The Anabasis of Alexander or, The history of the wars and conquests of Alexander the Great

About the book

Arrian reconstructs Alexander's expeditions from earlier accounts, choosing among traditions and sometimes explaining why he prefers one report to another. The result is an ancient historical narrative written long after the events, not an eyewitness diary. Military movement provides its structure, but character, leadership, and the treatment of companions or opponents repeatedly enter the story. E. J. Chinnock's English translation adds commentary drawing on other ancient writers and geographical sources. Readers can follow the campaigns while attending to the narrator's judgments about conduct and credibility. The book is especially useful when its confidence is examined rather than simply inherited: what receives detailed explanation, what is passed over, and how does admiration for an exceptional commander coexist with criticism of particular actions?

• Conquest and leadership
• Historical testimony
• Ambition

Why read it

For an influential ancient account whose narrative choices make the writing of history visible alongside the campaigns.

English translation and commentary by E. J. Chinnock · 1884