Lost Battlefield of Alexander the Great Discovered in Türkiye

The Battle of Granicus was among the earliest and most pivotal battles fought by Alexander the Great. Following decades of attempts to identify the location of the 334 BCE battle, new research finally revealed that it took place in modern-day Çanakkale in northwestern Türkiye.

Researchers have long known that Alexander the Great fought one of his most important early battles somewhere along the ancient Granicus River, now known as the Biga River, in western Türkiye. However, the exact coordinates of the clash had evaded researchers for decades, including Professor Reyhan Körpe, who began his search 20 years ago. This year, it was Körpe’s team that finally pinpointed the location of the 2,400-year-old Battle of Granicus through intensive fieldwork, historical research, and geomorphological analyses.

“This battle occurred near a river once known as the Granicus, about 100 kilometers [62 miles] east of modern-day Çanakkale, in the heart of the Biga Plain,” explained Körpe. “We mapped out the exact route Alexander traveled, beginning in Ozbek village, crossing through Umurbey, Lapseki, and ultimately descending into the Biga Plain.”

What Happened at the Battle of Granicus?

According to Artnet, Körpe said in a statement, “The Battle of Granicus was not only one of the most significant turning points in Alexander’s life, later earning him the epithet ‘the Great,’ but also a pivotal moment in world history. Following his victory here, Alexander went on to conquer Western Anatolia and much of Asia, extending his empire into India.”

Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) was an ambitious young king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. He is remembered as one of history’s greatest military minds and most prolific conquerors. The Battle of Granicus in 334 BCE was Alexander’s first major victory against the Persian Empire, which signaled the start of his epic eastward conquest. This win also boosted the morale of his troops and convinced Greek city-states in the region to support his cause.

The newly identified site of the Battle of Granicus is the best-preserved battlefield associated with Alexander the Great. Türkiye’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture plans to designate the site as a protected stop along an Alexander the Great Cultural Route. “Alexander the Great is a historic figure who influenced many commanders and leaders,” said Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Çağman Esirgemez. “By creating the Alexander the Great Cultural Route, we aim to contribute to the promotion of Çanakkale in the tourism sector.”