A medallion dating to the third century AD, showing Alexander the Great gazing heavenward and bearing a shield decorated with signs of the zodiac. The shoulder-strap of his cuirass (a fused breastplate-and-backplate) is decorated with a figure of the goddess Athene; on his chest, there is a scene from the Gigantomachy (the war between the gods of Olympus and the Giants, in which Heracles aided the gods). The back of the medallion shows Alexander with Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, in her chariot, with the gods Roma and Mars beside her.
Introduction
Alexander the Great’s Indian expedition (327-325 BC) pushed the boundaries of his vast empire into much of what is now Pakistan and into India’s Punjab. The most serious resistance came from Porus, King of Paurava, in a fierce battle in May 326 BC at the Hydaspes or River Jhelum in the Punjab, during which Alexander demonstrated once again that he was a prince as well as a general.
WHEN Porus, who exhibited great talent in the battle, performing deeds not only of a general, but of a valiant soldier, observed the slaughter of his cavalry and that most of his infantry had perished, he did not depart, as Darius the Persian king did, setting an example of flight to his men. But at last, having received a wound on the right shoulder, he turned his elephant round and began to retire.
Alexander, having seen him valiant in battle, was very desirous of saving his life. Accordingly, he sent to him first Taxîles the Indian, who, riding up as near as seemed safe, bade him listen to Alexander’s message. But when he saw his old foe Taxîles, Porus wheeled and prepared to strike him with a javelin, and would probably have killed him, if he had not quickly driven his horse beyond reach. But not even on this account was Alexander angry, but kept sending others in succession, and last of all Meroës the Indian, an old friend of Porus.
As soon as the latter heard the message of Meroës, and being overcome by thirst from his wound, he dismounted from his elephant.
Précis
In 326 BC, Alexander the Great’s push into northern India brought him up against Porus, a Punjabi king. Porus distinguished himself for generalship and courage, but was eventually forced to retire by a wounded shoulder. Eager to provide his vanquished enemy with medical assistance, Alexander sent messengers to Porus, but only Meroes was able to gain his trust. (58 / 60 words)
In 326 BC, Alexander the Great’s push into northern India brought him up against Porus, a Punjabi king. Porus distinguished himself for generalship and courage, but was eventually forced to retire by a wounded shoulder. Eager to provide his vanquished enemy with medical assistance, Alexander sent messengers to Porus, but only Meroes was able to gain his trust.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, because, just, must, otherwise, ought, unless, whether.
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