Book 7 Summary and Analysis

Back in his Asian empire, Alexander considers sailing down the Tigris River and conquering more lands. Historians speculate as to what extent his ambitions might have been during this time. Alexander does not live long enough to carry them out, but his concerns over the rising Romans are known to be true.

At Susa Alexander holds wedding ceremonies for his men and takes a wife himself, Darius' oldest daughter, Barsine. He gives wedding presents to 10,000 of his men who marry Asian women and pays off their debts. The men at first refuse to accept the debt payments, but Alexander makes it easier for them. He sets up a table and orders the clerks to accept the IOUs of the men without taking down their names.

Shortly before this period, Alexander begins wearing Persian clothing and learns to speak the language. This...