329 BC · Central Asia (modern Tajikistan / Uzbekistan) Theater
329 BC
At the far northeastern edge of the Persian Empire, Alexander reached the Jaxartes River (modern Syr Darya) — the boundary between the civilized world and the Scythian steppe. Scythian horse archers massed on the far bank, apparently expecting the river to stop him. Alexander crossed under fire using hide-stuffed tents as improvised boats and rafts, then used light infantry and archers to suppress the Scythians while cavalry crossed downstream. The Scythians were driven from the bank, pursued for miles, and scattered. Alexander founded a city on the bank — Alexandria Eschate, 'the Furthest' — that survives today as Khujand.
Commanders