Alexander is delayed for a time in Cilicia by a fever following his campaign through the Anatolian highlands, which had been meant to impress the tribesmen.

Achaemenid king Darius III, after a protracted delay, has meanwhile advanced with his Grand Army northward on the eastern side of Mount Amanus.

Greek mercenary leader Charidemus had been one of those whose surrender was demanded by Alexander the Great after the destruction of Thebes, but escaped with banishment and fled to Darius, who had received him with distinction.

However as Charidemus had expressed his dissatisfaction with the preparations made by the king just before the coming battle, he is put to death.

Intelligence on both sides is faulty, and in autumn 333 Alexander is already encamped by Myriandrus (near modern Iskenderun, Turkey) when he learns that Darius is astride his line of communications at …