How did Alexander the Great become the hunted before the Battle of Issus?

Through the eyes of a Companion cavalryman, follow the Macedonian army as confidence gives way to uncertainty after an unexpected move by Darius III. This immersive historical podcast explores the strategy, suspense, and turning point that brought two of history's greatest kings face to face for the first time.

Narrator: Amyntas, a Companion Cavalryman

Setting: Cilicia, 333 BCE, days before the Battle of Issus

1. Historical Sources

a. Ancient Sources

• Arrian, Anabasis of Alexander
• Plutarch, Life of Alexander
• Curtius Rufus, History of Alexander
• Diodorus Siculus, Library of History

b. Modern Sources

• Adrian Goldsworthy, Philip and Alexander
• Peter Green, Alexander of Macedon
• Robin Lane Fox, Alexander the Great
• Philip Freeman, Alexander the Great

2. Author's Note

a. Historical:

• Alexander's illness at Tarsus.
• The Macedonian advance through Cilicia.
• Darius moving behind Alexander.
• The capture of Issus and Macedonian wounded left there.
• The strategic surprise before the battle.
• The armies turning toward one another before Issus.

b. Reconstructed:

• Amyntas the narrator.
• Campfire conversations.
• Personal observations.
• Emotional reactions and dialogue.

This episode intentionally ends before the Battle of Issus begins, creating anticipation for the next episode, which will reveal the Persian side of the same events through the eyes of a royal bodyguard serving Darius III.