Archaeologists Identify Location of Alexander the Great’s Battle of Granicus

After years of research, experts have found the location of the ancient Granicus Battlefield, where Alexander the Great fought one of his most important battles over 2,300 years ago. The site lies near the Granicus River on the Biga Plain in modern-day Turkey.

Officials plan to turn the battlefield into a tourist site. This effort is part of the “Alexander the Great Cultural Route” project. The area around the battlefield will also be improved to make it more attractive for visitors.

Battle of Granicus location found after 150-year search

Professor Reyhan Korpe, Scientific Advisor to the project and a faculty member of the Department of History at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University (COMU), stated, “We have located the route Alexander took to the Granikos Battle after nearly 150 years of searching. Our research, combined with a careful reading of ancient sources, has led us to pinpoint the exact location of the battle, the villages involved, and its position within the plains.”

Twenty years ago, Prof. Korpe began the search for the Granikos Battlefield. Since then, experts have studied the land around Biga. This year, they finally discovered the exact location of the ancient battle.

The battle took place in May 334 B.C. It was the first major clash between Alexander the Great and the Persian Empire.

Alexander the Great

Born in Pella, in the region of Central Macedonia, northern Greece, in 356 B.C., he was the son of Philip II, the King of Macedon and his wife, Olympias. But Alexander was no royal place-holder. He became renowned at a very early age for both for his military and political capabilities.

Alexander, whose name (Greek: Αλέξανδρος) means either “defender of men” or “the one who fends off men”, knew as the son of a king that his destiny was already written, putting him at the forefront of history.

Aristotle, one of the wisest Greek philosophers, was the teacher of Alexander the Great, and their tutelage helped shape the course of Greek civilization.

Path traced from Çanakkale to Biga

After finding the battlefield, experts also traced Alexander the Great’s path during his journey from Çanakkale to Biga.

“This battle is considered one of the most pivotal moments in world history,” Prof. Korpe added. “Following his victory here, Alexander went on to conquer Western Anatolia and much of Asia, extending his empire into India.”

Prof. Korpe explained that Alexander’s route started in today’s Özbek village. He then passed through Umurbey and Lapseki before reaching the Biga Plain.

The battle happened near the Granicus River. This route, a key part of Alexander’s conquests, is now being developed as a cultural trail for tourists to explore.

The project to develop the Granikos Battlefield includes many important groups. These groups include the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, local governments, and tourism experts.

A recent meeting focused on the future of the battlefield as a cultural and historical site. Çanakkale’s Mayor, Muharrem Erkek, attended along with other officials and academics. They discussed how to make the site a key part of Türkiye’s expanding tourism industry.

This important discovery highlights a key world history chapter and adds to Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage.