Issus, Battle of

Battle 333 BC in which Alexander the Great defeated the Persian king Darius III at the ancient port of Issus in Cilicia, about 80 km/50 mi west of present-day Adana, Turkey. Darius' family were captured during the battle which secured Alexander's supply route in preparation for his invasion of the Persian Empire.

Alexander met Darius' army, aided by 30,000 Greek mercenaries, drawn up in a defensive line on the River Pinarus. Alexander, with an army of 35,000 Macedonians, launched his cavalry against the Persian cavalry and routed them. The Macedonian foot soldiers then crossed the river and assaulted the Persian centre, while Alexander personally led his own cavalry against Darius' bodyguard, who fled from the field. The Persian troops followed and the Greek mercenaries were left to fight what remained of the battle.