Map: Battle of the Granicus River (Phase 3)

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Map: Battle of the Granicus River (Phase 3)
Map of the battle of the Granicus River (Phase 3), provided by TheCollector.com

This map of the battle of Granicus‘ last phase captures the decisive rout of the Persian army. Alexander’s army has crossed the river, re-formed, and now executes a textbook pincer that dooms the mercenary core of the Persian army while the Persian cavalry melts away. The battle is effectively won and pursuit will follow.

 

Colour code:

  • Blue blocks = Alexander the Great’s Macedonian army.
  • Red blocks = Persian satrapal army under Arsites, with allied Greek mercenaries.

 

Tactical picture conveyed by the map

  • Encirclement complete: The Greek mercenary hoplites—Persia’s most reliable infantry—are boxed in by Companion cavalry to the south, Hipaspists to the west, and the phalanx pressing from the north.
  • Persian cavalry shattered: Red squadrons on the right are drawn in ragged formation with retreat arrows; cohesion is lost, and no counter-attack is forming.
  • Macedonian cohesion solid: Blue formations keep their rectangular shape, showing discipline as they pivot inward; arrows illustrate coordinated inward pressure from three sides.
  • Field dominance: Except for the shrinking pocket of mercenaries, every red block is either fleeing or too dispersed to hold. The river is now firmly in the Macedonian rear and not a hazard.