The Role of Mercenaries

The birth of the Greek mercenary can principally be ascribed to the economic crisis following the Peloponnesian War. Many Greeks decided to obtain a salary by enlisting under the banner of those who were able to pay them: the king and the satraps of the Persian empire. In the military campaigns of Philip II, described in Book 16 of Diodorus’ Historical Library, the mercenaries' role is still marginal because the king favoured enrolling Macedonians in an army that preserved national characteristics. During Alexander's expedition to Asia, however, the role of mercenaries became increasingly important. In the early years, up to the battles of Issus (autumn 333 BCE) and Gaugamela (October 331 BCE), the mercenaries (of Greek origin) played an essential role in the army of Darius III. After the victory at Gaugamela, Alexander became the heir of the Achaemenid rulers, and the number of mercenaries in his army significantly increased. These often were the same men who, in previous years, had fought for Darius III. Alexander often had difficult and conflicting relations with his mercenaries, for the sovereign never completely trusted these men, almost all of Greek origin. Deep in his heart, Alexander thought they were potential traitors, thus forcing them to settle in the numerous cities that he founded in the easternmost satrapies of the Persian empire. After Alexander's death, many of these Greek mercenaries managed to return to their homeland. Their presence was undoubtedly decisive in the outbreak of the Lamiac War, the last real attempt by the Greeks to free themselves from Macedonian rule.