Classical Studies 2902B

Invasion of Persian Empire to the Battle of the River Granicus

Preparations for the main invasion of the Persian Empire in 334. Alexander’s problems, especially financial--and with allies too. The forces he took with him (in some detail; from Diodorus 17.17.3-5, not in Romm).

His rather grandiose crossing of the Hellespont and his arrival in Asia (into the “safe zone” previously established in 336 by Philip’s generals). The Persian preparations for A.’s arrival; the Persian satraps charged with resisting his invasion; Darius III, the new “great King” and his background.

The battle fought at the Granicus River (on this please see A.M. Devine, “Demythologizing the Battle at the Granicus”, Phoenix 40 (1986) 265-278 (available via the D.B. Weldon Library in JStor). Discussion of this battle (which was probably not as massive as the other “big” Alexander battles, and may have acquired somewhat suspect “heroic” aspects).