ALEXANDROPOLIS, name of a number of cities. According to certain historians, these cities were founded after Alexander’s death; others call some of these same cities Alexandria. It is impossible to tell whether the name Alexandropolis is a mere variant or a new name given to reestablished cities. Three cities by this name in the Iranian territories are mentioned: Alexandropolis of Arachosia and Alexandropolis of Sacastene (see Alexandria) and Alexandropolis of Parthyene (Pliny 6.113). The last, which Pliny describes as “a city without a founder,” may perhaps be identified with the Parthaunisa of Isidore of Charax, in which case it should doubtless be sought for at the site of Nesā.
Bibliography: See under Alexandria.
(P. Leriche)
Originally Published: December 15, 1985
Last Updated: August 1, 2011
This article is available in print.
Vol. I, Fasc. 8, p. 831
P. Leriche, “ALEXANDROPOLIS,” Encyclopædia Iranica, I/8, p. 831; an updated version is available online at http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/alexandropolis-name-of-a-number-of-cities (accessed on 18 May 2014).