ALEXANDER III THE GREAT (336-323 BC)

KINGS OF MACEDON 

Alexander III of Macedon

(ancient Greek: Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ Τρίτος ὁ Μακεδών), also known as Alexander the Great (Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ Μέγας) and the Invincible (ἀνίκητος), was born on July 19–20, 356 BCE in Pella and died on June 10, 323 BCE in Babylon. He was the king of Macedon from the Argead dynasty and is widely recognized as a brilliant strategist and one of history’s greatest conquerors. His reign marks the transition between the Classical period and the Hellenistic era.

Issos – City, Battlefield, and Symbol of Victory

Issos was an ancient city located in southern Anatolia, along the Pinaros River, strategically positioned for armies marching eastward. The city held both commercial and military importance, serving as a gateway to Syria. During the time of Alexander the Great, Issos became the site of one of the most significant battles of the Asian campaign.

The Battle of Issos, fought in 333 BCE, became one of the most decisive moments in Alexander’s expedition. The narrow corridor between the mountains and the Mediterranean coast allowed Alexander to neutralize the numerical advantage of the Persian army under Darius III. The young commander, expertly utilizing the terrain, focused his forces on a central attack, personally leading a charge on the left flank, where the Persian king was stationed. Darius’s flight and the abandonment of his family and treasures to Alexander not only demoralized the Persians but also solidified Alexander’s position as the undisputed conqueror of Asia.

Course of the Battle of Issos

The battle began with the deployment of troops along the Pinaros River. Alexander arranged his troops in the classic Macedonian phalanx formation, with cavalry protecting the flanks. Darius, counting on his numerical superiority, deployed his forces across a wide front. However, the terrain prevented him from fully utilizing his army’s size.

Alexander concentrated his forces in the center and the left flank, where he personally led the assault on Darius’s position. At a critical moment, the Macedonian cavalry broke through the Persian lines, and Alexander attacked the center, forcing Darius to flee in panic. The ensuing chaos led to mass desertions among the Persian ranks, ultimately deciding the outcome of the battle.

Consequences of the Battle of Issos

• Alexander gained control over Asia Minor.

• He acquired immense wealth, which fueled his ongoing campaign.

• Darius lost credibility as a ruler, sowing uncertainty among his subjects.

• Darius’s family, including his mother, wife, and children, were captured by Alexander, having a profound impact on political propaganda.

Myriandros – Port of Logistics and Strategy

Near Issos was the port of Myriandros, a vital logistical point for the Macedonian army. In this location, Alexander organized supplies for his troops and maintained contact with the fleet, enabling him to continue his march southward and conquer Egypt. Myriandros was also the place where Alexander received news of Darius’s movements, prompting him to adjust his plans and concentrate his forces at Issos. Thus, the port became not only a strategic point but also a symbol of Alexander’s flexibility in responding to rapidly changing circumstances on the front.

Menes – Trusted Officer and Administrator

Managing conquered territories required Alexander to delegate power to trusted individuals. One of them was Menes – a military commander who, after the Battle of Issos, was appointed governor of Syria and Phoenicia. Menes, as a trusted officer, was responsible for controlling the fleet and securing supply lines, which was crucial as Alexander’s conquests extended further. His loyalty and competence made him a pillar of Alexander’s administrative structure, contrasting with the fate of Philotas, which illustrates how Alexander rewarded trusted allies while severely punishing those he suspected of betrayal.

Philotas – The Fall of Parmenion’s Son

Philotas, the commander of the elite Companion cavalry and son of Parmenion, was for a long time one of Alexander’s closest associates. His downfall began with accusations of involvement in a conspiracy against the king. Although Philotas was not directly implicated as a conspirator, his knowledge of the planned assassination and failure to act on it were deemed acts of treason.

The brutal interrogation, torture, and public execution of Philotas served as a stark warning to the entire army – no one, not even the closest allies, was safe if suspicion of disloyalty arose. The execution of Philotas also led to the death of his father, Parmenion, effectively removing potential rivals and consolidating Alexander’s power.

Denomination: Tetradrachm, Ag

Obverse: Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress

Reverse: Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on low throne, holding long scepter in his left hand and eagle standing right with closed wings in his right; in left field, monogram above club in wreath; monogram below throne, AΛEΞANΔPOY

Mint: Myriandros or Issos (struck under Menes or Philotas), 325-324/3 B.C.

Weight: 17,04 g

Diameter: 27mm

Provenance: Solidus Numismatik

Reference : 02.11 Price 3230

Collection : ALEXANDER THE GREAT and HIS SUCCESSORS