alternatehistory.com

On June 6, 323 BC Alexander gave orders to general Nearchus "to have the fleet ready with all equipment and supplies, and ready to sail on the twenty-third of Daisios, the eighth of June. The following day, though more ill, he insisted again upon arising to attend the sacrifices. Nearchus, later in the day, reported that the fleet was ready, prepared to sail, stocked with provisions and supplies, and the crews standing by awaiting orders. During the day the fever grew worse...at sunset on June 13, 323 BC the conqueror breathed his last".

My question is, how would the world have changed had Alexander lived and the invasion proceeded as scheduled. Imagine the Persian gulf Hellenized and great new cities springing up as colonies of Macedonia. Would Islam never have risen? No Mohammed or Caliphate? The repurcussions of this region having far reaching historical ties to the West cannot be overestimated, especially given the socio-political landscape of the present day.
Top