 2nd hour of the night, and was then seen rising in Sicily,'' (Pliny, l. 2. c. 70.)

1857. Ptolemy in his Geography, (l. 1. c. 4.) is incorrect where he states that:

``The moon eclipsed in the 5th hour of the night and was seen at Carthage at the 2nd hour of the night.''

1858. Plutarch (in Alexan.) correctly states that the eclipse happened in the month Boedromion, about the beginning of the Great Mysteries at Athens. That is in the full moon at the very middle of that month. At this time of the month the Great Mysteries started and were celebrated for a few days after this. The astronomical account shows that the eclipse happened on the 20th day of our September.

1859. To encourage his soldiers who were distressed at this sight, he consulted with the Egyptian soothsayers he had with him. Their answer was that the sun represented Greece and the moon, Persia. Therefore as often as the moon was eclipsed, it portended the ruin to those nations which she represented. (Curt., l. 4. c. 24.) Alexander presently offered sacrifices to the sun, moon and the earth because all three must be in correct position for an eclipse of the moon. Aristander, who was Alexander's soothsayer, declared publicly that the eclipse portended all good and happy success to Alexander and the Macedonians. Therefore, the battle should be fought in that very month and that the sacrifices that were offered did predict a victory for Alexander. (Arrian. l. 3.)

1860. When Alexander knew the soldiers were now very confident of victory, he ordered them to march on the second watch of the next night. They had the Tigris on the right hand and the Gordiaean mountains on the left. The next morning, Alexander with a small troop attacked 1000 Persian scouts. Some they slew and the rest he took prisoners. He then sent some of his own company on to discover what was ahead. He also wanted them to put out the fires in the towns and villages that the inhabitants had set on fire. When they fled from the enemy, they set fire to the barns and stacks of grain. Although the tops were burned, the fire had not consumed the pile. Hence the Macedonians saved a large quantity of food for themselves. Mazeus, who before had burned what he pleased, now fled before the rapidly approaching enemies leaving much untouched. (Curt. l. 4. c. 24.)

1861. Alexander knew that Darius was not more than 38 miles away. Since he had plenty of provisions for his troops, he stayed there for 4 days. (Curt. l. 4. c. 24.)

3674a AM, 4383 JP, 331 BC

1862. During this time Alexander intercepted certain letters sent from Darius in which he tried to incite the Greeks to murder or otherwise to betray Alexander. (Curt. l. 4. c. 25.)

1863. Statira the wife of Darius was weary of this long trip and vexed in her mind, aborted the child she was carrying and died. Alexander was deeply grieved by this and prepared a very elaborate and costly funeral for her. (Curt. l. 4. c. 25. Justin, l. 11. c. 12. Plutarch in Alex. and l. 2. de fortu. Alex.)

1864. While others were busy with the funeral, Tirus or Tyriotes an eunuch, stole away and carried the news of her death to Darius. At first he was infinitely perplexed and troubled at it. However, when he understood Alexander's respect he always had for her and his chaste behaviour towards her, he lifted up his hands to heaven and prayed to the gods. He asked that if it were decreed and there was no remedy left for him, he wished that none might sit on the throne of Cyrus but so just an enemy, so merciful a conqueror, as Alexander. (Curt. l. 4. c. 25. Plutarch in Alex.)

1865. Darius was so overcome with Alexander's great clemency and chastity toward his wife that he again tried to make peace with Alexander. He sent 10 of his most principal men to offer Alexander new conditions. He sent 30,000 talents for the ransom of his mother and two daughters. He also offered Alexander his other daughter Septina or Statipna or Sartina or Statyra (various editions of Curtius use all these variations) for a wife. (Curt. l. 4. c. 16.) Whatever lay between the Hellespont and the Euphrates he would give as a dowry. Alexander replied that had always found the money of Darius soliciting sometimes his soldiers to revolt from him or sometimes his nearest friends to murder him. Therefore he was resolved to pursue him to the death, not any longer as a noble enemy but as a malefactor and a poisoning murderer. Whatever Darius had already lost or yet remained in his hands was the reward of war. Further, war would set the bounds between their two kingdoms and each would have what tomorrow's fortune would give. (Curt. l. 4. c. 26. Justin l. 11. c. 12. Diod. Sic. year 2. Olymp. 112.)

1866. The ambassadors returned and told Darius that he must fight. Therefore, he presently sent Mazaeus ahead of him with 3000 cavalry to hold the passes where the enemy was to come. With the rest, he marched in good battle array 1.25 miles and there made a stand. He expected the enemy to attack him there. Alexander left all his luggage within his camp and set a reasonable guard to keep it. He advanced to meet the enemy. (Curt. l. 4. c. 26, 27.)

1867. At that very instant, a sudden panic gripped his army. The sky (for it was the summer season) seemed to sparkle and shine out like fire. They imagined that they saw flames of fire issuing from Darius' camp. By sound of trumpet, Alexander signified to them that all was well. He ordered the Antesignary (i.e. those that stood next to the standard) in every company to put down their weapons at their feet. They should pass the word to those that followed to do likewise. When this was done, Alexander showed them there was no cause of fear and that the enemy was yet far off. Finally they recovered their courage and took up their weapons again. For more safety, Alexander decided to make his stand and to fortify his camp. (Curt. l. 4. c. 28. Polya. Stratag. l. 4.)

1868. Alexander drew out all his forces by night and marched about the second watch and planned to fight as soon as it was day. (Arrian. l. 3.)

1869. Mazeus had taken up his stand with a choice company of cavalry on the rise of a hill to better view the enemy. The next day he left the place and returned to Darius. No sooner was he gone then the Macedonians captured it. They wanted the advantage of high ground and also a good vantage point to view the enemy forces in the plain. (Curt. l. 4. c. 29.)

1870. Alexander commanded his mercenaries from Paeonia to march in front. He drew his phalanx of Macedonians into two wings, both flanked with cavalry. (Curt. l. 4. c. 29.) The camps were about 7.5 miles apart. The army of Alexander came to some hills from where they might view the enemy. When he consulted his captains whether the main battle should be fought closer to the enemy or they should make a stand right there until he had better viewed the ground where they were to fight. Most were favoured the former but Parmenion favoured the latter which Alexander agreed with. (Arrian. l. 3.) Therefore they resolved to camp on one of those hills. He immediately ordered the troops to build a camp there. This was quickly done. He went into his own pavilion and from there viewed the army of the enemy beneath him in the plain. (Curt. l. 4. c. 29.)

1871. Meanwhile the horse boys and other rag tag that followed the camp started fighting among themselves for fun. They called the captain of the one side Alexander and the captain of the other, Darius. When Alexander heard this, he had the rest stop fighting and had the two captains fight between themselves. Alexander helped captain Alexander on with his own armour and Philotas gave captain Darius' armour. All the army watched while these two fought. They thought it foreshadowed the outcome of the battle. It happened that he who played Alexander defeated the one who played Darius. He was given a reward, 10 townships and the honour of wearing a Persian garment that was given to him. (Eratosthenes, in Plut. in his Alexan.)

1872. Alexander's friends now came to him and complained that the soldiers were planning among themselves in their tents to take all the spoil for themselves and to put nothing into his treasury. At this Alexander smiled and said:

``This is very good news, my friends that you bring me for I see by this they mean to fight and not to flee.''

1873. Many of the common soldiers came to him to encourage him and not be afraid of the number of his enemies. They would not be able to endure the very first noise or shout of them. In this place does Ndassf does not signify, "the smell of them", or "of their arm-pits", as Xylander translates it (Plut. in his Apophthemes.)

1874. The 11th night after the eclipse of the moon, the two armies lay within sight of each other. Darius kept his men in their arms all night and reviewed them all by torch light. So that all the plain lying between the mountain Niphat and the Goriaeans hills shone with torches. While his army was sleeping, Alexander was up with his soothsayer Aristander before his pavilion engaged in certain arcane and secret rites and ceremonies and offered sacrifice to Apollo. (Plut. in Alexan.) Curtius states:

``Aristander in a white robe, carrying bunches of vervain in his hand and his head covered, mumbled certain prayers which the king was to say after him to propitiate Jupiter, Minerva, and Victoria.''

1875. Parmenion and his other friends advised him to attack Darius in the dead of night and thereby conceal from his soldiers the terror of the fight since he was so heavily out numbered. He replied that he did not come there to steal a victory. (Plut. Curt. Arrian.) On the contrary, Darius feared least he be attacked in the night. He knew his camp was no better fortified than it should be. Therefore he kept his men up all night in arms. Lack of sleep was the main reason his men lost the battle the next day. (Arrian. l. 3.)

