Battle of the Granicus

In May 334 BC, Alexander the Great won his first major victory against the Persian Empire at the Granicus River in northwest Anatolia, not far from the ancient site of Troy. Having crossed the Hellespont with his army, Alexander was met by the Persian governors of Asia Minor, who had gathered a strong force of cavalry and a large contingent of Greek mercenaries on the far bank of the river. Some of Alexander's commanders, including the experienced general Parmenion, advised waiting until morning. Alexander attacked at once. He led his Companion cavalry across the river and up the steep bank himself, and the fighting became a fierce cavalry battle. According to ancient accounts, Alexander was nearly killed when a Persian noble struck at his head, and his life was saved by his officer Cleitus the Black. The Persian cavalry broke, and the Greek mercenaries were surrounded and largely destroyed. The victory opened western Asia Minor to Alexander, and many Greek cities of the region quickly came over to him.