During the 4th century B.C., Alexander, the Macedonian king, after conquering Persia, invaded India. He advanced till Ravi and Beas rivers and unable to proceed further returned. As a result of Alexander's invasion, the small republics of the northwest weakened and it became easy for the Mauryas to extend their authority in this region. The Greek influence also began to be felt in areas like art and science. This influence is visible-in the Gandhara School of art and in astronomy.