The Return to Babylon

At the Hyphasis River, soldiers refused to go farther—they wanted to go home. Alexander was forced to stop. He built a fleet and sailed down the Indus to the sea. Thinking it connected to the Persian Gulf, he sent Admiral Nearchus to explore the coast. Alexander led the army overland through burning desert. He shared every hardship, marching on foot with his armor. When soldiers found a little water and brought it to him, he poured it out, saying he would drink only when his men could. After many months of suffering, the army met the fleet at the Euphrates. Nearchus's voyage opened a new trade route, and colonies were established.