Settlements > Alexandria in Carmania
Alexandria in Carmania
Background
Alexandria in Carmania: if this city was founded by Alexander (and not by Seleucus), it must have been a permanent garrison founded in January 324. Perhaps modern Golâshkerd in Iran. The area of Carmania where the Alexandria Carmania was located, noted with red colour on the map of the Empire of Alexander the GreatAlexandria Carmania was one of the seventy-plus cities founded or renamed by Alexander the Great. The town was founded by Alexander in January 324 BC after his army had reunited with Nearchus and his men who had beached their boats near the mouth of the Minab River.
Location
The exact site of the city in Carmania is still unknown but several locations have been proposed: The most commonly cited location is the village of Gulashkird, Iran (Lat. 27° 56' 57"N Long. 57° 17' 57"E). The unexplored ruins to the north and northwest of Gulishkird. The village of Gav Koshi nearby to the east of Gulishkird has also been popular. Sykes says it was in Rudbar 5km north of Gulishkird, based on surface finds of Greek pottery he made in that location. A less likely option is the village of Sharh-i Dakyanus (Town of the emperor Decius) near Jiroft, Iran. Sites at Sirjan and Tepe Yahya have also been postulated. Fraser, taking a typically conservative position thinks that Alexandria in Carmainai never existed.
The main contenders are all within a few kilometres of each other and that area would seem a logical one. Provided with reliable water from the Minab river, the location was on the convergence of the main passes from Afghanistan, the route into Gedrosia and had good access to the nearby Indian Ocean ports at Hormosia. The location would also provide control of the arable parts of Carmania.
The city still existed in the medieval period being known as Camadi, when Marco Polo visited. If Galashkird is the now lost city it was described by Arab geographer Mukaddasi who described it as a strongly fortified town with a castle Kushah, and lush orchards and fields supported by extensive qanat irrigation.
Mercator 1569 World Map
The 1569 world map of Gerardus Mercator, taken from Ptolemy's second century world map, shows Alexandria Carmania further to the west on the Salarus River, in the arid area north of the modern town of Haregī, Iran.
