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Halicarnassus (334 BCE)
Unless otherwise indicated, pictures on this page © Marco Prins and Jona Lendering. Photos can be downloaded and used for non-commercial purposes, but you have to acknowledge Livius.
The Myndus gate. Photo Marco Prins. Halicarnassus (modern Bodrum; more pictures) had been fortified in the mid-fourth century by the satrap of Caria, Maussolus. This picture shows the Myndus gate. When Alexander the Great tried to capture the town in the autumn of 334, it turned out to be a very difficult siege because the walls were in excellent condition, and prepared for a war with catapults - a recent invention.
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The Myndus gate. Photo Marco Prins. Besides, the Persian garrison was commanded by an excellent general, the Greek mercenary leader Memnon of Rhodes. This picture shows the Myndus gate again. During the siege, the Macedonians were attacked by a Persian force that left the city through this large gate. A satellite photo can be found here.
Alexander's siege of Halicarnassus. Design Jona Lendering.
 The most important reason for Alexander's lack of success was the fact that the Macedonians did not have a navy, whereas the Persians could reinforce Halicarnassus whenever they wanted. 
The theater and acropolis of Halicarnassus. Photo Marco Prins. However, the Macedonians were able to take the town after an attack through the valley on the right hand side of this picture. The citadel, located on the island from which this picture was made, held out for more than a year.
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