In the spring of 334 BCE, Alexander the Great began his ambitious campaign against the Persian Empire. At that time, Darius III ruled Persia—a skilled commander and seasoned politician who had restored order to his vast domain. Despite his reputation, Darius did not consider Alexander a significant threat. While Alexander’s father, Philip II of Macedon, had alarmed the Persians, the young and relatively unknown 22-year-old king was not taken seriously.
Darius allowed his governors in Asia Minor to deal with the Macedonian incursion, confident they could crush the invaders without direct imperial intervention.
The Gathering at the Granicus River
Alexander landed in Asia Minor with approximately 32,000 troops. In response, the Persian governors assembled around 40,000 men and chose to confront Alexander at the Granicus River. They believed they had the advantage: superior numbers, a strong defensive position, and the element of terrain on their side.
As Alexander’s forces arrived at the river, his top general, Parmenion, advised caution. It was late in the day, and the Persian forces held elevated ground. Crossing a river and attacking uphill was a dangerous maneuver. But Alexander, determined to inspire confidence and avoid appearing weak, insisted on attacking.
A Calculated Risk
Alexander understood the psychology of warfare. He knew that retreating in their first engagement would damage morale and allow Persian cities to resist him. He also recognized the tactical misunderstanding of the Persians—they assumed the Macedonians were like older Greek armies: slow, heavily armored, and easily bogged down in river crossings.
But Alexander’s forces were fast, mobile, and disciplined. As they entered the shallows, the Macedonians came under heavy fire, but continued advancing. The situation was perilous—engaging an enemy while crossing a river is one of the most dangerous military maneuvers.
The Fierce Clash
As fighting broke out in the water and along the banks, Alexander deployed his most elite units. His phalanxes—heavily trained formations developed by his father—began to break through Persian lines. The battle became chaotic, brutal, and close-quarters. Every strike was personal. Plutarch described it as a scene of frenzied combat.
Alexander led from the front. At one point, he was struck on the head, and one of his helmet’s plumes was sheared off. Knocked from his horse and surrounded, his life was in danger. The tide of history nearly turned—had Alexander died, the Macedonian army might have disintegrated.
Saved by a Hero
Just in time, Cleitus the Black, a loyal officer, came to his aid. With a swift stroke of his sword, he killed Alexander’s attacker and saved the young king’s life. With their king alive and momentum on their side, the Macedonians rallied. They routed the Persian cavalry, and when the Persian commanders fled, their infantry followed in panic.
Aftermath and Significance
Alexander’s victory at the Granicus was decisive. His boldness had paid off, and his reputation as a fearless leader was solidified. The win not only boosted morale among his troops but sent a strong message to the rest of the Persian Empire: Alexander was not a boy to be dismissed—he was a commander of unmatched ambition and ability.
The Battle of the Granicus marked the beginning of Alexander’s extraordinary conquest of the Persian Empire and cemented his place as one of history’s greatest military strategists.
