In the Path of Conquest: Resistance to Alexander the Great

by Waldemar Heckel

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190076689
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	02/26/2020
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	786,826
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 10.60(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Preface
List of Abbreviations
Introduction

I In the face of Panhellenic War: Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean, 340-334
II The Long Road to Asia Minor: Resistance in Macedonia and Greece
III First Clash in Asia Minor
IV From the Aegean to Cappadocia
V Persian Counter Measures: The War in the Aegean
VI The Great King and his Armies
VII The Campaign in Cilicia
VIII The Levant and Egypt: Collaboration and Resistance
IX Darius' Last Stand and the Collapse of Persian Resistance
X The End of Darius III
XI War in Central Asia
XII Persianizing and the Internal Enemy
XIII From the Hindu Kush to the Indus
XIV From the Panjab to Pattala
XV Return to the West: Problems of Consolidation and the Revival of Old Grievances
XVI Epilogue

Appendix: Sources for the History of Alexander
Glossary

Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

"The material is presented in an easy and accessible style, it will serve well as part of the diet for those being weaned onto Alexandrian solids, and even those used to such meals may find some interesting variations on familiar dishes." — Christopher Tuplin, Klio

"This is undoubtedly a highly stimulating book, which will provoke significant reflections on many aspects of fourth-century BCE eastern Mediterranean history." — Kostas Vlassopoulos, Greece & Rome

"As a specialist in classical history, particularly that of Alexander, Heckel has given us a valuable reference work, not least the extensive footnotes and the up-to-date bibliography. It also provides some interesting examples of resistance to Greek sovereignty that parallel those of the Maccabees a century and a half later." — Lester L. Grabbe, The RBL

From the Publisher