Historical Background:
After the death of his father, Philip II of Macedonia, Alexander the Great led his army on an invasion of Persia. In 334 BC a Persian army waited for him behind the Granicus River. Alexander led his Companion Cavalry across the river in a daring maneuver. He was very nearly killed in the melee that followed, but his strategy worked and the Persians were routed. Alexander's success would continue as he conquered Persia, Egypt, and campaigned as far East as India. He built a huge empire in a short time (he died at the age of 33) and he is remembered as one of history's greatest generals. He founded many cities, and spread Greek culture far and wide.
Battle 1:
This battle has not yet been playtested.
The Armies:
The figures needed for the battle are available in 1/72 scale plastics from Hat Industries (Alexander's Phalangites, Alexander's Light Infantry, Macedonian, Thessalanian & Allied Cavalry, Persian Light & Heavy Infantry, Greek Mercenary Hoplites, Persian Light, Medium, & Heavy Cavalry) or Italieri/Zvezda (Macedonian Phalanx, Greek Infantry, Macedonian Cavalry, Persian Infantry, Persian Cavalry). Some paper soldiers are included which you can print and use. Two figures were counted on each base. Base sizes were .75" x 1.5" for infantry 1.5" squares for cavalry. Single cavalry figures were used for leaders and mounted on .75" x 1.5" bases.
- Macedonians (all units have six bases except Phalanx)
Alexander the Great (Overall Commander)
Left Wing: Parmenio
5 units Cavalry (Thessalian, Greek, Thracian)
Center: Craterus
5 units of Phalanx Infantry (9 bases each)
2 units of Infantry (Hypaspists)
2 units Skirmish Javelins
Right Wing: Philotas
4 units Companion Cavalry
1 units Skirmish Archers
1 units Skirmish Javelins (Argianeans)
Persians (all units have six bases except Phalanx)
Arsites (Overall Commander)
Left Wing: Spithridates
1 units Heavy Cavalry (Persian)
4 units Cavalry (Persian)
Center: Memnon
6 units Infantry (Greek Mercenaries)
4 units Infantry (Persian)
4 units Skirmish Archers
Right Wing: Rheomithres
5 units Light Cavalry (Bactrian, etc.)
The Board:
The terrain was flat and a 7.5 X 5 foot table was used. The Granicus River must be modeled - it could be drawn with marker, represented by felt, or any method you choose.
Deployment:
The Macedonian and Persian armies deploy as shown on the map. Historically Alexander led his right wing across the river and onto the Persian left. The Macedonians have the option to try this strategy and deploy Alexander and their right wing across the river as shown on the map.
Resources
Alexander 334-323 BC: Conquest of the Persian Empire by John Warry, Osprey Campaign Series #7. The best Osprey book I've read so far.
Luke Ueda-Sarson's Wargaming Pages website (www.ritsumei.ac.jp/se/~luv20009/Luke%27s_1st_page.html), goes into detail on the battle, and presents two different DBA scenarios. Lots of other useful stuff on this site.
"Battle of the Granicus" by Mike McVeigh, Saga #55, a DBA scenario
"The Battle of Granicus (334 BC)," another DBA scenario on Chris Brantley's Fanaticus web site (fanaticus.org/DBA/fanaticus.html). Every time I visit this site I come away with the strong desire to do another ancients battle. One of these days I have to learn how to play DBA.
Alexander's Near Death Experience Battle of Granicus (334 BC)
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© Copyright 2004 by Matt Fritz.
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