Alexandretta (Iskenderun)

Alexandretta (Iskenderun) is the Grail quest's starting point, a city historically known as Alexandretta and now the modern Turkish port of Iskenderun. The Knights of the First Crusade destroyed the original city during their march, and its name was deciphered by Indy and Brody from a waterlogged shield rubbing in Venice, which they used to complete Henry Sr.'s incomplete map and identify the Canyon of the Crescent Moon as the next destination. Narrative Context: - Grail Trial City: Alexandretta is the site of three mythic trials requiring cunning and faith, central to the Grail quest. - Modern Setting: The city is depicted as a sunbaked, crowded port with narrow streets clogged with camels and pedestrians, where Sallah navigates chaotic conditions while Indy and Henry absorb the news of Brody's abduction. The bottlenecks and urgency of the location amplify the desperation of the Grail race. - Key Events: Brody travels here to meet Sallah as Nazis close in, while Indy and Henry remain in Venice, driving the team's split and father-son resolve.