Location of the Granikos battle found

[expat]

Alexander the Great used this victory to go on to conquer and accumulate his vast empire. Hopefully more details will be forthcoming.

Archaeology breakthrough as scientists make huge Alexander the Great discovery

[Alegandron]

Alexander almost lost it all at the Battle of Granicus… he was a bit hasty in his decisions and battle plan. He was lucky to win the battle, and was almost killed by Spithridates.

Persian Satrap


Persian Empire

Spithridates

Achaemenid satrap of Sparda-Lydia and Ionia-

334 BCE

AE10 1.20g

wearing Persian headdress -

Forepart galloping horse r

Klein 367, Cop 1538

Comment: This is the Satrap that ALMOST killed Alexander III of Makedon (later the Great) at the Battle of Granicus. Instead Cleitus lopped off his arm just as Spithradates was lowering his scimitar onto Alexander

Edited December 24, 2024 by Alegandron

[Ryro]

Not surprised Gandy beat me to it, but here's mine;

Spithridates Satraps of Lycia & Ionia 334 BC, AE10 1.05g Head of Spithridates right, wearing a Persian headress Forepart of a horse right, monogram above SNG Cop 1538 Ex: Aegean Numismatics Killed by Cleitus the Black while attempting to kill Alexander the Great. Arrian reports that Spithridates, who followed his father Rhosakes as the Persian satrap of Lydia and Ionia, died in the Battle of Granikos in 334 BC after Kleitos cut his arm off to keep him from shooting Alexander in the back with an arrow amidst the battle.

[Alegandron]

9 minutes ago, Ryro said:

Gandy beat me to it

[kirispupis]

It seems well-broadcasted that they found the site, but I haven't found a link to any archeological material. Shouldn't there be the remains of weapons at the site that roughly correspond to those of the era? Rivers have changed course significantly since this time, so I'm most curious to see what they find.

In the meantime, since Spithridates is well-covered, here are two other coins related to the Battle of the Granicus.

Memnon of Rhodes also participated on the side of the Persians. His counsel, which may have won the battle, was mostly ignored by the Persians.

Memnon of Rhodes
Mysia, Lampsakos Mid 4th century BCE
Æ 8mm, 0.62g
Youthful radiate head of Helios to right. Rev. M - E Rose
Ashton, Memnon 1 (A1/P1). SNG BN -

 

Zeleia was used as the Persian's base of operations prior to the battle. It's possible that Spithridates used my coin to buy his last beer.

Troas, Zeleia
Æ (9mm, 1.35g, 11h)
c. 4th century BCE
Head of Artemis r., wearing stephanos. R/ Monogram (or torque) within grain-wreath.
SNG Copenhagen 503-4

 

And Spithridates, because I can't resist.

Spithridates, Satrap von Lydien und Ionien
AE 1.25g 10mm
334 BCE
Vs.: Kopf des Spithridates mit Tiara n. r.
Catalog: SNG v. Aulock 1823; Klein 367; SNG Cop. 1538