BBC - In the footsteps of Alexander (Porus) 25

In the footsteps of Alexander the Great

The Battle of the Hydaspes River was fought by Alexander in May 326 BCE against the Indian king Porus at Kshatriya on the Hydaspes River in the Punjab region of ancient India, near Bhera now in Pakistan. The Hydaspes was the last major battle fought by Alexander.[7] The main train went into modern day Pakistan through the Khyber Pass, but a smaller force under the personal command of Alexander went through the northern route, resulting in the Siege of Aornos along the way. In early spring of the next year, he combined his forces and allied with Taxiles (also Ambhi), the King of Taxila, against his neighbor, the King of Hydaspes.

Porus drew up on the south bank of the Jhelum River, and was set to repel any crossings. The Jhelum River was deep and fast enough that any opposed crossing would probably doom the entire attacking force. Alexander knew that a direct crossing would fail, so he found a suitable crossing, about 27 km (17 miles) upstream of his camp. Alexander left his general Craterus behind with most of the army while he crossed the river upstream with a strong part of his army. Porus sent a small cavalry and chariot force under his son to the crossing. The force was easily routed, and Porus' son was killed. Porus now saw that the crossing force was larger, and decided to face it with the bulk of his army. The Indians were poised with cavalry on both flanks, the war elephants in front, and infantry behind the elephants. These war elephants presented an especially difficult situation for Alexander, as they scared the Macedonian horses.

Alexander started the battle by sending horse archers to shower the Indian left cavalry wing, and then used his cavalry to destroy the Indian cavalry. Meanwhile, the Macedonian phalanxes had advanced to engage the charge of the war elephants. The Macedonians eventually surrounded the Indian force, which amounted to a mass surrender. Porus was one of many Indians who impressed Alexander. Wounded in his shoulder, standing over 2 m (7 feet) tall, but still on his feet, he was asked by Alexander how he wished to be treated. "Treat me, O Alexander, like a king" Porus responded.[8] The bravery and war skills of Porus impressed Alexander. Alexander spared the life of Porus, although he had been defeated, and let him rule Hydaspes in Alexander's name. Afterwards, Alexander founded Alexandria Nikaia (Victory), located at the battle site, to commemorate his triumph. He also founded Alexandria Bucephalus on the opposite bank of the river. Alexander did this in memory of his much cherished horse, Bucephalus, who died during this battle, reportedly due to old age.

After the battle, Alexander was greatly impressed by Porus for his bravery in battle, and therefore made an alliance with him and appointed him as satrap of his own kingdom, even adding some land he did not own before. Alexander then named one of the two new cities that he founded, Bucephala, in honor of the horse who had brought him to India, who had died during the Battle of Hydaspes.[9] Alexander continued on to conquer all the headwaters of the Indus River.

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[smartnpisces]

which religion alexander belongs ???any one know ???

[alexandros1821]

@smartnpisces

He was a worshiper of the 12 Olympian Gods of Ancient Greece

[trident102002]

Alexander's religion? Definitely not Islam.

[Varoonmg]

I like the General, he looks fun...

[kaloya379]

@manoloxbenito sounds like you have some anger and frustration issues, Porus was in the land which is now Pakistan, whatever happens in PK today is PK culture it has been surely shaped and influenced by many cultures including Greek, Arab, Persian, Indian and others just like many other places. We are citizens of a global world, don't tell me you believe that some were born with a nobility stamp on their ass. My comment was just to mention with what grace and affection Porus is quoted. Peace :)

[manoloxbenito]

@Simmacus

So true. Islam is a disease.Fuck it!

[manoloxbenito]

@kaloya379

WTF? Pakistani culture? There is no "Pakistani culture". Only Islamic culture.

By the way, you are following Indian culture unawarely.

[manoloxbenito]

@khufyahath

Was... Now is the land of the terrorists.

[MikeSV1989]

@alexandros1821

And Later, of Himself! Like I am! He's my Supreme, Ultimate Idol! As he is the Supreme Warrior! The Greatest Man that ever Lived!

[proudtobeKVian]

@smartnpisces hellenic paganism in modern terms

[ModernWarfare2vsODST]

versed*