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The fortress of Kurganzol: on the trail of Alexander the Great in Central Asia
How did Alexander the Great tame rebellious provinces? According to the ancient sources, he established a chain of fortresses to keep the peace after insurrection in Uzbekistan. In 2003, one of these posts was finally found, allowing Leonid M Sverchkov and Nikolaus G O Boroffka to follow in the footsteps of the celebrated Macedonian king.
In 329 BC, Alexander the Great crossed the Oxus river, before embarking on a new campaign of conquest. Most likely he made his passage near Kelif, where the only river rapids occur, matching the account provided in ancient texts. To reach the river, Alexander had travelled from Baktra, the ancient capital of Bactria, and now modern Balkh, near Mazar-i Sharif in Afghanistan. His destination was Sogd (Sogdiana), which he proceeded to conquer. A year later he was forced to return to Bactria and Sogd in order to put down rebellions. After suppressing these uprisings, Alexander decided to secure the region by erecting six fortresses. According to the ancient sources (Curtius Rufus VII.10,13-16),
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