1876. Alexander was troubled in his mind with what might happen the next day and did not sleep at all that night until toward the morning. Then he fell into so deep a sleep that when it was fully day they could not wake him. When his friends asked him what made him sleep so soundly, he answered thus. It was Darius, who by gathering all his forces into one place, had eased him of thinking how to follow him into various other countries. (Diod. Sic. year 2. Olymp. 112. Justin. l. 11. c. 13. Curt. l. 4. c. 30,31. Plut. in Alexan.)

1877. Justin says, (l. 11. c. 14.) this battle was fought by Alexander, in the 5th year of his reign in the very end of it and in the beginning of the 6th. Although Jerome commenting on Da 11 disagrees and states that he overcame and slew Darius in the 7th year of his reign. Arrian says this battle was fought when Aristophanes was archon at Athens in the month Pyanephion. The prophecy of Aristander was fulfilled when he said that in that very month when the moon was eclipsed, Alexander should fight and defeat Darius. (Arrian. l. 3. p. 63.) Both Arrian and Diodorus state that the battle was fought in the year when Aristophanes was archon at Athens. Dionysius Halycarnass places the battle in the following year when Aristophontes was archon at Athens by simple mistake in the name in his Epistle to Ammaeus). Aristander was correct when he foretold that Alexander should gain that great victory over Darius in that very month. However Arrian, mistakes one month for another and says that it was in the month Pyanepsion. However the astronomical calculations show that eclipse was in the month Boedromion. On the 11th day after the eclipse Alexander had that battle. (as Plutarch affirms in Alexander) In his Camillus Plutarch says, that he got that victory on the 5th day of the last quarter of Boedromion which is the 25th day of Boedromion. This month had 31 days and corresponds to October 1.

1878. Ptolemy Lagus and Aristobulus who were both in the battle testify that this battle was fought at Gaugmela near the Beumelus River. Strabo, (l. 16. p. 737.), Plutarch (in Alex. in some copies, as also in Zonaras, is written as Gausamela), Arrian. (l. 6. p. 161.) and Ammina. Maycellinus, (l. 23.) agree with this. Gaugamela was only a small country village. The sound of the name is harsh on the ear. According to Strabo and Plutarch, it means "the house of a camel", or rather, "the body of a camel' for so that word armgÄwn means in the Chaldee and Syriac language. Therefore, according to Arrian it came to pass that this glorious victory is said to have been won at Arbela. It was a large and a famous city in those parts. Likewise Strabo says that because the other was a correct location and Arbela a famous city. (This is mentioned in Ho 10:14. See note on 3276 AM) Therefore the Macedonians in their writings, first wrote this and then other historians took it from them and said that the battle was fought and victory won at Arbela. Neither of these places were very near each other. There were about 10 miles between the Bumelus River where Gaugamela was and the Lycus River where Arbela stood. (Curt. l. 4. c. 22.) Between:

1) Lycus and the country of Ardria, or Atyria, (which was the old name by which Assyria was called as Diodorus in the life of Trajan shows)
2) The borders of the region of Babylon, (in which Nineveh and Gaugamela both were located)
3) The Capros River

1879. in an equal distance from each point, was located Arbela and the hill Nicatorium (called by Alexander after this victory near it). Strabo in the beginning of his 16th book shows this. Hence it appears that Arbela, in Ptolemy's 5th table or Map of Asia, should be located where Gaugamela is. Both places are located in the same place according to him. These cities were not on this side but on the further side of the Lycus River. This disagrees with Strabo, Eratosthenes' report, (as written by Strabo, l. 2. p. 79.), Curtius and Arrian. When all of these are diligently compared together, we may gather, that Gaugamela and Arbela were not 60 to 75 miles from each other (as some have reported and as Arrian notes l. 3. p. 57, 63. & l. 6. p. 30.) but a little more than 10 miles apart.

1880. Aristobulus reports that when the fight was over there was found a description of Darius' battle plans as we find in (Arrian. l. 3. p. 52.) Curtius, (l. 4. c. 27, 32.) details the battle plans for both armies.

1881. Darius left his chariots and threw away his weapons and mounted his mare that just had a new foal. He fled as fast as she could carry him (Plut. in Alex.) just as he did at the battle at Issos, as I showed before from Elian. He tells us in the same place that for this very purpose Darius always had mares that had recently foaled with him in the battle field. So with very few in his company, he came to the Lycus River. When he crossed it some advised him to destroy the bridge after him to hinder the pursuit of the enemy. When he considered how many there were behind him who were yet to cross, he replied that he had rather leave a way for a pursuing enemy than take one from a fleeing friend. (Curt. l. 4. c. 36, 37. Justin. l. 11. c. 14.) In Justin's work we find "Cydnus" instead of "Lycus" printed. In the note on 3671 AM, we showed that the Cydnus River ran through the middle of the city Tarsus in Cilicia. From there Orosius who followed Justin very closely made the mistake of saying that this last great battle between Alexander and Darius was fought at Tarsus. (l. 3. c. 17.)

1882. When Mazeus pressed hard on the squadron of the Macedonians, Parmenion sent to Alexander who had chased the enemy as far as the Lycus River. He wanted Alexander to come and help them. However, when Mazeus heard that Darius had left the battle, he fled also. He did not go the shortest way to Babylon but went around over the Tigris River. This was a longer but safer route. He brought what was left of his army safely to Babylon. (Curt. l. 4. c. 37.)

1883. About midnight, Darius came to Arbela. Many of his nobles and other soldiers resorted there too. He called them together and said that his purpose was to leave all for the present to Alexander. He would flee to the utmost borders of his kingdom and there begin the war afresh on Alexander. (Curt. l. 5. c. 1.) Presently he went on horseback and fled over the mountains of Armenia into Media. With him were a few of his kindred and his guard. The guard was called Melophori, i.e. apple bearers because they each bore a golden apple on the point of his spear. Later, 2000 mercenaries under the command of Paron of Phocaea in Ionia and Glaucus of Aloe joined him. (Arran. l. 3.)

1884. When Alexander was returning from the Lycus River, he had his fiercest battle yet with the Parthian, Indian and some elite Persian cavalry. In the encounter, he lost 60 men plus his captains Hephaestion, Caenus, and Menidas. Alexander was severely wounded but recovered. (Arrian. l. 3.)

1885. In the main battle, Alexander lost at most 100 foot soldiers but 1000 cavalry of which half were his confederates. On the other side, 300,000 were slain and a much larger number taken prisoner. He captured all the elephants and as many of the chariots that were not broken in the battle. (Arrian. l. 3.) However Diodorus states that 90,000 Persian's cavalry and foot soldiers died. On the Macedonian side, 500 were missing and a large number were wounded. Curtius, (l. 4. c. ult.) says that 40,000 Persians and less than 300 Macedonians died. The total killed in the three battles, this, Issos and at Granicum, Orosius (l. 3. c 17.) over the last 3 years plus 3 or four months is given as follows.

``In such a multitude of calamities, it is a thing incredible, that in three battles fought within three years time there should be slain 500,000 cavalry and foot soldiers. These were from a kingdom and those nations from which a few years earlier had slain 900,000 men In addition to those 3 battles in those three years, a number of cities in Asia had been destroyed with their inhabitants. All Syria was laid waste. Tyre was destroyed and all Cilicia depopulated. Cappadocia was subdued and Egypt and Rhodes sold into slavery. Many provinces bordering on the mount Taurus were brought into subjection. Mount Taurus was forced to receive the yoke which it had so long striven to avoid.''

1886. When Alexander had rested his cavalry that were with him, he set out at midnight toward Arbela. He understood that Darius had stored there all his money and royal provisions which Alexander purposed to capture with a surprise attack. The next day he came to Arbela. He did not find Darius but all his treasure, his shield and his bow. (Arrian. l. 3.) Diodorus says that he found there 3000 talents, Curtius said 4000. All the wealth of the whole army had been stored in that place. (l. 5. c. 2.)

1887. With this battle the empire of Persia seemed to have been ended. Alexander was proclaimed king of Asia and thereupon offered magnificent sacrifices to his gods and distributed among his captains houses, territories and provinces at his pleasure. (Plut. in Alexander.)

1888. Because he knew the air would be infected with the stench of the dead carcases, he hurried to get away from Arbela. (Diod. Sic. in the beginning of his second part, l. 17. Curt. l. 5. c. 2.) After 4 days he came to a city called Mennis where there is a fountain which issued sulphur or liquid brimstone. (Curt. l. 5. c. 2.)

