Robert Holmes
@robertholmes
Robert has an MA in Ancient and Medieval History and a BA in Archaeology. He is an independent historian and author who specializes in the Military History of the Ancient and Medieval World and has published over forty articles on related topics. Originally from Massachusetts, he now lives in South Carolina where he works doing public history leading tours, giving lectures, and educating people about the local history.
Areas of Expertise
Trojan War Heroes: 13 Greatest Greek Warriors of the Achaean Army
Homer’s Iliad is full of larger-than-life heroes. Meet the 13 greatest Greek warriors who fought in the Trojan War for the Achaean Army.
How Alexander the Great Won the Battle of the Granicus
Alexander the Great first crossed swords with the Persians at the Battle of the Granicus, earning the first of many victories of his Persian campaign.
Alexander the Great’s Final Campaign: The Siege of Mallia (325 BCE)
Alexander the Great’s final campaign culminated in the siege of Mallia. He won the battle, secured vast swathes of territory, and almost lost his life.
Battle of the Hydaspes, 326 BCE: Alexander vs. Porus in India
When Alexander marched into the Indian subcontinent, he planned to extend his empire. At the Battle of Hydaspes, Indian King Porus had other ideas.
Siege of the Sogdian Rock, 327 BCE: Alexander’s Winged Men
Alexander’s conquest of Sogdiana and Bactria was met with dogged resistance. Unable to face him on the battlefield, many locals retreated to the Sogdian Rock.
Battle of the Jaxartes (329 BCE): Alexander’s Spectacular Victory
Marching deep into Asia, Alexander decided on the Jaxartes River as the border of his empire. His choice was contested at the Battle of Jaxartes.
Battle of the Persian Gate: An Achaemenid Thermopylae, 330 BCE
Following Alexander’s string of victories, the Macedonians were poised to march on the Achaemenid heartland. They met opposition at the Battle of the Persian Gate.
Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE): Alexander’s Achaemenid Armageddon
Having suffered a series of defeats, Darius III gathered a vast army in the hope of destroying the Macedonians at the Battle of Gaugamela.
Battle of Issus (333 BCE): Alexander the Great vs. Darius III
The battle of Issus was the first time Alexander and Darius faced each other in battle.
Alexander’s Destruction of Thebes in 335 BCE (Battle & Aftermath)
Following the assassination of Philip, many Macedonian vassal states rose in revolt. The Battle of Thebes resulted from one such rebellion.
How Did Alexander the Great Untangle the Gordian Knot?
Alexander the Great was challenged to untangle the legendary Gordian Knot. It was prophesied that whoever did so would rule all of Asia.
When Was Gunpowder Invented? The History of Gunpowder
Developed in 10th-century China, gunpowder changed how we live, even though it was sometimes considered demonic. But modern guns don’t use gunpowder.