January 330 BC · Persia (modern Iran, Zagros Mountains) Theater
January 330 BC
The Persian Gates were a narrow mountain pass in the Zagros — the last natural barrier before Persepolis. The Persian satrap Ariobarzanes held the pass with perhaps 40,000 men and initially repulsed Alexander's frontal assault with heavy casualties. A local shepherd revealed a mountain track around the position. Alexander split his forces: he personally led a night march over the snow-covered mountains with a picked force, attacked from behind at dawn while the remainder of the army hit the front. The entire Persian force was destroyed. Ariobarzanes died fighting. Persepolis lay open.
Commanders