334 BC · Asia Minor Theater
334 BC
Halicarnassus — modern Bodrum — was the strongest city in Asia Minor, defended by Memnon of Rhodes, the ablest Persian commander, backed by the full Persian fleet. The siege was grinding: Memnon used sorties, fire weapons, and counter-siege works. Alexander's engineers eventually breached the walls in two places, but Memnon organized a disciplined retreat by sea, setting fire to the city as he withdrew. Alexander took the ruins; Memnon escaped with the Persian fleet. The threat of Memnon would hang over Alexander's rear until the Greek general died of fever the following year.
Commanders