1889. As Alexander came toward Babylon, Mazeus, who had fled there from the battle, humbly met him with his children that were of age. He surrendered himself and them with the city of Babylon, into his hands. Alexander received him and his children very graciously. Babophanes, who had the keeping of the citadel there with the king's treasure did not want to be out done by Mazaeus. He covered all the way where Alexander was to pass with flowers and garlands. On each side of the path he had silver altars, burning frankincense and all sorts of sweet odours. Alexander was guarded with armed men. He commanded all the men of Babylon that came to meet him follow behind him after the last of his foot soldiers. Alexander in his chariot made his entrance into the city and went up to the king's palace. The next day he viewed the king's treasure. (Curt. l. 5. c. 3. Justin l. 11. c. 14.) He stayed 34 days and refreshed and rewarded his soldiers (According to the better copies have it and Orosius agrees with this as does Curtius. (l. 5. c. 5.) His army spent the same number of days there in relaxation. Diod. Sic. (year 2, Olymp. 112.) confirms that they stayed there longer than 30 days. They like the spaciousness of the city and the entertainment which they were given by the residents.

1890. Among those who entertained Alexander in this city were the Chaldeans. They talked with him concerning the course and motions of the stars and sudden change of events. (Curt. l. 5. c. 3.) The Chaldeans gave Callisthenes one of Alexander's followers, the observations of the heavenly bodies for 1903 years of time. He gave them to Aristotle in Greece. This I mentioned in note on 1771 AM <49>. This information came from Porphyrie.

1891. Alexander consulted with the Chaldeans. He followed their advice and sacrificed to Belus. He did whatever they asked of him concerning temple repairs. Alexander commanded the Babylonians to repair the temples which Xerxes had previously demolished and in particular, the temple of Belus, that was located in the heart of the city. He ordered that all the rubbish be immediately carried out of the temple. (Arrian. l. 3. p. 63. & l. 7. p. 159.) This work was so great that it took 10,000 men two months to clear the place where the temple stood. (Strabo. l. 16. p. 738.) When Alexander commanded all his army to help to carry away the rubbish, only the Jews refused to help in that work. Hecataeus of Abdera, who was then with Alexander, stated that they endured many a blow and many other grievous inconveniences. When Alexander heard their reasons for refusing, he exempted them from the task. (Josephus cont. Apion. l. 1. p. 1049.)

1892. Alexander marvelled most at that hole in the earth in Ecbatana or rather in Batana, as other copies have it. (Batana, which is a city placed by Stephanus Byzantinus near the Euphrates and not Ecbatana, the city of Media is meant here.) Flames of fire continually shot forth as from a fountain and an active spring of Naphta shot out fire not far from that hole. Plutarch, (in his life) describes these effects in more detail.

1893. Alexander, ordered Bagophanes, who had surrendered the citadel of Babylon, to follow him. He committed the keeping of the citadel to Agathon, from the town of Pydna along with 700 Macedonians and 300 mercenaries. He made Mazaeus, who surrendered the city to him, governor of all the province of Babylon. He appointed Apollodorus from Amphipolis and Menetes from Pella in Macedonia, to be commanders of that militia in Babylon and all the other countries west as far as Cilicia. For that purpose he left with them, 2000 soldiers with 1000 talents of silver to hire mercenaries. He appointed Asclepiodortus, the son of Philotas, to collect his tribute in those parts. He sent Mithrines, who surrendered the city Sardis to him, to be governor in Armenia. (Diodor. Arria. Curtius.)

1894. From the money which he found in Babylon, he gave to every Macedonian cavalry man, 6 pounds, to every foreign cavalry man 5 pounds, to every Macedonian foot soldier, 2 pounds and to every foreign foot soldier 2 month's pay. (Diod. Sic. year 2. Olymp. 112.) An Attic ounce or pound contained 100 drachmas. Curtius confounded this with the Roman denarius and said that he gave to every Macedonian cavalry man 600 denarii and to every foreign cavalry man 500 and to every foot soldier 200. (Curt. l. 5. c. 6.)

1895. Alexander was on his way from Babylon when Amyntas the son of Andromenes, came to him with a number of men sent to him by Antipater the governor of Macedon. From Macedon came 500 cavalry and 6000 foot soldiers, from Thrace, 600 cavalry and 3500 foot soldiers, from Peloponesus, 4000 foot soldiers and 380 cavalry. This is according to Curtius but Diodorus has a little less than 1000 cavalry. With them went the sons of 50 of the principal nobles of Macedon to be Alexander's body guards. (Diod. & Curt.)

1896. When Alexander had received these troops, he continued on his journey. After marching 6 days, he came into a country called Sitacine, but Curtius calls it Satrapene. This country abounded with provisions and he stayed there many days. He held contests to test every man's prowess and dexterity in the feats of chivalry. He gave the 8 best men command of 1000 troops. He then divided his whole army into so many brigades. Before this, they were organised into companies of 500 and their captains were not chosen by contests of skills. Before, the cavalry of every nation served together apart from other nations. Now he made no difference based on nationality. He appointed as commanders, those who were most skilled in the war no matter what country they were from. He reformed the martial discipline of his army in many points. As a result, all the troops liked him better than ever and were more ready to serve him. He continued his journey. (Diod. & Curt. l. 5. c. 6.)

1897. As Alexander approached Susa, he was met by the son of the governor of Susa, with letters from Philoxenus. Alexander had sent him away immediately after the battle at Arbela to Susa. The letters said that the inhabitants of Susa had surrendered their city and all the treasure there was kept safely for him. (Arrian. l. 3.) The son of Abulites, the governor of the city, told him the same message. He did this either voluntarily or according to some, by the orders of Darius so Alexander would be detained there longer. This would give Darius more time to raise a new army against Alexander. (Diod. and Curt. l. 5. c. 7.)

1898. The king entertained the young man with much grace and favour. He used him for his guide to the Idaspes or Choaspes River. This river is a narrow and violent stream. Abulites met Alexander and gave him costly gifts which included some dromedaries which are camels that run very fast and 12 elephants which Darius had sent for from India. (Curt. l. 5. c. 7.)

1899. The day after he left Babylon, he came to Susa. After he entered the city, he received 50,000 talents of silver with all of the king's wardrobe and other belongings. (Arrian. l. 3.) Curtius states he received much more silver in bars. Diodorus calculates upward to 400,000 talents of silver and gold in bars and ingots and 9000 talents minted into darics. Plutarch mentions 40,000 talents in coins and 5000 talents worth of Hermionic scarlet. This had been stored there 190 years earlier and looked as fresh as it did the first day it was put there.

1900. Alexander offered sacrifice according to the Macedonian manner by torch light and held gymnastic sports and exercises. (Arrian.) He sat down on the royal throne of Persia which was far higher than for the size of his body to sit on. His feet could not reach to the step by which he mounted the throne. One of the pages took the table that Darius used to eat his meals from and put it under him for a footstool. When Philotas saw this, he persuaded Alexander to take it as a sign of good luck. (Diod. & Curt. l. 5. c. 7.)

1901. The robes and other purple clothes which were sent to Alexander from Macedon with those which made them, he sent to Darius' mother Sysigambes, whom he highly respected and honoured as a son should do to his mother. With the gift he added the message that if she liked those clothes, she would do well to let her young nieces learn to make them. When he knew that she was quite troubled, he personally went to her and excused himself for his ignorance of the Persian manners and comforted her again. (Curt. l. 5. c. 8.) So he left her and Darius' two young daughters and his little son Ochus at Susa. He left some to instruct her and them in the Macedonian language. (Diod.)

1902. He continued on to the farthest borders of Persia and left Archelaus with a garrison of 3000 soldiers to keep the city. He appointed Xenophilus to hold the citadel and Callicrates to gather his tributes. He committed the civil government of the province of Susa to Abulites, who had surrendered the city to him. (Curt. l. 5. c. 8.) He sent back Menetes to the sea coast and made him governor of Phoenicia, Syria and Cilicia. (Arrian. l. 3.)

1903. After a 4 day march, Alexander came to the Pasitigris River and crossed it with 9000 foot soldiers and 3 or 4000 cavalry. He went into the country of the Uxians which bordered on the province of Susa. It extended into the main part of Persia between which there is a narrow pass. Madates, the governor of this country, had married Sysigambes' niece.

