Alexander the great First War

Alexander the Great's first significant battle as a commander was the Battle of the Granicus River in 334 BCE, marking the beginning of his campaign against the Persian Empire. This battle took place near the Granicus River in northwestern Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). It was the first of several encounters between Alexander’s Macedonian army and the Persian forces, setting the stage for his later conquests.

Key Details of the Battle of the Granicus:
Background: After ascending to the Macedonian throne in 336 BCE, Alexander aimed to fulfill his father's plan to conquer the Persian Empire. In 334 BCE, he crossed the Hellespont (the modern-day Dardanelles) with a force of about 35,000 troops.
Opposing Forces: The Persian army at the Granicus was composed of satrapal (provincial) forces, Greek mercenaries, and local cavalry, commanded by various Persian satraps (governors).
Battle Strategy: Alexander chose to launch a direct attack by crossing the river, despite the risk. His Companion Cavalry and infantry led the charge, creating a chaotic engagement. Alexander himself was in the thick of the fighting and reportedly had his life saved by a Macedonian officer when he was nearly struck down by a Persian noble.
Outcome: Alexander’s forces routed the Persian army, securing a decisive victory. Many of the Greek mercenaries fighting for Persia were either killed or captured.
Significance:
The victory at the Granicus opened the way for Alexander’s further advances into Asia Minor and gave him control over the western part of the Persian Empire.
It established Alexander’s reputation as a formidable military commander and demonstrated the effectiveness of his combined use of cavalry and infantry tactics.
This battle marked the beginning of Alexander’s legendary series of conquests, setting the tone for his ambitious campaign to defeat the Persian Empire.