ABSTRACT

Alexander invaded Persia in 334 with about 32,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry (but note Sources 17 and 18). This force grew to 50,000 when it linked with an advance force (Arr. 1.17.11). He crossed the Hellespont, but rather than immediately engage any Persian forces he went to Troy to sacrifice to Achilles and Ajax.1 Soon after Alexander defeated a Persian force at the Granicus river (cf. Sources 40 and 41).2