What really happened at the Battle of the Granicus River? Through the eyes of a Persian cavalryman, experience Alexander the Great's first major battle against the Persian Empire and the confusion that engulfed both armies. This immersive historical podcast reveals how confidence turned to uncertainty as a reckless charge threatened to end the invasion before it had truly begun.
Narrator: Artafarna, a Persian cavalryman serving under the satraps of Asia Minor
Setting: The Granicus River, 334 BCE
1. Historical Sources
Ancient Sources
- Arrian, Anabasis of Alexander
- Plutarch, Life of Alexander
- Diodorus Siculus, Library of History
- Justin, Epitome of Pompeius Trogus
Modern Sources
- Adrian Goldsworthy, Philip and Alexander
- Peter Green, Alexander of Macedon
- Philip Freeman, Alexander the Great
- The Landmark Arrian
2. Author's Note
Historical notes:
- The Persian satraps chose to confront Alexander at the Granicus River.
- Persian cavalry occupied the riverbank.
- Alexander led a direct cavalry assault across the river.
- Alexander was nearly killed during the battle.
- Several Persian nobles attacked him.
- The Macedonian victory opened Asia Minor to invasion.
Reconstructed notes:
- Artafarna and his family.
- Camp conversations.
- Personal observations and emotions.
- Specific battlefield viewpoints.
- The narrator's interpretation of Alexander's apparent death.
This episode intentionally presents an incomplete understanding of the battle. Episode 6 will revisit the same events from within Alexander's Companion Cavalry and reveal what actually happened around the young king at Granicus.