Alexander entirely subdued Persia

and formed the idea of conquering India. He pa ed the Indus in 327, and made an alliance with Taxiles, under whose guidance he reached the Hydaspes (modern Jhelum). Here, after a severe struggle, and unsatisfactory victory, he built a fleet, in which he sent part of his army down the river, while the rest proceeded along the banks. In 323 Alexander arrived at Babylon, where he found numberle envoys from nations near and far, come to, pay their homage to the young conqueror. He was engaged in very extensive plans for the future, including the conquest of Arabia and the reorganization of the army, when he fell ill of a fever. He died in 323, after a reign of 12 years and eight months. The day before a rumor had gone abroad that the great general was dead, and that his friends were concealing the truth. The dying king caused his army to defile past his bed, and feebly waved them a last farewell.