Cycling to Persia – The Granicus

Each of the three best known ancient generals (Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar) had rivers to cross. Hannibal had the Ebro in northern Iberia, Caesar had his famous Rubicon, and Alexander had the Granicus.

Rivers form natural boundaries and are relatively easy to defend, hence their importance in both modern and ancient warfare. The Persians were well aware Alexander was a skilled general and that his army was accustomed to victory, and that both were heading their way.

The Persians assembled a sizeable force to oppose Alexander's crossing, including Greek mercenaries (foot soldiers). Persia's own foot soldiers were a bit rubbish, but their cavalry was pretty good. Weirdly, it was the cavalry (which included Persian nobility) which gathered upon the banks to try and prevent the incursion.

Alexander, as was his wont, attacked at once, leading the charge of the Companions personally. His life was saved by Cleitus the Black, who severed the arm of a Persian noble who would otherwise have slain Alexander and dramatically altered the course of history.

The Persian cavalry retreated, leaving the Greek mercenaries to be cut to ribbons by Alexander.

As this happened quite a while ago, there are some disputes about precisely what happened, but the above is a reasonable outline. Once Alexander had crossed the Granicus, Asia Minor lay open to him. But, Darius, the Great King of Persia, commanded a huge number of men and plentiful resources.

Asia Minor

Hellespont to the Granicus 50 - completed

The Granicus to Sardis 180 – 6/180

Sardis to Smyrna and back again 100

Sardis to Ephesus 50

Ephesus to Miletus 60

Miletus to Halicarnassus 60

Halicarnassus to Telmessus 160

Telmessus to Phaselis 160

Phaselis to Side 85

Side to Termessus 85

Termessus to Sagalassus 70

Sagalassus to Celaenae 60

Celaenae to Gordium 170

Gordium to Ancyra 80

Ancyra to Tarsus 320

Tarsus to Rugged Cilicia and back again 160

Tarsus to Myriandrus 100

Myriandrus to Issues 25

Total = 1,955

Thaddeus