1904. Alexander gave Tauron 1500 mercenaries and 1000 Agrians and ordered him to march as soon as it was dark. He was to follow his guides in the secret passes that they would show him. He was to advance as far as to the city which Alexander planned to besiege. Alexander took with him the captains of his troops, his targeteers and some 8000 other soldiers. They marched in the third watch of the same night and by day break came to those passes, which opened into the Uxian's country. When he had gone through them, he came and besieged the city. When the Uxians saw they were besieged on all sides, they sent from the citadel there 30 men to ask for his pardon but he would not give it. Finally, when he received letters from Sysiagambes, he did not only pardon her kinsman, Madates but set at liberty all he had taken prisoner who had voluntarily submitted to him. He left the city untouched and all their land free from tribute. (Curt. l. 5. c. 9.) Arrian reports from Ptolemy Lagus, that through Sysigambes' request, he left them their lands to till but levied a yearly tribute on them of 100 horses, 500 beasts of burden and 3000 sheep. This whole account is related differently by Diodorus, Curtius and Arrian.

1905. When Alexander had subdued the country of the Uxians, he added it to the province of Susa. He divided all his forces between himself and Parmenion. He ordered that the luggage, the Thessalian cavalry, confederates, foreign mercenaries and the heavily armed soldiers to go with Parmenion through the plain country. He took the Macedonian foot soldiers and the cavalry of his confederates. He sent before them the light cavalry with the squadron of Agrians and archers to reconnoitre. They went by the way of the mountains which run all along in a ridge as far as Persia. (Curt. l. 5. c. 10. Arrian. l. 3.)

1906. On the fifth day after this, (according to Diodorus and Curtius) he came to the passes of Persia, called the Susian Pyles, or Gates. Diodorus states that Ariobarzanes, the Persian, held these with 25,000 foot soldiers and 300 cavalry. Arranius states that he had about 4000 foot soldiers and 700 cavalry. He repulsed Alexander's attack and made him retreat about 4 miles from that pass. At last he captured a shepherd who was born of a Persian mother but begotten by a father born in Lycia. He guided Alexander through narrow and craggy bypaths and over certain snowy mountains. Alexander routed the enemy and took control of the pass. Ariobarzanes with some 40 cavalry and 5000 foot soldiers broke through the army of the Macedonians. There was a great slaughter on both sides. Ariobarzanes hurried to get into Persepolis which was the capital city of that kingdom. He was unable to reach it and the enemy was at his very heels. Ariobarzanes attacked them and in the second battle his forces were cut to pieces by Alexander. This is more fully related in (Diodor. Curtius, Arria. Plutarch, and Polyanus, l. 4. Stratag.)

1907. As Alexander was marching toward Persepolis, he received letters from Tiridates, Darius' treasurer in that place. He told Alexander that when the inhabitants of Persepolis heard of his coming, they were ready to take the king's treasure and share it among themselves. He desired Alexander to come quickly to prevent this. Alexander left his foot soldiers to come later and travelled all night with his cavalry. Although they were already tired with so long a journey, they came by day break to the Araxes River. After they made a bridge, they crossed over it with his army. (Diodor. and Curt. l. 5. c. 11.)

1908. When he came within a quarter mile of the city, about some 800 (for so Diodorus, Justinus and Suidas, in the word Alexander, report, not 4000 as Curtius) poor Greek slaves led by Euctemon of Cuma in Eolia, came out as humble suppliants to meet him. These were the ones whom the former kings of Persia had taken in the wars and made slaves. They were cruelly treated. Some had their feet, hands, ears or noses cut off. They were all branded in the face with letters or other marks. These besought him that as he had done in Greece so he would now promise to deliver them from the slavery of the Persian cruelty. Later, when he offered to send an escort with them into Greece, they desired of him rather to give them lands in that place. They feared that they would not prove a comfort but an abomination to their friends and kinsfolks at home. Alexander approved their request and gave each of them 3000 drachmas. (Curtius writes "denarios" instead of "drachmas") He gave every man and women 5 suits of clothes, 2 yoke of oxen, 500 sheep and 50 bushels of wheat. They could now go to till and sow the land which Alexander had given them. Moreover, he exempted their land from paying any tribute and left some to protect them and to see that no man would harm them. (Diod. & Curtius, l. 5. c. 12. with Justin, l. 11. c. 14.)

1909. The next day, he called all the commanders and captains of his army together. He told them that this city Persepolis, the metropolis of Persia, had always been against the Greeks. Therefore he was resolved to give all its plunder to the soldiers, except for the king's palace. After this there was a huge slaughter of the prisoners whom they had taken. This he avowed as his own act in writing since he thought it to be for his honour that he commanded them as enemies to be so butchered. Plutarch said that he found as much treasure there as at Susa. Diodorus writes that when he came into the citadel, he found 120,000 talents, calculating the value of the gold by the rate of the silver. Curtius agrees. (Curt. l. 5. c. 13.)

1910. When Alexander first sat down on the royal throne under a golden canopy in Persepolis, Demaratus the Corinthian and an old friend of his and his father is reported to have fallen like an old man, weeping. He said that those Greeks missed a great event who died before that day and had not lived to see Alexander sitting on Darius' throne. (Plut. in Alexan.)

1911. Alexander committed the keeping of the citadel of Persepolis to Nicarthides with a garrison of 5000 Macedonians. Tiridates, who delivered the treasure to Alexander held the same position which he had under Darius. He left there a great part of his army and baggage and committed the keeping of the city to Parmenion and Craterus. Alexander with a 1000 cavalry and lightly armed foot soldiers went to visit the inner parts of Persia when the constellation Pleiades arose. (beginning of the fall) Although he was plagued with storms and other tempestuous weather on the way, he came to a place all covered with snow and frozen over with ice. When he saw that his soldiers did not want to go any farther, he leaped off his horse and went by foot over the ice and snow. When the country people, who lived in scattered cretes and cabins saw the enemy troops, they started killing their children and others who were not able to go with them. They all fled to the wild woods and mountains covered with snow. However, some of them were convinced to talk with Alexander. They were not afraid and submitted to him. Alexander did not allow any of his troops to harm them. (Curt. l. 5. c. 14.)

3674b AM, 4384 JP, 330 BC

1912. After Alexander had laid waste to all the country of Persia and taken its various towns, he came into the country of the Mardi. This was a warlike nation and of much different behaviour from the Persians. After Alexander had subdued them, he returned to Persepolis on the 30th day after he set out from there. He bestowed rewards on his captains and others, every man according to his deeds. He gave away almost everything he had gotten there. (Curt. l. 5. c. 14.)

1913. This journey was taken, as I said before, about the time of the rising of the seven stars. Only Curtius notes this. Plutarch states that because the winter was now approaching he planned to give his army some rest. Therefore, he spent 4 months in Persia. Pliny (l. 18. c. 31.) tells us that the Athenians began their winter upon the Ides of November when the seven stars set. However the amount of time from the time of the battle at Gaugamela, shows that Alexander could not come to Persepolis before our December. Others also cast a doubt concerning the Mardi expedition. Curtius tells us that he did not subdue them until after the death of Darius. (Curt. l. 6. c. 9.) This may be true unless we distinguish the Mardi of Persia (Herod. l. 1. c. 125 & Nearchus in Strabo l. 11. p. 524. & Arrian. in his Indica, p. 196.) from the Mardi who bordered on Hircania. Neither do other writers agree with Curtius where he says:

``He gave away almost all that he got at Persopolis.''

1914. For he speaks expressly of that and not of what he got at Pasargadis. (as we showed before in the note 3669 AM, from Jacobus Capellus) He well agrees with that which he wrote in the very end of the next precedent chapter (??), where he says that Alexander commanded horses and camels to be sent for from Babylon and Susa to carry those 120,000 talents which he found in this city. This we may compare with Strabo, (l. 15. p. 731.) where he says:

``He carried all the money of Persia from Susa, which was full of treasure and rich goods. It is known for certain that whatever he got in Babylon and in Darius' camp never was included in this total. In Persia and Susa he found 40,000 talents, some say 50,000 talents.''

1915. Diodorus Siculus states:

``When he was forced to lay out much of the money he had found there to pay for the war, he planned to send part of it to Susa to be stored in a bank there. He had to get a multitude of draught horses, carriages and 3000 camels with pack saddles from Babylon and from Mesopotamia to carry his treasure to its destined places.''

1916. Plutarch (in Alexan.) states:

``His money and wealth he took from there needed 10,000 yoke of mules and 5000 camels to carry it away.''

1917. After Darius had stayed a while at Ecbatan in Media, he gathered together those who were left of after the defeat and replaced the weapons they had lost in the battle. He also sent letters to the governors in Bactria and other countries to remain loyal to him. (Diod. Sic. l. 17. 2nd part) His purpose was that if Alexander stayed about Susa and Babylon, he would stay in Media to see whether they who were around him might unite in a new battle against Alexander. However, if he found that Alexander planned to pursue him, then he would retire to Parthia and Hircania, or even into Bactria. By laying waste all the countries as he went, he would leave Alexander no possibility of following him for lack of forage. Therefore he sent away before him all the women and other baggage and carriages to the Caspian Gates, or passes. He stayed at Ecatane with a small force to see how things would unfold. (Arrian. l. 3.)

