Alexandria Bucephalous | |
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City | |
Alexandria Bucephalous, or Bucephala (center right), was located on the Hydaspes river, north of nearby Nicaea across the river. |
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Country | Pakistan |
Alexandria Bucephalous, or Alexandria Bucephalus or Alexandria Bucephala or Bucephala or Bucephalia, was a city founded by Alexander the Great in memory of his beloved horse Bucephalus. Founded in May 326 BC, the town was located on the Hydaspes (Jhelum River), east of the Indus River. Bucephalus had died after the Battle of the Hydaspes in 326 BC. The garrison was settled with Greek and Iranian veterans plus natives. It had large dockyards, suggesting it was intended as a center of commerce.
Alexandria Bucephalous remained a significant centre for some time as it is mentioned in the Metz Epitome, and is shown on the late Roman Peutinger Table map.
The 1st-century Periplus of the Erythraean Sea reads:
"The country inland of Barigaza is inhabited by numerous tribes, such as the Arattii, the Arachosii, the Gandaraei and the people of Poclais, in which is Bucephalus Alexandria"
Around 17 cities were named with the pre-name "" during the period. Across the river, the nearby town of Alexandria Nicaea was also founded on the battle site at that time. Alexander founded nearly 20 towns, but also renamed others for a total of about 70 towns reportedly (Pliny) named by him.
The exact site of the city is still unknown but several locations have been proposed: