In the 4th century B.C. Alexander the Great forged a path from Greece through the modern Middle East to Persia. It was a path of conquest that empires would follow through the ages. Traces of each can be seen today in the culture, monuments, continuing military presence and people along the route, which ended for Alexander in Babylon, in modern-day Iraq. In this project, I am setting out to see how Alexander’s influence lives on.

The young Macedonian king’s campaign took only a few short years. From the time Alexander and Persian King Darius III first faced off across the battlefield at Issus (in the south of modern-day Turkey) to the battle at Gaugamela in which Alexander crushed Darius militarily and marched triumphantly on Babylon, the two were locked in one of history’s great rivalries.

Backpacking to Babylon represents several years of dreaming and planning. This project aims to chronicle Alexander’s long march to Babylon and his legendary rivalry with Darius, and where possible place his exploits in a modern-day context. In viewing the present through the prism of the past, I hope to enrich our understanding of both. Along the way, I hope to share with you many untold stories as well.

In order to do this, I am walking in the footsteps of Alexander the Great through seven countries/territories, over eight months, covering 2,000-plus miles, arriving ultimately in the capital of ancient Babylonia, Babylon, the remains of which are found 50-odd miles south of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Some readers may quickly reference the Biblical hymn Psalm 137, while others may be more familiar with a popular “modern” interpretation by German disco band Boney M.

This project also aims to explore the limits of new media. Trekking through out-of-the-way places is nothing new — witness the exploits of explorers through the centuries. However, only in the past several years has it become possible for the rest of us at home to come along for the ride.

So I encourage you to check the site often. Follow my frequent updates on Twitter. Check the GPS feed to see my progress in real time. Post comments. I’ll chime in when I can. I’m glad to have you along for the adventure.