3674c AM, 4384 JP, 330 BC

1918. Alexander made a feast celebrating his previous victories and offered magnificent sacrifices to his gods. He feasted his nobles with a most sumptuous banquet and with a number of whores and curtisans, each with her ruffian. Among these there was an Athenian called Thais who was a sweet heart to Ptolemy the son of Lagus. Alexander was as drunk as she was. He commanded all Persepolis, both city and citadel, to be burnt to the ground and caroling and instruments of music should play all the while. This was against the advice of Parmenion, if Alexander would have listened. It is true that after he slept on it, it grieved him greatly for what he had done. He said:

``The Greeks could not have been more revenged by the Persians, if they had been forced to have seen him sitting in Xerxes' throne. (Curt. l. 5. c. 15. Diod. Plut. Arrian.)

1919. The next day, he gave 30 talents to that shepherd of Lycia who had guided and showed him the way into Persia. (Curt. l. 5. c. 15.)

1920. After this, Alexander took Pasargada. It was a city built by Cyrus and was surrendered to him by its governor, Gobares. He gave Alexander 6000 talents. (Curt. l. 5. c. 13.) Alexander visited the sepulchre of Cyrus according to Strabo's account from Aristobulus who was present at that time. (Strabo. l. 15. p. 730.)

1921. Then he took the rest of the cities of Persia, some by force, others voluntarily surrendered. (Diod.) This seems to have been when the seven stars rose in the morning sky. From this time, the ancients reckoned the beginning of summer, not at the morning setting of them and beginning of winter when according to Curtius, Alexander took his journey into the heart of Persia.

1922. Alexander made Phrasaortes the son of Rheomithris, governor of Persia (Arrian. l. 3.) and then went into Media. He got reinforcements from Cilicia. The 5000 foot soldiers and 1000 cavalry where under the command of Plato, an Athenian. After this he advanced to find Darius. (Curt. l. 5. c. 16.)

1923. Darius had planned to leave Ecbatane and flee into Bactria. Since he feared lest Alexander would overtake him on the way, he changed his plans. At that time, Alexander was about 190 miles away. No distance seemed great enough to prevent Alexander from catching up to him. Therefore Darius resolved that instead of fleeing, to try his fortune in another battle. He had 30,000 men about him, of which 4000 were Greeks under the command of Patran. All these men were loyal to Darius. In addition he had 4000 archers and slingers. He had 3300 cavalry consisting for the most part from Bactria under the command of Bessus the governor of Bactria. (Curt. l. 5. c. 16.)

1924. Diodorus states that there were 30,000 Persians and Greek mercenaries. Arrian states there were only 3000 cavalry and 6000 foot soldiers. He also says that Darius carried with him out of Media no more than 7000 talents. However, Strabo (l. 15. p. 731.) says that when Darius fled out of Media, he took 8000 talents. Those who murdered Darius rifled and shared the money among themselves. Diodorus, (year 4. Olymp. 112.) says, that when Alexander pursued Darius he had the same number of talents with him. Atheneus (l. 11. p. 514. of the Greek and Latin Edition,) states from Chartetes his history of Alexander, that the custom of the Persian kings was, wherever they went, to have over the king's bedchamber, a garret with five chests in it. In these were kept 5000 talents of gold and they were called the king's pillows. At the back stairs in another room, were always kept 3000 talents in three chests and that was called the king's bench to sit on.

1925. Bessus, the governor of Bactria and Nabarzanes the commander of 1000 cavalry both who had followed Darius in his flight, commanded their soldiers to seize Darius and to bind him. They resolved that if Alexander overtook them, they would purchase their freedom by delivering Darius bound into Alexander's hands. However, if they could escape from Alexander, they would renew the war against Alexander in their own names. (Curt. l. 5. c. 18, 22, 23. Arrian. l. 3. p. 67, 68, 76.) Justin (l. 11. c. 15.) states that this happened in a town in Parthia called Thara or rather, Dara. It was so called later by Arsaces, the first king of Parthia, in remembrance of this villany against Darius. He adds from Trogus that this was done by a kind of fate that the Persian empire should end in the land of those who were preordained to succeed the Persians in the empire.

1926. The king's treasure and baggage was rifled, as if it had all been enemies' goods. Bessus and Nabarzanes with Braza (or Barzaentes) the governor of the Arachoti and Drangian took Darius. They carried him away prisoner in a cart. To show some respect, they placed golden chains on him. To escape detection, they covered the cart with a lowly dirty covering made of skins and had strangers drive it. If any man should ask, they could not tell who was in it. Those who were his jailors followed from a distance. The Persians were won over by Bessus' generous promises and since there was no one else left to whom they might unite with, they joined with the Bactrians. Bessus was made general in the place of Darius by the Bactrian cavalry and the other nations who had accompanied Darius in his flight. Artabazus and his sons with those which he commanded and the Greeks under Patron, did not go with Bessus. They left the road way and went up the mountains and marched away to Parthiene. (Curt. l. 5. c. 23. Arrian. l. 4. p. 68.)

1927. Alexander changed his course for Media and attacked the Paritacae, and subdued their country. He made Oxoathres the son of Abuletus governor over them. (Arrian. p. 66.)

1928. Tabas was a town in the remotest border of Paritocene. Alexander was told by some who had abandoned Darius and fled to Alexander that Darius had quickly gone into Bactria. (Curt. l. 5. c. 24.) When he was within 3 days journey of Ecbatane, he was more accurately told by Baistanes the son of Ochus who reigned in Persia before Darius that Darius had fled from Ecbatane 5 days earlier. (Arrian. l. 3.)

1929. When Alexander came to Ecbatane, the Thessalian and others of the confederate cavalry refused to accompany him any further. He dismissed them to return into their own countries. When they left he gave them over and above their regular pay, 2000 talents to be shared among them. (Arrian. l. 3. Plut. in Alexan.) However, Diodorus and Curtius, refer to this event as happening after the death of Darius and in a general way without any special mention of the Thessalian troops. They say that he gave to everyone that served in the cavalry a talent, or 6000 deneers, as Curtius (l. 6. c. 3.) expresses it. Everywhere he calls a "drachma", a "deneere". Diodorus adds that he gave to every foot soldier ten minas i.e. 1000 drachmas and abundant provisions for every man for his return journey to his home country. To everyone that would continue in his service, he gave 3 talents in coined money. When he found that the number of them that stayed was large, he appointed Epocillus to escort the rest to the seaside in Asia. The Thessalians that returned left their horses with him. He wrote to Menetes, the governor in those parts that as soon as they arrived there he should furnish them immediately with shipping and have them transported to the European side. (Arrian. l. 3.)

1930. To pay the vast sums he gave to the soldiers that left, Alexander was forced in spite of all his haste in the pursuing Darius, to levy a vast quantity of money in the way as he went. Diodorus states that he received of Darius' treasurers, 8000 talents over and above that which they had bestowed among his soldiers with cups and other rewards. This amounted to over 13,000. The amount they either stole or took by force was calculated to be a great deal more, according to Diodorus. (p. 547. in the Greek and Latin Edition) Curtius (l. 6. c. 2.) agrees fully when he says:

``In the next plundering that he made, he raised 26,000 talents. From which 12,000 (Justin has 13,000. l. 12. c. 1.) talents were spent in one largesse which he bestowed among his soldiers. His treasurers brought (??) him of so much more.''

1931. However, we read in Arrian, (p. 67.) that now he ordered Parmenion to take all the money which was brought to him from Persia and store it in Ecbatane under the keeping of Harpalus. He was to guard it with 6000 Macedonians and some cavalry of his confederates. Now this money was brought and stored in Ecbatane. Some reckon it to have amounted to 180,000 talents. (Strabo, l. 15. p. 731.) Diodorus agrees and says also that Parmenion had the charge of all that treasure. (p. 552.) Justin (l. 12. c. 1.) says, that the treasure amounted to 190,000 talents and that Parmenion was in charge of keeping it. Diodorus and Justin are more correct in making Parmenion the keeper of it than Arrian who names Harpalus to that office. We showed before that he was left behind in Babylon to gather up the tribute and other duties for Alexander in those parts.

1932. Here Arrian tells us that Alexander sent away Parmenion with certain brigades of foreigners, the Thracian cavalry and others except the troops of his own fellow cavaliers. They were to march through the country of the Cadusians into Hircania. He wrote also to Clitus, captain of the king's troops that as soon as Clitus came from Susa to Ecbatane, (for he was left behind sick at Susa) he should take such cavalry as were left there to guard the money and to march into Parthia and to meet him there.

