Alexander and Demaratus of Corinth at the Battle of the River Granicus

Abstract

The concept Peter Green first suggested in 1974 that the battle of the River Granicus in 334 BC was a two phase battle, with an unsuccessful cavalry charge across the river on the afternoon of the first day, followed by a night march crossing the river, with a successful battle on the second day, should be revived. Demaratus of Corinth is attested at Granicus in fighting at the side of Alexander of Macedon. A few years earlier, at the battle of the River Damurias in Sicily, he was very probably a witness to a charge across a steep-banked river, against Greek mercenary opponents by the cavalry of Timoleon. Probably, the idea that a cavalry charge across the river against Granicus against a formation of hoplites, could have been successful was suggested to Alexander by Demaratus of Corinth.