Settlements > Alexandrian Settlements
Alexandrian Settlements
Background
Alexander the Great established numerous cities during his conquests, many of which were named Alexandria in his honor. These Alexandrian settlements played a significant role in spreading Greek culture and influence throughout the regions he conquered, contributing to the Hellenistic civilization. Here is an overview of the major Alexandrian settlements:
Here's a comprehensive table of notable settlements founded by Alexander the Great, including their approximate modern-day coordinates, estimated population, and historical satrapy:
Settlement Name | Modern-Day Location | Latitude | Longitude | Estimated Population | Historical Satrapy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alexandria in Egypt | Alexandria, Egypt | 31.2001°N | 29.9187°E | 100,000 - 500,000 | Egypt |
Alexandria Arachosia | Kandahar, Afghanistan | 31.6289°N | 65.7372°E | 20,000 - 50,000 | Arachosia |
Alexandria Ariana | Herat, Afghanistan | 34.3496°N | 62.2040°E | 20,000 - 50,000 | Aria |
Alexandria Bucephalous | Near Jhelum, Pakistan | 32.9312°N | 73.7283°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Punjab |
Alexandria Eschate | Khujand, Tajikistan | 40.2804°N | 69.6452°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Sogdiana |
Alexandria in Margiana | Merv, Turkmenistan | 37.6612°N | 62.1756°E | 20,000 - 50,000 | Margiana |
Alexandria in Susiana | Near Susangerd, Iran | 31.5636°N | 48.1894°E | 20,000 - 50,000 | Susiana |
Alexandria on the Indus | Uch, Pakistan | 29.1482°N | 71.0452°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Sindh |
Alexandria in Carmania | Kerman, Iran | 30.2839°N | 57.0834°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Carmania |
Alexandria Prophthasia | Farah, Afghanistan | 32.3745°N | 62.1164°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Drangiana |
Alexandria Troas | Dalyan, Turkey | 39.8006°N | 26.1735°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Troad |
Alexandria in Hyrcania | Near Bandar-e Torkaman, Iran | 36.8974°N | 54.0698°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Hyrcania |
Alexandria Rhambacia | Las Bela, Pakistan | 25.0000°N | 66.6670°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Gedrosia |
Alexandria by the Caucasus | Near Bagram, Afghanistan | 34.9464°N | 69.2642°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Paropamisadae |
Alexandria Nicaea | Near Jalalpur, Pakistan | 32.9333°N | 73.7333°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Punjab |
Alexandria in Media | Hamadan, Iran | 34.7975°N | 48.5146°E | 20,000 - 50,000 | Media |
Alexandria in Parthia | Near Nishapur, Iran | 36.2142°N | 58.7960°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Parthia |
Alexandria in Bactria | Near Balkh, Afghanistan | 36.7558°N | 66.8972°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Bactria |
Alexandria in Sogdiana | Near Samarkand, Uzbekistan | 39.6270°N | 66.9745°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Sogdiana |
Alexandria in Arachosia | Ghazni, Afghanistan | 33.5553°N | 68.4205°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Arachosia |
Alexandria Charax | Near Basra, Iraq | 30.4841°N | 47.8080°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Characene |
Alexandria in Babylonia | Near Hillah, Iraq | 32.5273°N | 44.4270°E | 20,000 - 50,000 | Babylonia |
Alexandria on the Oxus | Near Ai-Khanoum, Afghanistan | 37.1703°N | 69.4796°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Bactria |
Alexandria in Drangiana | Near Zaranj, Afghanistan | 30.9591°N | 61.8604°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Drangiana |
Alexandria Opiana | Near Puli Khumri, Afghanistan | 35.9446°N | 68.7147°E | 10,000 - 30,000 | Paropamisadae |
Notes:
- Coordinates are approximate and based on modern-day cities or locations believed to be near the ancient sites.
- Population estimates are based on historical records and archaeological findings, which can vary in accuracy.
- Historical satrapy refers to the administrative regions during Alexander the Great's empire.
Key Alexandrian Settlements
Alexandria in Egypt
- Location: Situated on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt.
- Founding: Founded by Alexander in 331 BCE.
- Significance: The most famous of all Alexandrias, it became the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt and a major center of Hellenistic culture, commerce, and learning. The city housed the Great Library of Alexandria and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Alexandria Eschate
- Location: In modern-day Tajikistan, near the Syr Darya River.
- Founding: Established in 329 BCE during Alexander's campaign in Central Asia.
- Significance: Known as "Alexandria the Furthest," it marked the northeasternmost extent of Alexander's empire and served as a military outpost to consolidate his control over the region.
Alexandria in Arachosia
- Location: Near modern-day Kandahar in Afghanistan.
- Founding: Founded around 330 BCE.
- Significance: This settlement helped secure Alexander's control over the region of Arachosia and facilitated trade and cultural exchange between the Greek and local populations.
