The first major battle against the Persians by Alexander the Great (before he became 'the Great') was at the small Granicus River, just across the Hellespont from what was then Thrace. This open area about 100 miles north of ancient Troy was the first time that the Persians had decided to make a stand against the Macedonian army, and it was almost Alexander's last battle as well.

Alexander's father, Phillip II had pretty well subjugated most of what was then Greece and the Aegean, when he was assassinated, leading to Alexander's rise to the Macedonian Throne. As was the norm in those days, people subjugated didn't always stay that way so Alexander had to quell some unrest before heading on to what was always the goal of his father and himself, the conquest of the mightiest nation on earth at the time, Persia. It was then ruled by Darius II, who had the various provinces (or satraps) under local command.

The Persians also had a very strong navy but thanks to Alexander's quick movement across the Hellespont, it was not able to arrive in time to be effective. Coastal towns were settled by Greeks for the most part and the various satraps had decided not to contest Alexander's landing. It wasn't until he made his move farther inland that the first major battle of Alexander's campaign was fought in 334 BC.

In chorus with other books of the campaign series, there is an introduction to provide a background to the event in the book. This is followed by a time-line, a look at the opposing commanders, a look at the opposing armies and a look at the opposing plans.

There is then a section on the campaign itself, taken from ancient sources, which often had to be weighed against each other as there were always differences, depending on who did the writing. Then the meat of the book, the battle. This section is superbly illustrated with 3-D maps to show how the army of Alexander was able to overcome the Persians. This is followed by the results of the battle and a few of the following events. A part of all these books that is interesting is what the battlefield is like today, and it is, for the most part, quite similar to that of 2000 plus years ago.

By using period artwork, and the superb illustrations of Richard Hook, the author is able to give us, not only a sense of what is was like during those times, but often this artwork is a primary source of how the soldiers looked and acted.

For those who are interested in the life of Alexander, this is an excellent book that shows just how well he was able to plan and execute his campaigns. A book that is interesting to all and one I know you will find enjoyable to read.

August 2007

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