[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [General history and culture](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general) › [The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924) › c12.26 # The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great c12.26 The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great c12.26 - **Language:** English ### [c12.26](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924.c12.26) Alexander now undertook in person the reduction of the formidable nation called the Assakēnoi, who were reported to await him with an army of 20,000 cavalry, more than 30,000 infantry, and thirty elephants. Quitting the Bājaur territory, Alexander crossed the Gouraios (Panjkora) river, with a body of picked regiments, including, as usual, a large proportion of mounted troops, and entered the Assakenian territory, in order to attack Massaga, the greatest city of those parts and the seat of the sovereign power. This formidable fortress, probably situated not very far to the north of the Malakand Pass, but not yet precisely identified, was strongly fortified by both nature and art.¹ On the east, an impetuous mountain stream, flowing between steep banks, barred access; while, on the south and west, gigantic rocks, deep chasms, and treacherous morasses impeded the approach of an assailing force. Where nature failed to give adequate protection, art had stepped in, and had girdled the city with a mighty rampart, built of brick, stone, and timber, about four miles (35 \*stadia\*) in circumference, and guarded by a deep moat (Q. Curtius, viii, 10). While reconnoitring these formidable defences, and considering his plan of attack, Alexander was again wounded by an arrow. The wound was not very serious, and did not prevent him from continuing the active supervision of the siege operations, which were designed and controlled throughout by his master mind. - [Previous: c12.25](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924.c12.25) - [Next: c12.27](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924.c12.27) - [Up: c12](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924.c12) ## Linked texts (1) - [Historiae Alexandri Magni](https://indike.org/pramana/inf.la.imperial.curtius) — Q. Curtius Rufus, Latin --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924.c12.26](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.smith-1924.c12.26) · Pramāṇa