Memnon of Rhodes

Memnon of Rhodes was the most formidable Persian commander in the early phase of Alexander's invasion, despite being a Greek mercenary. He correctly advised a strategy of scorched earth and avoiding pitched battle, and was overruled by the Persian satraps who sought a decisive engagement — resulting in the Persian defeat at the Granicus River. He subsequently shifted to a maritime strategy, seizing Aegean islands and threatening Macedonia's coast and supply lines, potentially forcing Alexander to turn back. His death during the siege of Mytilene in 333 BCE removed the greatest threat to Alexander's campaign and allowed him to focus entirely on the conquest of the interior.

• Nationality: greek
• Roles: general