Alexander the Great and the Greek Influence in Central Asia

Abstract

Events in the mid-fourth century b.c. seriously disrupted the political development of Central Asia and changed the course of history for several centuries. In the eyes of Central Asians, the Greek-Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great (356–323 b.c.) probably came out of nowhere. He appeared from the west to move triumphantly through Mesopotamia and Persia, defeating the Persian army, one of the world’s most powerful military forces until that time. Alexander successfully fought against the Persian garrisons, campaigning between 330 and 327 b.c., and then suddenly left the region and never returned.