Page:History of Greece Vol XII.djvu/262

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230 HISTORY OF GREKCK. lishments, as well as to keep up communication, he conducted his army onward in an easterly direction towards the river Ake- rines (Clienab).^ His recent victory had spread terror around; the Glaukas, a powerful Indian tribe, with thirty-seven towns and many populous villages, submitted, and were placed under the dominion of Porus ; while embassies of submission were also re- ceived from two considerable princes — Abisai-es, and a second Porus, hitherto at enmity with his namesake. The passage (S the great river Akesines, now full and impetuous in its current, was accomplished by boats and by inflated hides, yet not without difficulty and danger. From thence he pioceeded onward in the same direction, across the Punjab — finding no enemies, but leaving detachments at suitable posts to keep up his communica- tions and ensure his supplies — to the river Hydraotes or Ravee ; which, though not less broad and full than the Akesines, was comparatively tranquil, so as to be crossed with facility.^ Here Bome free Indian tribes, Kathoeans and others, had the courage to resist. They first attempted to maintain themselves in San- gala by surrounding their town with a triple entrenchment of waggons. These being attacked and carried, they were driven within the walls, which they now began to despair of defending, and resolved to evacuate by night. But the project was divulged to Alexander by deserters, and frustrated by his vigilance. On the next day, he took the town by storm, putting to the sword 17,000 Indians, and taking (according to Arrian) 70,000 cap- tives. His own loss before the town was less than 100 killed, and 1200 wounded. Two neighboring towns, in alliance with Sangala, were evacuated by their terrified inhabitants. Alex- ander pursued, but could not overtake them, except 500 sick or weakly persons, whom his soldiers put to death. Demolishing •he battle was fought about the end of June or beginning of July 326 b. a. afrer the rainy season had commenced ; towards the clo^e of the archonship of Hegemon, and the beginning of that of Chremes. ' Arrian, v. 20 ; Didor. xvii. 95. Lieut. Wood (Journey to the source of the Oxus, p. 11-39) remarks that the hirgc rivers of the Punjab change their course so often and so considerably, that monuments and indications of Alexander's march in that territory cannot be expected tc remain, espe daily in ground near rivers.

  • Arrian, v. 20.