Rare Old Map of Alexander the Great's Conquests, 1972: Routes, Battles, Persia, Egypt, Balkans

Step into the world of ancient conquests with this exquisite map of Alexander the Great’s Empire, meticulously crafted by the Sahab Geographic & Drafting Institute in 1972. This historically informative map captures the essence of Alexander's eastern expeditions, tracing his legendary routes from Greece to the Punjab. The map vividly details the strategic military campaigns that expanded his empire, showcasing the routes taken by Alexander, Craterus, and Nearchus. Each path is a testament to the boldness and ambition that defined one of history's most renowned conquerors.

Please note, this map is labelled in both Arabic and English.

This map not only delineates the vast territories conquered by Alexander but also marks the significant battles that shaped his empire. Key battles such as Issus, Gaugamela, and the Hydaspes are prominently featured, offering a glimpse into the pivotal moments that determined the fate of empires. The map highlights the territorial boundaries before and after Alexander's conquests, providing a visual narrative of his transformative impact on the ancient world.

The regions depicted on this map stretch from the Black Sea to the Persian Sea, encompassing a diverse array of cultures and landscapes. From the familiar lands of Macedonia and Thrace to the distant realms of Persia, Egypt, and India, this map is a journey through the heart of Alexander's empire. It captures the rich tapestry of civilizations that were woven together under his rule, each contributing to the legacy of this extraordinary leader.

Designed with an eye for detail, the map features labels in both Persian and English, reflecting the multicultural nature of Alexander's empire. Roads, capital cities, and castles are meticulously marked, offering insights into the infrastructure that supported his vast dominion. The inclusion of geographic features such as rivers and deserts adds depth to the map, illustrating the challenges faced by Alexander and his army as they traversed these varied terrains.

This map is not just a depiction of Alexander the Great's empire; it is a window into a pivotal era of history. It invites you to explore the strategic brilliance and indomitable spirit that propelled Alexander to greatness. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a collector of fine maps, this piece offers a unique opportunity to own a slice of ancient history, beautifully rendered and rich with stories of conquest and legacy.

Places on this map

• Macedonia
• Thrace
• Persia
• Egypt
• Mesopotamia
• Bactria
• Scythia
• Ariania
• Punjab
• Creta
• Cyprus
• Libya
• Arabia
• Gedrosia
• Parthia
• Pontus
• Armenia
• Media
• Sogdiana
• India

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Routes of Alexander the Great
• Routes of Craterus
• Routes of Nearchus
• Battle of Issus (333 BC)
• Battle of Gaugamela (331 BC)
• Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BC)
• Capital cities and castles
• Territorial boundaries before and after Alexander
• Roads connecting major cities
• Key battlefields and their dates
• The Persian Sea and Black Sea
• The Mediterranean Sea
• Detailed geographic features like rivers and deserts

Historical and design context

• Name of the Map: Alexander The Great’s Empire: Expeditions & Conquests
• Publisher: Sahab Geographic & Drafting Institute
• Date of Creation: 1972
• Themes and Topics: Military campaigns, territorial changes, historical events
• Regions Covered: From the Black Sea to the Persian Sea, and from Greece to Punjab
• Design and Style: Labels in Persian and English, with thematic elements such as roads, cities, and battle sites clearly marked
• Historical Context: Provides insight into the vast empire of Alexander the Great, showcasing the strategic and expansive nature of his conquests

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.