Cities in Pakistan Named after Alexander the Great

Map by Simon Netchev

When we think of cities named after Alexander, we instantly remember Alexandroupoli in Greece and Alexandria in Egypt. But did you know that there is a whole list of cities named 'Alexandria' (or variations of it)? The Empire of Alexander the Great stretched to South Asia. Some cities named after Alexander the Great are now in Pakistan.

Between 336 BCE to 323 BCE, Alexander the Great pushed the boundaries of his Macedonian Kingdom as far south as Egypt and as far east as Punjab. He marked conquest after conquest with a series of cities, he either founded or renamed, for his veterans to settle down. Some of these cities live on today, while others have been lost to the sands of history. Plutarch wrote that Alexander founded around 20 cities, and renamed an additional 50.

Alexandria Bucephalus Founded in 326 BCE on the Hydaspes (Jhelum River) and named for Alexander’s beloved horse Bucephalus, who died during the battle. This site was likely to be located near the city of Jhelum. The large dockyards described indicate that it was intended as a centre of commerce. The city was renowned enough to appear eight centuries later as one of the easternmost places listed on the Tabula Peutingeriana.

Alexandria Nicaea Located across the river from Alexandria Bucephalus and founded at the same time, evidently serving the same function. It is believed to be near the town of Mong, which would place the city 34 km downstream from Jhelum. Nicaea translates to ‘victory’, as the Hydaspes River was the scene of Alexander’s last great victory in India over the Raja Porus, in May 326 BCE. Alexander was impressed enough by Porus’ skill and bravery to let Porus rule in his name upon his departure.

Alexandria en Indo Potamo (Alexandria on the Indus): Now heading south along the Indus River, Alexander founded this settlement in 325 BCE at the confluence of the Indus and Chenab River with 10 000 veterans and natives. Under its modern name Uch Sharif, it would become a major centre of Islamic study and architecture. The ruins of Alexander’s city are believed to lie underneath Uch’s citadel, much of which was washed away by a change in the course of the Chenab.

Alexandria Rhambacia Modern-day Bela, Pakistan near the mouth of the Indus, was founded in the autumn of 325 BCE.