Origins & Early Life

Taxiles or Taxilas (Ancient Greek: Tαξίλης, Taxílēs or Ταξίλας, Taxílas; r. 326 – 316 BCE) was the Greek chroniclers' name for the ruler who reigned over the tract between the Indus and the Jhelum (Hydaspes) Rivers in the Punjab region at the time of Alexander the Great's expedition. His real name may have been Ambhi (Greek: Omphis), and the Greeks appear to have called him Taxiles or Taxilas, after the name of his capital city of Taxila, near the modern city of Attock, Pakistan. Ambhi ascended to throne of Takshasila.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He sent an embassy to Alexander along with presents consisting of 200 Talents of silver, 3,000 fat oxen and 10,000 sheep or more (both are estimated around 600 talents of silver), a force of 700 horsemen and offered for surrender. He appears to have been on hostile terms with his neighbour, Porus, who held the territories east of the Hydaspes. It was probably with a view to strengthening himself against this foe that he sent an embassy to Alexander, while the latter was still in Sogdiana, with offers of assistance and support, perhaps in return for money. Alexander was cautious by the sight of Ambhi's forces on his first descent into India in 327 BC and ordered...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

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