The African Desert

Alexander conquered Egypt and founded Alexandria at the Nile's mouth—still an important city today. He marched through the Sahara to visit Jupiter's temple in Libya. Soldiers suffered from heat, the simoom wind, and thirst. Horses died; only camels could survive. Mirages deceived them with visions of water. At the oasis, priests called him "son of Jupiter" to flatter him. After resting, they returned across the desert to Alexandria, then to Tyre, and pursued Darius. Greeks swam the Tigris holding shields overhead. On the plains of Arbela, the third great battle was fought. Alexander won; Darius fled again. Alexander marched to Babylon, the wonderful Eastern city.