Battle of Issus
333 BCE · Issus (Cilicia) · World · Ancient
On a narrow coastal plain, Alexander personally led the Companion cavalry straight at the Persian center, and Darius abandoned the field and fled.
Belligerents
Macedon
- Commanders
- Alexander the Great
- Strength
- About 35,000-40,000 infantry and cavalry
Persia
- Commanders
- Darius III
- Strength
- Over 100,000
Background
In Alexander's eastern campaign, his first head-on clash with Darius's main army.
Course of the battle
- River crossingThe Macedonian phalanx forced a crossing of the Pinarus River.
- AssaultAlexander led the right-wing cavalry straight into the Persian center.
- CollapseDarius fled the field, triggering a total rout.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 333 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Issus (Cilicia) |
| Result | On a narrow coastal plain, Alexander personally led the Companion cavalry straight at the Persian center, and Darius abandoned the field and fled. |
| Winner | Macedon |
| Casualties | Persian casualties were heavy and Darius's mother and wife were captured; Macedonian losses were light. |
| Territorial change | Macedon opened the road to Syria and Egypt. |
Impact
It dealt a heavy blow to Persian military prestige and set the stage for Alexander's conquest of the Near East.
See the world in 333 BCE on the map →