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.

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.

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