The Ganges

[dean]

Hello,I was just running the following through my mind and wanted a bit of feedback-The "final turning point" at the end of the journey- near the Ganges, could it have been brought about because of Alexander's orientalisation, indirect murder of Philotas(treated pretty similar to Bessus when you think about it) and the murder of Cleitos?Could these three things have been the trigger that made the army refuse to go on?Love to hear what you think,Dean.

[luisfc1972]

i think all the reasons you posted are factors. but basically the army just wanted to go home see their families and enjoy their new wealth. the wheather and the elephants had something to do with it as well

[luisf1972]

you could also argue that alexander took the dessert route just to punish his army. many were killed, basically those who did not want to go on were disposed of by the journey.

[dean]

Hello, Yes the route chosen from Patala to Pura was not exactly the easiest choice. Especially taking into account that Alexander himself had just recently taken the arrow wound in the Malian town.I don't know, maybe it was a punishment for the refusal of the troops to carry on.I must admit that I hadn't taken into account your comment about the weather being one of the factors that could have brought about the unhappiness in the troops.Dean.