Bucephala

ancient city, Pakistan

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 11, 2026

Quick Summary

Bucephala was an ancient city founded by Alexander the Great in what is now northeastern Pakistan. It was established in 326 BCE on the banks of the Hydaspes River (modern Jhelum River) to commemorate his victory in the Battle of the Hydaspes. The city was named after Alexander's beloved horse, Bucephalus, which died there. This battle marked the farthest extent of Alexander's military campaigns in the Indian subcontinent. The city's existence is primarily known through historical accounts of Alexander's invasion of India.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Alexander the Great
Invasion of India
…(to celebrate his victory) and Bucephala (named after his horse Bucephalus, which died there); and Porus became his ally.
Read More
…(to celebrate his victory) and Bucephala (named after his horse Bucephalus, which died there); and Porus became his ally.
Read More

Jhelum
…the river, may have been Bucephala, founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century bce. Although once a salt-trade center, Jhelum is now a major timber market. The town’s industries include textile mills, sawmills, newsprint plants, glassworks, and cigarette factories. It was constituted a municipality in 1867. The town…
Read More
…the river, may have been Bucephala, founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century bce. Although once a salt-trade center, Jhelum is now a major timber market. The town’s industries include textile mills, sawmills, newsprint plants, glassworks, and cigarette factories. It was constituted a municipality in 1867. The town…
Read More