1842.1 from the West and North-west. 567 



populous, the walls strong and high, and the inhabitants warlike. 

 He mastered it at length, effecting an entrance by the river bed, dur- 

 ing a season of drought, and then returned to secure his posts on the 

 Jaxartes, sending a division to strengthen Markanda. While he was en- 

 camped on the banks of this river, seeking to inspire the Scythians with 

 a dread of his power, the division of his army sent for the relief of 

 Markanda, was defeated and utterly destroyed on the banks of the 

 Zurafshan* river by Spitamenes. This called Alexander back to 

 Samarkund, and after ravaging the valley of the Zurafshan, he moved 

 to Huzarasp, where he had proposed to winter, in order to hold the 

 convention before proclaimed, and to confirm by policy, the influence 

 his victories had established. It was here that Clitus was slain, and 

 that Scythians from the western Tanais (the Wolga or Don) came, and 

 endeavoured to persuade Alexander to attempt the passage that way 

 back to Europe ; but Alexander excused himself, saying, he must first 

 conquer India, and then would come by the route of Europe round 

 that way to the Tanais and Huzarasp.f 



Early in the spring of 328, b. c. while the snow was still on the 

 ground, Alexander took the field again, for reduction of the cities of 

 Sogdiana, which still held for Spitamenes. His army marched in 

 five divisions, Alexander heading that which took the mountain road 

 by Samarkund. Soon after the march, Huzarasp was attempted by 

 surprise, but saved by its garrison. Spitamenes then made a gallant 

 attack on the left division led by Ccenus, which skirted the desert, and 

 had marched apparently for relief of the garrisons of the Jaxartes : it 

 was met by Spitamenes while countermarching for the defence of 

 Huzarasp, consequently on the attack of that post. Being defeated by 



* Arrian calls the river of Markanda, Polytimetus, the much-valued, Zurafshan 

 is gold scattering. The description of its losing itself in the sands of the Bokhara 

 Desert confirms the identity, if the name and other circumstances had left any doubt 

 on the subj ect. 



f The site of Huzarasp, no less than the similarity of name, proves it to be the 

 Zariaspe referred to. It is on the Oxus in the advanced position suited to the convoca- 

 tion, and is exactly the place the Scythians of the Steppes towards the Wolga might 

 be expected to come to, while the river being navigable gave all the desired facilities 

 for forming a depot. The next year's march back to Samarkund establishes the cor- 

 rectness of this position, and it is further confirmed by the communications held at 

 it with the Chorasmeni, (Kharizmees.) Kheeva and Orgunj, the capitals of Kharizm, 

 being only a few marches down the stream of the Oxus. The limits of ancient 

 Bactria might well extend down the Oxus as far as Huzarasp. 



