Quick Search

 
or
Browse by Subject

Trade Sales

Sale Bargains &
Special Offers

Distributed Titles

Conference Timetable

Request Catalogues

Vacancies at Oxbow

Alexander the Great and the Mystery

by Frank L. Holt

In 1877 the so-called Oxus Treasure was unearthed from the banks of the river close to an ancient Greek settlement in the Hindu Kush. So began a trickle of precious coins and gold objects into the public domain, via bandits, soldiers, merchants and smugglers. Among these was a gold medallion with an elephant on one side and a figure on the other that scholars have all identified as Alexander the Great. This engrossing study explores the discovery and interpretation of this handful of medallions which depict Alexander's victory against the elephants and chariots of Rajah Porus of India at the Battle of the Hyspades River. A detailed analysis of the medallions themslves is accompanied by a fascinating discussion of the battle's background, the role of the elephant in ancient warfare and the origin of the medallions which provide an unparalleled and tantalising glimpse into that most elusive of places, Alexander's mind. 198p, b/w figs (California UP 2003, Pb 2005)

Browse other Hellenistic Studies - Alexander books

Browse other Hellenistic Art and Architecture books