How did Alexander the Great feed his army?

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How did Alexander the Great feed his army?

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2004

Answers

When coming back to Susa after conquering India he travelled through modern Iran in the Gedrosian desert near the sea coast and Alexander's troops ran out of food. (The fleet accompanying his army by sea was supposed to provide food and drinks for the ground troops but was separated from the main body) They looted native villages for supplies but only found the native fish paste, a kind of crushed fish powder that smelled horribly. Thus, on Alexander's map the inhabitants of these lands were referred to in the Greek Ichthyophagoi "Fish Eaters". With such difficult conditions, it is no wonder Alexander drank himself to death when he came back to Mesopotamia.

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2004

The feeding of his troops was one of Alexaanders great accomplishments. Instead of using the traditional (up until the time) methods of ox borne carts he trained his army to carry supplies with them. Alexanders soldiers carried large packs with food and water to sustain them on his journeys. They was a support network that followed on behind and re supplied his armies. Alexander purchased many of his supplies from the locals but wanted to be able to travel quicker than the enemy in order to gain an advantage. He used this advantage when approaching the battle of Gaugamela where his armies crosssed the Tigris and the Euphrates in order to descend upon King Darius of the Persians from the North.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2004

He usualy gave them some food..................... Failing that, he would mash up some barley bread and olives put it on a spoon and say "here comes the griffin" that got those pesky soldiers to eat without complain. He got this food from the local areas that he and his army were in, even if it meant stealing from the locals.

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2004

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