1933. Alexander took with him the troops of his fellow cavaliers, vant (??) couriers, mercenaries led by Erigyius, the Macedonian squadron (except those who were left at Ecbatane to guard the money), the Agrians and the archers and he went after Darius. Since he marched so far so fast, many of his foot soldiers and cavalry were not able to follow. They fainted in the way and perished. However Alexander continued and on the 11th day he came to Rages. (Arrian. l. 3.) In those 11 days, he went over 410 miles. On this long journey, the cavalry followed him very cheerfully although they lacked water in many places. Of that company which set out with him from Ecbatane, there were only 60 with him at the end of his journey. (Plut. in Alex.)

1934. This city of Rages (/APC Tob 1:14 4:1) is a day's journey from the Caspian Gates or passes to anyone that would ride at Alexander's pace. Darius had already passed through them. Many of those who set out with him on his journey slipped away and returned home. Also many of them returned to Alexander on the way. (Arrian. l. 3.)

1935. Alexander gave up all hope of overtaking Darius. He rested there 5 days. When he had refreshed his army, he made Oxydates a Persian, governor of Media, whom formerly Darius had committed to prison in Susa and planned to decapitate him. (Arian. l. 3. with Curt. l. 6. c. 2.)

1936. From here Alexander went with his army into Parthia. The first day he camped near the Caspian Gates or passes. The next day he went through the passes and came into places that were well populated. He ordered provisions to be brought to him, for he was told that he was to go through countries lacking such provisions. He sent Coenus with the cavalry and a few foot soldiers abroad to forage. (Arrian. l. 3.)

1937. Meanwhile Bagisthenes a great man in Babylon, came from Darius' camp to Alexander. He told Alexander that Darius was not yet laid hold on but was in great danger either of death or bonds. (Arian. l. 3. & Curt. l. 5. c. 24.)

1938. Therefore, Alexander pursued him harder and did not wait for Coenus to return from foraging. He took along with him his fellow cavaliers, his vant (??) couriers, the mercenary cavalry led by Erigyius, the Macedonian battalion (except those that were to guard his treasure) with the Agrians and Archers. He left Craterus to command the rest and ordered him to come after him at a more leisurely pace. He travelled all that night and the next day until noon and rested for a while. He travelled all night again and early next morning he came to the camp of Darius from where Bagisthenes had come to him. He continued and rode all that night and the next day until noon. He came to a certain village where they who had the charge of keeping Darius stayed the day before according to Arrian. Curtius states this was the place where Bessus first laid hold on Darius.

1939. When he was about 60 miles from the place where Bagisthenes first came to him, he found Melon who was Darius' interpreter. He was unable through weakness to follow Darius any further. When he saw Alexander approaching so quickly, he made as if he had fled over to Alexander from Darius for fear lest he should be taken for an enemy. He told Alexander what happened and where they went. However his men were quite weary and needed rest. Alexander took 6000 choice cavalry and selected from them 300 Dimachs (??), (who and what they were, you may learn from Pollus and Hesychius) These wore heavy armour yet rode on horse back. If the need arose, they could get off their horses and serve as foot soldiers according to Curtius. However, Arrian (l. 3. c. 68.) states that when he saw the foot soldiers could not possibly keep pace with him on horse back, he made about 500 of the cavalry get off their horses and commanded the captains and best men of the foot soldiers to mount the horses with all their armour on. He ordered Nicanor, who commanded the targeteers and Attalus, the captain of the squadron of Agrians, to follow in the way that Bessus had gone with his men with those who were most lightly armed. He commanded the rest to come later in a phalanx formation.

1940. While Alexander was busy giving orders, Orcillus and Mithracenes came to him. They abhorred Bessus for his treachery and fled from him to Alexander. They told him that the Persians were not more than 60 miles away and that they could lead him to them by a shorter way. He used them as guides and set out early in the evening with a select company of cavalry. He ordered the Macedonian phalanx to follow him as fast as they could. When he had gone about 40 miles, he was met by Brocubelus (called by Arrian p. 67. "Antibelus") the son of Mazeus, sometimes governor of Syria under Darius. He told him that Bessus was not more than 25 miles ahead of him. His army thinking they were out of danger, marched in no particular order. It seemed they were bound for Hircania. Brocubelus said that if he hurried, he might attack them when they were all straggling from their colours. (Curt. l. 5. c. 24.)

1941. When Bessus and his consorts found that Alexander was on their heels, they went to Darius where he was in his poor tilted cart. They wanted him to get onto a horse and save himself by fleeing. When he refused to do this, Satibarzenes and Barsaentes each shot an arrow and wounded him. They also houghed the horses that drew the cart so that they might go no further and killed his two servants that still attended Darius. (Curt. l. 5. c. 25. with Arrian. p. 69. l. 3.) Only his dog stayed with him. (Elia. Histor. animal. l. 6. c. 25.)

1942. When they had done this, Satibarzanes and Barzaentes with 600 cavalry fled away as fast as possible. (Arrian. p. 69.) So that they might not be pursued together, Nabarzanes fled into Hircania and Bessus into Bactria. After the rest had lost their captains, they scattered here and there. Only 500 cavalry stayed together, undecided as to fight or flee, (Curt. l. 5. c. 25.)

1943. When Alexander saw what confusion the enemy was in, he sent Nicanor to ask them to stay. He followed after him. After they had killed about 3000 that would not yield, Alexander drove the rest before him like so many cattle without harming them and gave the word to stop the killing. He advanced so quickly that barely 3000 cavalry followed him. The number of prisoners was greater than of those that captured them. So far had fear bereft them of their senses that they never considered either their number or how few their enemy troops were. (Curt. l. 5. c. 25.)

1944. Meanwhile the horses which drew Darius' cart, wandered from the road since there was no one to drive them. When they had gone about half a mile, they stopped in a certain valley. They were exhausted from the hot weather and sore from the injuries they received. There was a fountain of water close by. Polyustratus a Macedonian learned of this fountain from the people of that place. He was exhausted from the heat and his wounds and went to quench his thirst there. As he was taking up water in his helmet, he noticed the arrows in the bodies of the horses that drew the cart. (Curt. l. 5. c. 25.) When he came nearer, he saw Darius lying in the cart seriously wounded but not quite dead. Darius called to him for a little water. When he drank it, he desired him to thank Alexander for the favour which he had showed to his mother, wife and children. He begged nothing for himself but a decent burial. He desired no revenge as Alexander did. For if Alexander neglected revenge, it might prove both dishonourable and dangerous to him. The first concerned Alexander in a matter of justice, the other concerned his personal safety. Darius in a token of his sincerity gave Polyustratus his right hand and told him to carry it to Alexander. So when Darius had given his hand to Polystratus, he gave up the ghost. (Just. l. 11. c. 15. & Plut. in Alexander.)

1945. So Darius died at age 50 in the year when Aristophontus was archon in Athens in the month Hecatombaeon. (Arrian. l. 3. p. 69.) He had reigned for 6 years. 200 years had passed from the year of the death of Cyrus who set up the Persian Empire until now, which was the very beginning of the 3rd year of the 112th Olympiad. From this time Calippus (a man renowned by Aristotle who was at that time famous in his school at Athens, l. 12. of his Metaphysics,) began his epoch or account of 76 years as we find by various astronomical observations of Ptolemy in his great book, Syntaxis. Although Strabo, (l. 6.) says that Darius lost his empire at the battle of Gaugamela fought 9 months (sic. original has 9 years) earlier and Justin (l. 11.) confirms this that then Alexander took the empire of Asia from Darius. However since it appears that Darius was murdered by his kinsfolk, he lost his life and kingdom at the same time (Justin l. 10 fin.) We can not doubt that Calippus in memorial of the founding of Alexander's Empire made this the starting point of his Periodus or calculation of years.