Alexandria on the Oxus
- Location: Near the Amu Darya River in modern-day Afghanistan.
- Founding: Established in 329 BCE.
- Significance: This city was a strategic military and trade center, ensuring control over the Bactrian region and serving as a base for further expeditions.
Alexandria in Susiana
- Location: Near the city of Susa in modern-day Iran.
- Founding: Founded around 331 BCE.
- Significance: This settlement helped integrate the Persian heartland into Alexander's empire and served as a key administrative center.
Alexandria in Carmania
- Location: In the region of modern-day Kerman, Iran.
- Founding: Established in 325 BCE during Alexander's return from India.
- Significance: The city provided a resting point for Alexander's army and facilitated control over the region of Carmania.
Alexandria in Aria
- Location: Near modern-day Herat in Afghanistan.
- Founding: Established in 330 BCE.
- Significance: This city was strategically located to secure the region of Aria and ensure the safety of the routes between the central parts of the empire and India.
Alexandria Troas
- Location: Near modern-day Dalyan in Turkey.
- Founding: Likely founded or significantly developed by Alexander during his campaigns in Asia Minor.
- Significance: The city served as a major port and gateway between Europe and Asia, contributing to trade and cultural exchange.
Significance of Alexandrian Settlements
Cultural Diffusion:
- Hellenization: The establishment of these cities facilitated the spread of Greek culture, language, and customs throughout the conquered territories, leading to the Hellenistic civilization's blending of Greek and local elements.
- Education and Learning: Many Alexandrian cities became centers of learning and culture, with institutions such as libraries, schools, and theaters promoting Greek intellectual and artistic achievements.
Economic Impact:
- Trade Networks: The cities were strategically located to control trade routes and facilitate the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between different parts of Alexander's empire.
- Economic Integration: The settlements helped integrate the diverse regions of the empire into a coherent economic system, promoting stability and prosperity.
Military and Strategic Importance:
- Military Bases: Many Alexandrian cities were founded as military outposts to secure newly conquered territories and maintain control over key regions.
- Administrative Centers: The cities served as administrative hubs, helping to govern and manage the vast territories of Alexander's empire.
Conclusion
Alexander the Great's policy of founding cities named Alexandria was a key aspect of his strategy to consolidate and administer his vast empire. These settlements played a crucial role in spreading Greek culture and influence, fostering economic integration, and ensuring military control over diverse regions. The legacy of these cities endured long after Alexander's death, contributing significantly to the cultural and historical landscape of the Hellenistic world.
Sources
- Abila
- Adramyttion
- Ahsiket
- Akanthos
- Aleppo
- Alexandria Ad Issum
- Alexandria Arachosia
- Alexandria Ariana
- Alexandria Asiana
- Alexandria Bucephalous
- Alexandria By The Latmus
- Alexandria Eschate
- Alexandria In Carmania
- Alexandria In Egypt
- Alexandria In Makarene
- Alexandria In Margiana
- Alexandria In Opiana
- Alexandria In Orietai
- Alexandria In Susiana
- Alexandria Near Issus
- Alexandria Niceae
- Alexandria On The Caucasus
- Alexandria On The Hyphasis
- Alexandria On The Indus
- Alexandria On The Oxus
- Alexandria Prophthasia
- Alexandria Rhambacia
- Alexandria Tarmita
- Alexandria Troas
- Alexandria
- Alexandrian Settlements
- Alexandrupolis
- Alinda
- Amaseia
- Amorium
- Amphipolis
- Amyzon
- Anatolian Settlements
- Ancoz
- Anthemusias
- Antigonia Chaonia
- Antigonia In Paeonia
- Antigonia In Syria
- Antigonia Psaphara
- Antigonid Settlements
- Antioch Epidaphne
- Antioch Of Hippos
- Antioch Of Pisidia
- Antioch On The Golden River
