The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c5.s1.t1.15

c5.s1.t1.15

Pliny further describes Alexandria as being situated *sub ipso Caucaso*,* at the very foot of Caucasus,” which agrees exactly with the position of Opiân, at the northern end of the plain of *Koh-dâman*, or “hill-foot.” The same position is noted by Curtius, who places Alexandria in *radicibus montis*,† at the very base of the mountain. The place was chosen by Alexander on account of its favourable site at the *τρίοδον*,‡ or parting of the “three roads” leading to Bactria. These roads, which still remain unchanged, all separate at Opiân, near Begrâm.