The Macedonian Empire

3674c AM, 4384 JP, 330 BC

1946. The empire of Alexander lasted 5 years according to Isidore and Beda from Eusebius' Chronicle. Jul. Africa. states 6 years and the historian who wrote in the time of Alexander Severus, 7 years (Tome 2. Antiqu. Lectio. Henr. Canisis, p. 600.) Strabo (l. 15. fin.) allows 10 or 11 years. Nicephorus Constantinopolitanus in his Chronicle, states 12 years. Clemens Alexandrinus, (l. 1. Stromat.) is wrong when he says it was 18 years. It is most obvious that from the month Hecatombaeon when Darius died (when Aristophontes was archon at Athens) to the month Thargelion when Alexander died, as we shall show presently, (when Hegesias was archon in Athens) only 6 years and 10 months passed. In this short period of time, Alexander did so many and great feats of arms in the east that he may well be said to have flown rather than to have marched over all those regions. Hence it is said that in (Da 8:1) Alexander is described under the figure of a goat who came from the west over the face of the whole earth. He never so much as touched the ground. In (Da 7:6) Alexander is compared to a winged leopard. Hierome notes on this passage that of all the beasts, the leopard is the swiftest and most impetuous. He adds that nothing was done so swiftly as his conquest. He took everything from the gulf of Venice and the Adriatic Sea to the very Indian Ocean and the Ganges River. He did this not so much by war but as by his reputation. What he did after the death of Darius, is set down by Diodorus, (l. 17. 2nd part), by Justin, (l. 12.) by Curtius, (5 last books of his History), by Plutarch (in his life) and by Arrian (l. 3.). I have inserted these accounts from the various authors in this work.

1947. Darius was no sooner dead then Alexander rode on his horse to the place where he lay. When he saw his dead body, Alexander wept to see so unworthy a death happen to so noble a person. He took his own coat and placed it over him and immediately sent his body to his mother to be buried in a royal manner with the kings of Persia. He also took Darius' brother Oxathres into the circle of his friends and nobles. He bestowed upon Oxathres all honour belonging to his high place and parentage. Alexander planned to pursue Bessus but since he and his army had escaped to Bactria and Alexander could not reach him at this time, he returned again.

1948. While he remained at Hecatompulis which was a city in Parthiene built in former times by the Greeks, he gathered a good store of provisions. All the army grew restless as they lay idle in their quarters and they all wanted to return to Greece as soon as possible. When Alexander had allayed this desire, they all asked him to lead them wherever he would and they would follow him. After 3 day's march through the country of Parthiene, he came into the borders of Hircania which Nabarzanes had captured. He left Craterus with the troops he commanded, Amyntas' brigade, 600 cavalry and 600 archers. They were to keep Parthiene safe from the incursions by the bordering countries. He commanded Erigyius to take care of the carriages and to follow him through the plain country with a considerable company to guard them. Alexander took his targeteers and the cream of the Macedonian squadron and some archers. When they had marched about 12 miles, they camped in a plain near a small river.

1949. After he had refreshed his army 4 days there, letters came to him from Nabarzanes, who, together with Bessus, had murdered Darius. He surrendered to Alexander. From here Alexander moved 2.5 miles through an almost impassable way. No enemy opposed him and he got through. When he had gone almost another 4 miles, Phradapharnes governor of Hercania and Parthia met him. He surrendered to Alexander along with all those who had fled to him after the death of Darius. Alexander graciously received them all. He next came to a town called Arvas. Here Craterus rejoined him. He had taken in all the countries which he had passed through. He brought with him Phradates or Autophradates, the governor of the country of the Tapurins. Alexander restored him to his government again and sent him back home.

1950. When Alexander came to the nearest borders of Hircania, Artabazus the Persian, who was an old friend of Philip met him. At this time he was banished by Ochus and had always remained most loyal to Darius. He was now 95 years old. He came to Alexander with Cophenes and 8 other sons of his, all born by the same mother who was the sister of Mentor and Memnon. Alexander received them all most graciously. Ariobarzanes and Arsames, who were governors under Darius came and submitted to Alexander.

1951. Alexander now invaded the country of the Mardians which bordered on Hircania. They held the mountain passes and met Alexander with an army of 8000 men. Alexander attacked the army, slew many of them and took more of them prisoners. The rest fled into the craggy mountains. Finally they returned his cavalry man Bucephalus, whom they had captured. They sent 50 ambassadors to him to ask his pardon. When Alexander had taken hostages, he made Autophrodates governor over them as well as the Tapurins.

1952. From there he returned in 5 days to the place from where he set out against the Mardians. From there Andronicus the son of Agerrus and Artabazus brought with them 1500 Greek mercenaries of Darius to Alexander. 90 ambassadors who had been sent to Darius from various counties, also came to him. Alexander put 4 Lacedemonian ambassadors and Dropis the Athenian to prison. Democrates the other Athenian ambassador who always opposed the Macedonian party comitted suicide because he did not expect a pardon from Alexander. He freed the ambassadors from Sinope and Hecraclides who were sent from Carthage and the other ambassadors from Greece. He gave the command of the Greeks who stayed in his service to Andronicus. When he had doubly honoured Artabazus and gave him greater honours than he held under Darius, Alexander sent him home.

1953. When these matters were taken care of, he marched against the greatest city of all Hircania, called Zeudracarta or Zadracarta and there stayed 15 days. Nabarzanes came to him there and brought with him many presents. Among these was Bagoas, an eunuch of rare beauty who was later highly respected and could do whatever he wished with Alexander.

1954. At this place, Thalestris or Minithaea came to Alexander with 300 ladies. She was the queen of the Amazons which is a place between the two rivers, Phasis and Thermodoon. She left the rest of her army at the borders of Hircania and came hoping to be with child by him. She stayed 13 days. Curtius in this account contrary to the stream of all geographers, locates these Amazons on the borders of Hircania. (l. 6. c. 10.) However, Justin says that they bordered on Albania. (l. 42. c. 3.) Clitarchus says that Thalestris came from the Caspian Gates and the Thermodoon River to Alexander. It took her a 25 or 35 day journey to reach him through many counties. (l. 12. c. 3.) The journey was at least 750 miles. (Strabo. l. 11.) Her visit to Alexander is recorded by Polycrates, Onesicritus, Antigenes, Hister and various others. However, Aristobulus Chares the historian, Ptolemy Lagus, Anticlides, Philo Thebanus the historian, Hecateus Eretriensis, Philippus Chaleidensis and Duris Samius say that it is a mere fable. Alexander seems to agree. In his Commentaries to Antigonus, in which he recorded the events exactly, he says that a certain Scythian offered him his daughter for a wife. No mention is made of an Amazon. It is also reported that Onesisieritus, many years later was reading his 4th book to Lysimachus who was then reigning. When he mentioned something of an Amazon that came to Alexander, Lysimachus smiled and said:

``I pray sir, where was I all the while?'' (Plut. in Alex. see Strabo, l. 11. p. 505. and Arria. l. 1. p. 155, 156.)

1955. When Alexander returned to Parthiene, he indulged himself there in all kinds of Persian luxuries. He commanded also his nobles to take and wear the long Persian robe of cloth of gold and scarlet. If any of the common soldiers wanted to marry a Persian, he allowed it.

1956. Bessus now wore his turban upright and pointed along with other regal attire. He assumed the title of Artaxerxes and king of Asia. He gathered into a body all those Persians who had fled into Bactria. With these he had Bactrians, the Scythians and others who lived as far as the bank of the Tanais River. He planned to make a war on Alexander.

1957. Alexander made Amminapes a Parthian, governor of Patthia and Hircania under him. Amminapes with Mazeus or Mezaces, had delivered Egypt into his hands. Alexander had Tlepolemus the son of Pythophanis, one of his friends, (Arrian. l. 3. p. 69.) in the government with Amminapes. Although Curtius says, that he made Menapis (for so he calls Amminapes) governor of Hircania, who before was banished by Ochus and had fled to his father Philip for refuge. (l. 6. c. 8.) Justin says that when Alexander had subdued Parthia, he made a certain noble man of Persia, called Andragoras its governor. From him the kings of Parthia descended since Arsaces notes him as the founder of the Parthian kingdom. He was also called Andragoras. (Justin. l. 41. c. 4.)

1958. After this, Alexander came to Susia, a city of the Arians. Sanbarzanes, governor of the Arians, came to him. Alexander restored his government to him. He also had Anaxippus, one of his nobles to hold the government with him. He gave him 40 javeliners on horse back to attend him. He could put these in places where he thought best to keep the Arians from being plundered or injured by the army as it passed by.

1959. Alexander was now ready to march against Bessus. When he saw that his army was so loaded with the spoil and luxurious goods they were in no condition to march, he first commanded his own goods than their goods to be burned. He kept only what was necessary for their immediate needs.

1960. Nicanor, the son of Parmenion, the captain of the Argyraspides, (i.e. of the silver shields, or targeteers,) died suddenly and everyone mourned his passing. Alexander was especially grieved and would have stayed to be present at his funeral but lack of provisions in that place would not permit him to. Therefore he left Nicanor's brother Philotas there with 2600 men to take care of the funeral. Alexander went on his journey in pursuit of Bessus.

1961. Satibarzanes, to whom Alexander had restored his government over the Arians, as mentioned earlier, murdered Anaxippus with his 40 javeliners on horse back. He gathered all the forces he could to the chief city of the Arians, called Chortacana or Artacoana. When he heard that Alexander was coming, he planned to go and join with Bessus in a common war against the Macedonians.

