Battle between Alexander the Great and Ariobarzanes near Persepolis in a small mountainpass known as the Persian gate along the Royal road
Ariobarzanes delayed Alexander's advance on Persepolis for roughly a month before a flanking maneuver broke the Persian defense.
Key Facts
- Date
- Winter 330 BC
- Duration of Persian stand
- Approximately one month
- Persian commander
- Ariobarzanes of Persis
- Location
- Persian Gate, near Persepolis
- Outcome
- Macedonian victory; Alexander captured half of Persia proper
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
As Alexander the Great advanced through the Achaemenid Empire during his winter 330 BC campaign, the Persian satrap Ariobarzanes of Persis assembled an outnumbered force to block the narrow mountain pass known as the Persian Gate on the Royal Road, seeking to delay the Macedonian advance toward Persepolis.
Ariobarzanes led a determined last stand at the Persian Gate, successfully holding back the Macedonian army for approximately a month. Alexander, using intelligence from captured prisoners or a local shepherd, discovered a path allowing him to outflank the Persian defenders from the rear, breaking their defensive line.
With the Persian Gate overcome, Alexander captured half of Persia proper and advanced on Persepolis, delivering another decisive blow to the Achaemenid Empire and accelerating its collapse under Macedonian conquest.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Alexander the Great.
Side B
1 belligerent
Ariobarzanes of Persis.