RESEARCHERS in Turkey have identified the long-lost site of the legendary battle where Alexander the Great secured his first monumental victory 2,400 years ago.
This ancient battlefield, hidden for over two millennia, marks the beginning of Alexander’s audacious campaign to conquer Asia Minor and ultimately reshape the course of history.
The Battle of Granicus was a pivotal clash between Alexander’s Macedonian army and the Persian Achaemenid Empire.
Located along the Granicus River in northwestern Turkey, this victory set in stone Alexander’s reputation as a brilliant military strategist and fearless leader.
The triumph allowed him to advance deeper into Persian territory, laying the foundation for an empire that would stretch all the way to India.
For over a century, historians speculated about the exact location of this major battle.
Now, thanks to a two-decade-long investigation led by Professor Reyhan Korpe, the mystery has finally been unraveled.
Korpe revealed that his team meticulously traced Alexander’s route, piecing together ancient accounts and modern research.
He told Turkey Today: “We mapped out the exact route Alexander traveled, beginning in Ozbek village, crossing through Umurbey, Lapseki, and ultimately descending into the Biga Plain.”
This strategic mapping not only pinpointed the battlefield but also identified nearby villages involved in the historic confrontation.
The Battle of Granicus, fought in May 334 BCE, saw approximately 90,000 soldiers clash in a major bloodbath.
Alexander’s forces, although outnumbered, showed superior tactics and determination.
The Greek mercenaries fighting for Persia were shown no mercy, branded as traitors.
The battle also had a dramatic moment where Alexander’s life was nearly cut short, only for his trusted officer Cleitus the Black to save him in the nick of time.
The discovery has sparked a renewed focus on preserving and showcasing this historic site.
Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with local municipalities, is developing the area as part of the Alexander the Great Cultural Route Project.
Soon, history enthusiasts will have the opportunity to walk the very ground where one of antiquity’s most significant battles took place.
“This battle is considered one of the most pivotal moments in world history,” Korpe said.
It weakened the Persian stronghold and enabled Alexander to advance further into Asia, ultimately leading to the fall of the Persian Empire.
Plans are underway to transform the battlefield into a tourist attraction, enriching Turkey’s cultural tourism portfolio.
Visitors will not only learn about the tactical genius of Alexander the Great but also experience the landscape that bore witness to one of history’s most decisive victories.
The uncovering of the Battle of Granicus site is a reminder of the enduring impact of Alexander the Great’s conquests.
As Turkey prepares to open this historic landmark to the world, the discovery underscores the nation’s rich cultural heritage and its vital role in preserving the stories of ancient civilisations.
ALEXANDER the Great (356 BCE – 323 BCE) was a Macedonian king and one of history’s most renowned military leaders, known for creating one of the largest empires of the ancient world.
Born in Pella, the capital of the Kingdom of Macedon, he was the son of King Philip II and Queen Olympias.
Tutored by the philosopher Aristotle in his youth, Alexander developed a keen intellect and a deep appreciation for strategy, philosophy, and leadership.
At just 20 years old, Alexander ascended to the throne after his father’s assassination.
Almost immediately, he set out to consolidate his rule and expand his kingdom. In 334 BCE, he launched an ambitious campaign against the Persian Achaemenid Empire, beginning with his legendary victory at the Battle of Granicus.
Over the next decade, Alexander’s military genius enabled him to conquer vast territories, including Persia, Egypt, and parts of Central Asia, reaching as far as India.
Known for his tactical brilliance and fearlessness in battle, Alexander was also a visionary leader who sought to spread Greek culture, language, and governance across his empire.
His policy of cultural fusion, known as “Hellenisation,” left a lasting impact on the regions he conquered.
Alexander died in 323 BCE at the age of 32 in Babylon, under mysterious circumstances, possibly due to fever, poisoning, or other natural causes.
Though his empire fragmented after his death, his legacy as a military genius and unifier of cultures endures, earning him the title “the Great.”
