Empire of the East
An Alternate History of Alexander the Great’s Conquest
Created By: Historic_Crypto / Curator of Strange History
Release Date: Friday, August 11, 2023, 9:00 AM EST
SuperRare Marketplace: HERE
Exhibit & Image Details: Montage Space / SuperRare presented by Sloika, AI Generated Film Photography, 50mm, Panaflex, Midjourney V5.2, Digital AI Upscale, [1/1] Digital Art [NFTs].
The Story — An Alternate Timeline of Historical Events
In the year 326 B.C., after successfully subduing Persia, Egypt, and parts of Central Asia, Alexander the Great set his sights on expanding his empire further east. His ultimate goal was to reach the “end of the world.” With a battle-hardened army, Alexander crossed into the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, which was then ruled by various regional kingdoms.
Alexander’s army faced fierce resistance from the Indian kings, most notably King Porus, who ruled over a powerful kingdom in the region of Punjab. The Battle of the Hydaspes River in 326 B.C. was a major confrontation between Alexander and Porus. Despite the valiant efforts of Porus and his forces, Alexander emerged victorious.
After the Battle of the Hydaspes, Alexander’s troops expressed their reluctance to continue the march deeper into India. They had been away from their homes for years, and the prospect of facing more powerful Indian kingdoms and the vastness of the subcontinent seemed daunting. However, the Macedonian soldiers heard stories of the Nanda Empire, a mighty kingdom in the east, which was filled with riches beyond their wildest dreams.
This is where our story takes a turn that changes the course of history forever. Alexander and his troopes decide to move forward through India to discover the riches that lie ahead.
The mighty army of Alexander moved swiftly into the region controlled by the Nanda Empire and won a decisive battle at the capital city, Pataliputra. This victory marked a significant achievement in his campaign, solidifying his control over parts of the Indian subcontinent.
In 325 B.C., the Macedonian army moved past the borders of India, delving deeper into the mysterious and uncharted territories. The Greek army, known for its military prowess and cultural influence, established strongholds along their path, merging Greek customs with local traditions. These Eastern-Greco settlements soon formed the foundation of a unique and prosperous dynasty, marking a turning point in history.
Driven by an insatiable thirst for power and knowledge, he led his formidable army across the treacherous terrains of the Himalayas. The might of the Greeks clashed with the ancient Eastern empires, and amidst the clash of swords and thunderous battles, a new era began to take shape.
As Alexander and his warriors moved eastward, they encountered the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and tradition. Fascinated by the wisdom and splendor of the East, Alexander saw an opportunity to forge a unique dynasty that would bridge the gap between the Western and Eastern worlds. In the city of Xianyang, the heart of the Chinese Empire, the Greco-Eastern dynasty was born.
Under the rule of the new dynasty, the lands of the East flourished. Greek and Chinese customs intermingled, creating a fusion of art, philosophy, and governance. The Great Library of Alexandria found its counterpart in the Imperial Library of Xianyang, where scholars from both cultures exchanged knowledge and wisdom.
To mark their conquest and protect their newfound empire, the Greco-Eastern dynasty embarked on a monumental endeavor — the construction of the “Alexander the Great Wall of China.” This colossal fortification stretched across the vast Chinese landscape, guarding the empire against external threats and symbolizing the unity between the East and the West.
As the empire ruled the Asian continent and expanded over the course of hundreds of years, its influence reached the distant shores of Japan. In a bid to further their dominion, the Greco-Eastern forces embarked on a daring expedition to conquer the samurai. Combining Greek military tactics with Chinese martial arts, they emerged victorious, establishing a new order in Japan under the Greco-Eastern dynasty banner.
The Empire of the East, now extending from China to Japan, set its sights on the uncharted territories across the Pacific Ocean. In the year 1492 A.D., Greco-Eastern explorers, sailing under the banner of the Great Imperial Fleet, reached the shores of what is now known as the Americas.
In this distant land, the Greco-Eastern explorers encountered indigenous peoples, forging connections and exchanging knowledge. They landed on the pristine west coast, establishing a settlement named New Alexandria. The empire’s influence spread, leaving an indelible mark on the cultures and civilizations that would rise in the Americas in the centuries to come.
The Empire of the East stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human ambition, the power of cultural exchange, and the enduring legacy of Alexander the Great.
It is a realm where Greek and Chinese cultures merged, creating a vibrant tapestry of art, philosophy, and innovation. From the Alexander the Great Wall of China to the shores of the Americas, the empire’s legacy endures, reminding the world of the extraordinary possibilities that lie in the confluence of East and West.
Part of the Strange History: Alternate Realities SuperRare Exhibit
View the Full Exhibit: HERE
