Blood-soaked battlefield where Alexander the Great won one of his most incredible victories 2,400 years ago uncovered

RESEARCHERS in Turkey have identified the long-lost site of the legendary battle where Alexander the Great secured his first monumental victory 2,400 years ago.

This ancient battlefield, hidden for over two millennia, marks the beginning of Alexander's audacious campaign to conquer Asia Minor and ultimately reshape the course of history.

The Battle of Granicus was a pivotal clash between Alexander’s Macedonian army and the Persian Achaemenid Empire.

Located along the Granicus River in northwestern Turkey, this victory set in stone Alexander’s reputation as a brilliant military strategist and fearless leader.

The triumph allowed him to advance deeper into Persian territory, laying the foundation for an empire that would stretch all the way to India.

A HISTORIC BATTLEFIELD

For over a century, historians speculated about the exact location of this major battle.

Now, thanks to a two-decade-long investigation led by Professor Reyhan Korpe, the mystery has finally been unraveled.

Korpe revealed that his team meticulously traced Alexander’s route, piecing together ancient accounts and modern research.

He told : “We mapped out the exact route Alexander traveled, beginning in Ozbek village, crossing through Umurbey, Lapseki, and ultimately descending into the Biga Plain.”

This strategic mapping not only pinpointed the battlefield but also identified nearby villages involved in the historic confrontation.

The Battle of Granicus, fought in May 334 BCE, saw approximately 90,000 soldiers clash in a major bloodbath.

Alexander’s forces, although outnumbered, showed superior tactics and determination.

The Greek mercenaries fighting for Persia were shown no mercy, branded as traitors.

The battle also had a dramatic moment where Alexander's life was nearly cut short, only for his trusted officer Cleitus the Black to save him in the nick of time.

A GROUNDBREAKING DISCOVERY

The discovery has sparked a renewed focus on preserving and showcasing this historic site.

Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with local municipalities, is developing the area as part of the Alexander the Great Cultural Route Project.

Soon, history enthusiasts will have the opportunity to walk the very ground where one of antiquity’s most significant battles took place.

“This battle is considered one of the most pivotal moments in world history,” Korpe said.

It weakened the Persian stronghold and enabled Alexander to advance further into Asia, ultimately leading to the fall of the Persian Empire.

Plans are underway to transform the battlefield into a tourist attraction, enriching Turkey’s cultural tourism portfolio.

Visitors will not only learn about the tactical genius of Alexander the Great but also experience the landscape that bore witness to one of history’s most decisive victories.

The uncovering of the Battle of Granicus site is a reminder of the enduring impact of Alexander the Great’s conquests.

As Turkey prepares to open this historic landmark to the world, the discovery underscores the nation’s rich cultural heritage and its vital role in preserving the stories of ancient civilisations.