In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great

This book recreates his 22,000 mile, 10-year expedition from Greece to India, following as much as possible the actual route of his journey. Historian Michael Wood traversed 17 countries, trekking thru the Zagros Mts to find the lost site of Alexander's battle at the Persian Gates, drinking black tea in the Hindu Kush, listening to ancient stories of "Sikander e Aazem" & crossing the Makran Desert with 23 camels. He traveled with Lebanese traders, Iranian pilgrims, Afghan guerrillas & other locals on a journey that took him thru many of the 20th century's major trouble spots, including Beirut & Kurdistan. Wood bases his account of Alexander's conquest on the texts of Greek & Roman historians, but he also reconsiders the Greek adventure in terms of modern ideas on colonialism, orientalism & racism. 

The Macedonian conquest, which has mainly been seen through Greek sources, is illuminated for the 1st time by medieval travelers' narratives, newly discovered oracles & prophecies on papyrus or clay tablet. At the heart of the story is the towering, enigmatic character of Alexander. He ascended the throne at 20, conquered much of the known world before he was 30 & was dead by the age of 32. A ruthless politician, brilliant military tactician, devoted son, family man, bisexual lover, Alexander was known for his extreme generosity as well as his ferocious cruelty. Following in the conqueror's footsteps centuries later, Wood overhears the words of the fabled Greek mermaid who calls to passing sailors: "Great Alexander still lives." ISBN:9780563371441