Autumn in History

Alexander’s Retreat

[325 BC 120 km Off karachi]

Historical records show that Alexander passed through Khyber Pass region on his expedition into south east Asia, around September 327 BC. Two years later while retreating he passed through Makran Coastal desert in the autumn of year 325 BC.

There are two possibilities, explaining as to why Makran became his choice of passage. Firstly, Alexander chose the Makran desert route towards home, as a punishment to his army who had mutinied in India by refusing to follow him any further East.

Secondly to protect and supply, or be supplied by, the fleet. His fleet of ships was sailing side by side in the Arabian sea. Necessity of the fleet’s voyage along this coast? One reason most often suggested was to open up a sea trade route to India. For that to happen, the coast would have to be charted, landing sites and wells would have to be mapped. Commanding the fleet whose assigned job it was to travel along the coast, would meet with the army at various points, and supply them with grain and provisions. The army’s job, in return, was to provide wells and protection for the fleet whenever it put into shore to take on fresh water.

With the veterans gone and large part of the army sailing along the coast, he yet led 30,000 troops and half as many followers into the furnace heat and sandy dunes of Makran. Across the Hingol River in the desert proper sweet water was hard to find and food even less so. All Alexander’s plans to provision the fleet were failed.

Thirst and hunger raged through the army. When sweet water was reached men threw themselves into it and drank, sometimes dying from the excess. Hunger led others to butcher animals, then, carrying their goods themselves through the sucking morass of sand, they would lay down by the side of the road and die. Wagons broke down and the weak and wives and children unable to keep up were abandoned of their fate. None would stay behind to ease the distress of companions and loved ones, for it was important to get on.

Only half of those who had ventured into the Makran struggled into Pura (Bampur in Iran) two months later. Alexander had succeeded, but at a terrible price.