Primary Source XXXIII: An Excerpt from the Anabasis of Alexander

Arrian's "Anabasis of Alexander" provides us one of the most reliable accounts of Alexander the Great's campaigns -- including Alexander's Siege of Tyre. The siege, which took place in 332BC, relied heavily on Cypriot and Phoenician naval support and provided Alexander a foothold into the Persian Empire. In fact, Arrian speaks of relying on Cypriot engineers who would fit together many war machines for the campaign. With the support of the kings of Cyprus (including King Pnytagoras of Salamis who you'll hear referenced in the Primary Source) it is considered one of Alexander's most impressive accomplishments. In an incredible feat of engineering, a causeway was built connecting the Island of Tyre to the mainland, allowing Alexander to cross and successfully capture the island fortress.

Cypriots would continue to furnish Alexander's campaigns with naval and engineering support throughout Alexander's incursion into Asia and including the Hydapses River in India (Jhelum River). Next month, I interview Andreas Parpas on Cyprus' role during Alexander's campaigns.

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