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Alexander The Great Cities: 13 Settlements Established by Alexander the Great

The Archaeologist

This article provides an in-depth look at the settlements founded or re-established under the directive of Alexander the Great himself. These settlements were established during his reign and before his death in 323 BC. Excluded from this list are any posthumous foundations or refoundations, as well as settlements that merely claimed a connection to the Macedonian king.

Settlements

  1. Alexandria near Egypt

    • Alternative Name(s): Alexandria, Egypt

    • Year Founded: 331 BC

    • Location: Alexandria, Egypt

    • Description: This was one of the earliest major foundations of Alexander's reign. Situated in the western Nile Delta between Lake Mareotis and the Mediterranean Sea, its founding circumstances are subject to debate. The city's significance grew over time, becoming one of the world's most important cities by 1 AD.

    • Historical Authenticity: Accepted

  2. Alexandria Ariana

    • Year Founded: 330 BC

    • Location: Near modern Herat, Afghanistan

    • Description: Although not mentioned by Greek historians like Arrian or Diodorus Siculus, the existence of Alexandria Ariana is supported by geographers and Islamic chroniclers. Its exact location near present-day Herat remains unknown, but evidence suggests its establishment in a fertile oasis on major trade routes.

    • Historical Authenticity: Accepted

  3. Alexandria Arachosia

    • Year Founded: 330 BC

    • Location: Kandahar, Afghanistan

    • Description: References to a city named Alexandria in Arachosia exist in various sources. While its identification with Old Kandahar is disputed, epigraphic evidence and early Islamic references support its existence. The city likely played a significant role in the region's trade and culture.

    • Historical Authenticity: Accepted

  4. Alexandria Eschate

    • Year Founded: 329 BC

    • Location: Likely near Khujand, Tajikistan

    • Description: Founded to defend against Scythian tribesmen, Alexandria Eschate was settled with Greek mercenaries, local tribesmen, and injured Macedonian veterans. Its location, likely near Khujand, held strategic importance controlling trade routes and access to the Ferghana Valley.

    • Historical Authenticity: Accepted

  5. Alexandria in the Caucasus / Alexandria in Parapamisdai

    • Year Founded: 329 BC

    • Location: Near the Hindu Kush

    • Description: This settlement, although not identified by its modern name, is accepted by major historians. Established south of the Hindu Kush, it served as a key outpost, resettling native populations and retired soldiers.

    • Historical Authenticity: Accepted

  6. Boukephala and Nikaia

    • Year Founded: 326 BC

    • Location: Opposite sides of the Hydaspes river, Pakistan

    • Description: Founded after Alexander's victory over Porus, these cities faced each other across the Hydaspes River. While their exact locations remain uncertain, they symbolized Alexander's conquests and honored his favorite stallion, Bucephalus.

    • Historical Authenticity: Accepted

  7. Charax Spasinu / Alexandria in Susiana

    • Year Founded: 324 BC

    • Location: Likely Naysan, Iraq

    • Description: Initially known as Charax Spasinu, this settlement was likely established as a trading hub at the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Its later renaming and rebuilding indicate its historical significance in the region.

    • Historical Authenticity: Accepted

  8. Alexandria Troas

    • Year Founded: 334 BC

    • Location: Troad, modern Çanakkale, Turkey

    • Description: While most attribute its foundation to Antigonus I, some theories suggest Alexander's involvement. The city's historical attribution remains disputed among historians.

    • Historical Authenticity: Disputed

  9. Samareia

    • Year Founded: 332–331 BC

    • Location: Modern Sebastia, State of Palestine

    • Description: Allegedly settled after a rebellion, Samareia's origins are uncertain. Speculation ranges from Alexander's era to post-Alexander settlements.

    • Historical Authenticity: Disputed

  10. Gerasa / Antioch on the Chrysorhoas

    • Year Founded: 331 BC

    • Location: Jerash, Jordan

    • Description: While a late tradition connects it to Alexander, evidence suggests a possible establishment by his generals. The exact connection remains speculative.

    • Historical Authenticity: Disputed

  11. Alexandria in Margiana

    • Year Founded: 328 BC

    • Location: Gyaur-Kala, Turkmenistan

    • Description: Despite early attestations, debates continue over whether Alexander or the Seleucids founded this settlement. Its origins remain contested.

    • Historical Authenticity: Disputed

  12. Alexandria Rhambakia

    • Year Founded: 325 BC

    • Location: Near the mouth of the Indus River in Balochistan, Pakistan

    • Description: Its founding under Alexander's orders is speculated but not conclusively proven due to geographical changes over time.

    • Historical Authenticity: Uncertain

  13. Alexandria near Babylon

    • Year Founded: Unknown

    • Location: Unknown

    • Description: Identification of this settlement faces challenges, with theories suggesting its existence under different names or under subsequent rulers.

    • Historical Authenticity: Uncertain

This comprehensive overview sheds light on the diverse array of settlements established or attributed to Alexander the Great, each contributing to the rich tapestry of ancient history.

Sources