Spring 327 BC · Bactria / Sogdia (modern Uzbekistan / Tajikistan) Theater
Spring 327 BC
The Sogdian Rock was a near-vertical stronghold whose defenders considered it impregnable. When Alexander demanded surrender, the defenders reportedly challenged him to produce soldiers with wings. Alexander offered prizes to 300 volunteers with climbing experience, who scaled the cliffs at night using iron tent pegs as pitons. About 270 reached the summit and 30 fell to their deaths. At dawn, Alexander displayed the climbers above the fortress and the stunned garrison surrendered. Ariamazes commanded the stronghold; Oxyartes's wife and daughters, including Roxana, had taken refuge there. Alexander later married Roxana.
Commanders