- Antioch On The Maeander
- Antioch On The Orontes
- Antioch
- Antiochia Ad Cragum
- Antiochia Ad Pyramum
- Antiochia Ad Taurum
- Antiochia In Cilicia
- Antiochia In Lydia
- Antiochia In Mesopotamia
- Antiochia In Scythia
- Antiochia In Sittacene
- Antiochia In Susiana
- Antiochia Lamotis
- Antiochia Mygdonia
- Antiochia Of Chosroes
- Antiochia Of The Chrysaorians
- Antiochia On The Callirhoe
- Antiochia On The Cydnus
- Antiochia On The Taurus
- Antiochia Paraliou
- Antipatrid Settlements
- Apamea Cibotus
- Apamea In Babylonia
- Apamea In Media
- Apamea In Sittacene
- Apamea In Syria
- Apamea Myrlea
- Apamea On The Euphrates
- Apamea Ragiana
- Apollonia
- Arbela
- Aretas IV Philopatris
- Arg E Bam
- Argead Settlements
- Argos
- Arigaeum
- Arsameia
- Arsamosata
- Arsinoe Epidires
- Arsinoe In Cilicia
- Arsinoe In Crete
- Arsinoe In Northwest Cyprus
- Arsinoe In Southwest Cyprus
- Arsinoites
- Artemita In Apolloniatis
- Ashkelon
- Asian Settlements
- Astacus In Bithynia
- Aswan
- Asyut
- Athens
- Attalea
- Attalid Settlements
- Ay Khanum
- Baalbek
- Babylon
- Bactra
- Bactrian Settlements
- Balasagun
- Barbarikon
- Bellegrada
- Berenice Epideires
- Berenice Panchrysos
- Berenice Troglodytica
- Berenike
- Birtha
- Bithynian Settlements
- Blaundos
- Bolbitine
- Borsippa
- Buto
- Byblos
- Byzantium
- Canopus
- Carian Settlements
- Carthage
- Cassandreia
- Cebrene
- Chalcedon
- Cius
- Corinth
- Corycus
- Ctesiphon
- Cyrene
- Cyropolis
- Cyrrhus
- Cyzicus
- Dalverzin Tepe
- Damascus
- Daphne
- Dascylium
- Dathema
- Decapolis
- Delos
- Delphi
- Demetriapolis
- Demetrias In Assyria
- Demetrias
- Diadochoupolis
- Dion
- Docimium
- Dumatha
- Ecbatana
- Edessa
- Egyptian Settlements
- Ekron
- Elaea Lebanon
- Elaea
- Emirzeli
- Ephesus
- Epirote Settlements
- Eshnunna
- Eucratideia
- European Settlements
- Gabai
- Gamla
- Gath
- Gaza
- Gazoros
- Gerrha
- Giza
- Gordium
- Greek Settlements
- Halicarnassus
- Harran
- Hegra
- Hekatompylos
- Heliopolis
- Hellenistic Colonies
- Hellenopolis
- Heraclea Lyncestis
- Heraclea Pontica
- Heraclea Sintica
- Heraclea
- Hierapolis
- Ikaros
- Indian Settlements
- Indo Greek Settlements
- Issus
- Jerusalem
- Kale Krsevica
- Kalindoia
- Kandyba
- Knidos
- Komopolis
- Konope
- Kos
- Lagina
- Lamia
- Lampsacus
- Laodicea Ad Libanum
- Laodicea Combusta
- Laodicea Pontica
- Laodicea
- Laodiceia
- Leuke Kome
- Lysimachia
- Lysimachian Settlements
- Macedonian Settlements
- Magnesia Ad Sipylum
- Maracanda
- Marathon
- Mathura
- Mediterranean Settlements
- Megara Hyblaea
- Megara
- Memphis
- Merv
- Mesopotamian Settlements
- Metropolis
- Milas
- Miletus
- Myos Hormos
- Myra
- Mysomakedones
- Negotino
- Nicaea And Bucephala
- Nicaea
- Niya
- Nysa On The Maeander
- Olympia
- Olympos
- Olynthus
- Ouranoupoli
- Palmyra
- Paneas
- Paroecopolis
- Pasargadae
- Patala
- Pataliputra
- Pelium
- Pella
- Pelusium
- Pentapolis
- Pergamon
- Perseis
- Persepolis
- Persian Settlements
- Petra
- Peucela
- Phasaelis
- Phaselis
- Phila
- Philadelphia
- Philippopolis
- Phoenician Settlements
- Phthiotic Thebes
- Plataea
- Prophthasia In Drangiana
- Prusa
- Pteria
- Ptolemaic Settlements
- Ptolemais Hermiou
- Ptolemais Theron
- Ptolemais
- Pythion
- Qalatga Darband
- Raphia
- Rhacotis
- Rhambacia
- Rhinocorura
- Rhodes
- Rome
- Sagala
- Sagalassos
- Saketa
- Saksanokhur
- Samosata
- Sardis
- Seleucia Ad Belum
- Seleucia At The Zeugma
- Seleucia In Sittacene
- Seleucia On The Calycadnus
- Seleucia On The Hedyphon
- Seleucia On Tigris
- Seleucia Pamphylia
- Seleucia Pieria
- Seleucia Samulias
- Seleucia Sidera
- Seleucia
- Seleucid Settlements
- Serraepolis
- Sialkot
- Side
- Sidon
- Sirkap
- Siwa Oasis
- Smyrna
- Soli
- Sparta
- Stratonicea In Caria
- Stratonicea In Lydia
- Stratonicea
- Sulusaray
- Susa
- Syracuse
- Syrian Tetropolis
- Taposiris Magna
- Tarsus
- Taxila
- Tel Anafa
- Termessos
- Thapsacus
- Tharros
- Thebes Egypt
- Thebes Greece
- Therma
- Thermos
- Thessaloniki
- Thmuis
- Troy
- Tyre
- Uranopolis
- Xanthos
- Yerevan
- Zeugma