1962. When Alexander heard of this, he halted his journey into Bactria. He marched 75 miles in two days and came to Attacoana. Satibarzanes with 2000 cavalry (for that was all he could gather at that time) fled into Bactria to Bessus. The rest escaped to the mountains. Alexander pursued Satibarzanes a long time but was not able to overtake him. He attacked those who were in the mountains and took the craggy rocks where 13,000 armed Arians had fled. Alexander returned to Attacoana which was besieged by Craterus during this time. Craterus had prepared all things for an assault and waited for Alexander to lead it so that the honour of taking the place would fall to Alexander not him. Joab did the same for David. 2Sa 12:27,28 When the king came, he found them ready to plead for his mercy. He pardoned them and lifted his siege. He restored to every man what was his. Within 30 days he had taken all the places of that country and made Arsaces their governor.

1963. Fresh supplies came to Alexander. Zoilus brought him 500 cavalry from Greece. Antipater sent him 3000 soldiers from Illyrium. Philip the son of Menelaus brought him mercenary cavalry from Media along with 130 of the Thessalians that Alexander, at Ecbatane, had given leave to return home. They refused and continued with Alexander. From Lydia came 2600 foot soldiers with 300 cavalry under the command of Andromachus, according to Arrian.

1964. With these new forces Alexander came to the Drangeans (whom Arrian calls Zarangeans) whose governor was Barzaentes. He was one of those who with Bessus and Nabarzanes had turned on Darius. He feared punishment from Alexander and fled away to the Indians on this side the Indus River.

1965. Alexander spent 5 days in the chief city of the Drangean country. Some of his own people began to conspire his death. Dimnus, a Macedonian, revealed to Nicomachus, Alexander's bard that 3 days from then, Alexander would be murdered and that he was in on the plot with various nobles. Although Nicomachus was sworn to secrecy by Dimnus, he told the matter to his brother Ceballinus and wished him to tell the king of it. Since Ceballinus could not get to Alexander, he told it to Philotas first. When he found that Philotas was indifferent and likely in on the plot, Ceballinus went to Metron, a noble young gentleman and in charge of the artillery. He advised Metron to tell Alexander about it immediately. When Alexander heard of it, he immediately ordered all those in the plot to be arrested. When Dimnus was taken, he knew why and killed himself with his sword. When Ceballinus was questioned, he protested that the very hour he heard of it that he told the matter to Philotas and requested him to tell the king. When Philotas was questioned about this, he said it was true. He said he meant no harm but only through his carelessness he did nothing thinking it was a baseless rumour. When Philotas was put on the rack, he confessed all and was executed with the rest of the conspirators. Philotas was the son of Pamenion who was next to Alexander in authority.

1966. Alexander Lyncestes was also called before a council of Macedonians for his previous conspiracy for which he was in prison for 3 years. (Diodorus & Curtius) This is that Alexander Aneropus who before the battle at Issos 4 years earlier was put in prison for plotting the king's death. (Diodorus, Justin and Arrian) See note on 3671 AM. Lyncestes had plotted Alexander's death several times previously. Alexander spoke the following to his council of Macedonians: (Curt. l. 8. c. 16.):

``Alexander Lyncestes was twice arraigned for two counts of treason against my life. I have twice taken him out of the hand of justice and when he was convicted a third time, I gave him a reprieve and kept him in prison these 3 years. (For so it should be according to the true Palatine Manuscript and not "2 years", as in the ordinary printed books.) Until now you desired that he be given his just punishment.''

1967. When he was questioned concerning that latest attempt on Alexander's life, he could not answer without faltering. Therefore without any more adieu, he was thrust through with lances by those which stood about and heard him at the bar.

1968. After the body of Lyncestes was carried from the place, the king still sat at in the judgment seat. He had Amyntas the son of Andromenes with Attalus and Symmias' brothers, all very close to Philotas to be brought to the bar. When Polemon who was the youngest of the group had heard that Philotas was put on the rack, he fled but was captured and brought to judgment. Finally, Alexander acquitted them all, as a result of the general intercession of those that were there. Then he immediately sent Polydamas whom Parmenion loved very much, with two Arabians on dromedary camels into Media. They were to get there before the news of the death of Philotas reached those lands. They had letters for Cleander, Sitalces and Menidas, the commanders in the army under Pamenion, to kill him. He was the governor of Media and had the greatest reputation and authority next to the king in the army. Parmenion was now 70 years old. After he had read Alexander's letter and was reading the second letter written to him in the name of his son Philotas, he was stabbed to death. Cleander sent his head to the king and would hardly allow the rest of his body to be buried. Strabo (l. 15. p. 724.) tells us, that this all happened in 11 day's time. An ordinary journey normally took 30 to 40 days just to get there.

1969. Alexander feared least the glory all his actions might be blemished with the cruelty by the previous action. He did as Gaus formerly did. (See note on 3620 AM) He let it be known that he was to send some of his friends into Macedonia. He advised all men that wanted to write to their friends in those parts not to miss this opportunity of sending a note back home since they were going further east. Every man wrote a letter and he ordered to have all the letters brought to him. By this he found out what everyone thought of him. He put all those whom he found either weary of the war or unhappy with his actions, into one company. He called this the unruly company and put Leonidas, formerly an intimate friend of Parmenion's, in charge of it. Then he divided his fellow cavaliers into two regiments. He assigned the one part to be commanded by Hephaestion and the other by Clitus.

1970. When Alexander had settled matters among the Drangians, he marched toward them who were called of old, Agriaspe, or Arimaspi. In later times Cyrus called them the Euergetae, i.e. Benefactors for a good deed they did to him. Alexander was warmly received and entertained by them.

1971. After staying 5 days in that country, he had news that Satibarzanes with 2000 cavalry from Bessus, had attacked the Arians and made them defect from Alexander. Against Satibarzanes, he sent 6000 Greek foot soldiers and 600 calvary under the command of Erigyius and Caranus. Diodorus says that Stasanors commanded together with Artbazus, the Persian, Andronicas and Phrataphernes, the governor of Parthia.

1972. He stayed with the Euergetae and sacrificed to Apollo. He committed Demetrius to prison. He was one of the captains of his bodyguard (??), whom Alexander suspected of conspiracy with Philotas. He replaced him with Ptolemy the son of Lagus. He gave to the Euergetae a large sum of money and such lands as they desired which was not much. When he was welcomed by the Gedrosians, who bordered on the Euergetae, he also rewarded them according to their deeds.

3675a AM, 4384 JP, 330 BC

1973. After he spent 60 days with the Euergetae, he left Amenides as their new governor. He had been Darius' secretary for some time, according to Curtius. However, Arrian says he left them a free state. Diodorus reports that he made Teridates the governor of both the Euergetae and Gedrosions.

1974. Alexander left them and marched into Bactria against Bessus. He subdued the Drangi, the Dragagi and Arachosia on his way. Part of his army which was formerly commanded by Parmenion met him. There were 6000 Macedonians and 200 men of honour among them. These were the very pith and marrow of all his army. He appointed Menon as governor of Arachosia and left him 4000 soldiers and 600 cavalry to keep order in the country.

1975. Alexander led his army into the country of the Paropamisadae about the time of the setting of the seven stars and beginning of winter. (Strabo, l. 15. p. 724.) All the country was covered with snow. The days were obscurely dark rather than light so that a man could hardly discern anything close by. In this vast wilderness, Alexander's army endured the misery of lack of food, cold, weariness and even despair. Many died from the cold and many men's feet rotted off their legs from frost bite. At last they came into a warmer country with more provisions. The army was relieved and the whole country was quickly brought into subjection.

1976. Alexander went to the Caucasus Mountains which some call Paropamysus. He crossed the mountains in a 16 or 17 day march and built a city near the foot of them at a place where that mountain pass opens into Media. He called the city after his own name, Alexandria. He also built various other cities, each a day's journey from Alexandria. He relocated 7000 inhabitants of the countries in that area into these new cities. He put 3000 which followed the camp and let as many of those who were grown unserviceable in the wars settle there who wanted to. He made Proexes, a Persian, governor of all that region and left one of his friends, Niloxenes, to be the ruler over them.

1977. When the Macedonians and Arians were fighting, Satibarzanes, who commanded the enemy came between the two armies. He pulled off his helmet, said who he was and challenged any man that dared to a duel. Erigyius, the general of the Macedonian army took up the challenge and ran his spear through his body, killing him. When the barbarians, who came there by compulsion rather than willingly saw that their captain was dead, they trusted Erigyius and laid down their arms and submitted to him.

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