--- title: Map of the Cities Named Alexandria by Alexander the Great: How One Name Marked the Map of Conquest author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14368/map-of-the-cities-named-alexandria-by-alexander-th/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2026-03-04 --- # Map of the Cities Named Alexandria by Alexander the Great: How One Name Marked the Map of Conquest _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of the Cities Named Alexandria by Alexander the Great: How One Name Marked the Map of Conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14368.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14368.png) ## Image Caption The urban foundations of [Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_the_Great/) ([Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/) III of [Macedon](https://www.worldhistory.org/macedon/), reign 336–323 BCE) formed a deliberate component of his imperial strategy during his campaigns across the [Near East](https://www.worldhistory.org/Near_East/), Central Asia, and the northwestern Indian subcontinent (334–323 BCE). Rather than temporary military encampments, many of these foundations were planned as permanent settlements designed to secure key routes, house Macedonian and [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) veterans, and anchor administrative authority in newly conquered territories. By establishing or reorganizing urban centers, frequently named [Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/alexandria/), Alexander sought to consolidate military control while facilitating economic integration and the diffusion of [Hellenistic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/) political and cultural practices across a vast and diverse [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/). Ancient sources suggest that over thirty such [cities](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) were founded or renamed during this decade of expansion, stretching from Alexandria (founded 331 BCE) on the [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/) coast to Alexandria Eschate (“the Furthest,” founded 329 BCE) in Central Asia. Many evolved into enduring administrative and commercial hubs under the successor kingdoms. Following the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of the Hydaspes (326 BCE) against Porus (reign c. 340–315 BCE), Alexander founded Bucephala in honor of his horse [Bucephalus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Bucephalus/), blending commemoration with imperial symbolism. These foundations illustrate how [urbanization](https://www.worldhistory.org/urbanization/) functioned not merely as a byproduct of [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) but as an instrument of state formation, cultural transmission, and long-term geopolitical control in the [Hellenistic world](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/). #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2021, July 13). Map of the Cities Named Alexandria by Alexander the Great: How One Name Marked the Map of Conquest. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Cities Named Alexandria by Alexander the Great: How One Name Marked the Map of Conquest." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 13, 2021. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Cities Named Alexandria by Alexander the Great: How One Name Marked the Map of Conquest." *World History Encyclopedia*, 13 Jul 2021, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 13 July 2021. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.