The immediate goal of the journey <Alexander’s expedition> was to liberate the Greek cities of Asia Minor from Persian rule. The Pan-Hellenic nature of the enterprise was emphasized by the inclusion of Thracian javelin throwers, one thousand Agrianians (whom Alexander particularly valued and kept close to him), fifteen hundred Thessalians and five hundred Cretan archers. The Macedonian troops, the core of the army, numbered twelve thousand infantry and eighteen hundred cavalry. The resolution to avenge Xerxes’ conquest of the Greeks one hundred and fifty years before had been Philip’s reason for marshalling troops for the expedition.

ALEXANDER THE GREAT by Frank Lipsius, published by SATURDAY REVIEW PRESS, NEW YORK