CHAPTER LII - ALEXANDER'S CAMPAIGNS IN BACTRIA AND SOGDIANA

Summary

Alexander's next object, after the subjection of Hyrcania had secured a communication between the shores of the Caspian and the interior provinces on the south side of the chain of Elburz, was to crush the resistance which he had to expect from Bessus and his remaining confederates, and to take possession of the eastern satrapies as far as the borders of India, where a boundless field lay open to his ambition. The power of Bessus was the most formidable, as well on account of the extent and resources of the fertile and populous countries which he governed, as because the adjacent Bteppes of Tartary, and the high table-land to the east of his province, both afforded a ready refuge from pursuit, and might again supply him with numerous auxiliaries. It was therefore to this quarter that Alexander's attention was mainly directed. From the Hyrcanian capital he marched into the territory of the Parthyæans, or Parthians–the people who were destined to wrest so large a portion of his empire from his successors–which lay at the southern foot of the Elburz. It must not however be supposed that he retraced his steps. He no doubt advanced along the south-east corner of the Caspian, through Korkan, and then crossed the lower ridges which connect the Elburz with the Indian Caucasus.