Néarque

Néarque was an admiral in the navy of Alexander the Great. He was born in the island of Crete. In 326 BCE, Alexander entrusted Néarque with the command of a fleet to explore the Persian Gulf. Néarque's expedition began at the Indus River and sailed westward. He navigated along the coast of the Persian Gulf, encountering various peoples and documenting their customs. His journey provided valuable geographical and ethnographic information about the region. Néarque's detailed account of his voyage, though lost in its original form, was incorporated into later historical works, most notably by Arrian in his "Anabasis of Alexander." This account describes the challenges faced, including storms, hostile tribes, and the immense unknown of the sea. The expedition's success contributed to Alexander's understanding of his empire's maritime capabilities and potential trade routes. Néarque's loyal service to Alexander extended beyond this naval command, and he remained a trusted companion throughout Alexander's campaigns. His legacy is primarily that of an explorer and chronicler whose firsthand observations enriched the knowledge of the ancient world.