Book 5 Summary and Analysis

Alexander arrives at the Indus River. He builds a bridge out of boats and planks. The boats, anchored with their prows pointing up river and lashed together side-to-side, form the basic bridge. Then planking is laid across the boats to make a stable bridgework, and railings give a greater sense of stability for the animals that cross.

When Alexander enters the town of Taxiles, he receives gifts and learns that a local king named Porus intends to stop the Macedonian army from crossing the Hydaspes River. Alexander orders his men to disassemble the bridge just made in order to cross the Hydaspes in the boats.

Facing Porus across the river, Alexander splits his forces and has them march around to keep Porus guessing what the Macedonians might be planning. The enemy at first tries to follow the movements, but then gives...