Tristan Hughes

Each of those regions is an administrative area ruled by a different satrap.

And it's like, as you say, then it's all of them coming together with their own household troops to create this first army to oppose Alexander.

So you're not going to get troops from further than Alexander.

Let's say modern day Syria.

Are you in the fighting?

Maybe a couple of exceptions.

I don't know.

But I just want to mention those two points as well, because it's really interesting to highlight that in that.

That is what you need to get in your mind straight away with what Alexander is facing.

It's these groups and also Greeks who do not like Alexander.

Let's get to the Battle of the River Granicus.

It's an interesting one, the details of this, and you'll see it again and again.

We get the deployment of Alexander's army.

He approaches this very small river, so not a big obstacle.

They can get troops across and there's no massive current.

Then that Persian army, lots of cavalry and the Greek mercenaries are reposing it.

When we get to the battle itself, there's a funny anecdote and one of many that will follow of Alexander versus Parmenion, isn't it?

Parmenion urging caution

Alexander deciding, no, screw this, we're going to attack straight away.

And then it all focuses in on Alexander, doesn't it?