Crossing the Danube River

The mighty Danube River forms the modern border between Bulgaria and Romania, except in its lower course where it falls entirely within Romania before emptying into the Black Sea. This is where Alexander defied the Thracians and the Triballians on their island retreat of Peuce.

He had ordered his fleet stationed at Byzantium to sail up the west coast of the Black Sea to meet him in the estuary of the Ister River (Danube). However, his ships were of no use because they were too few in number and not sufficiently manned to dislodge the enemy’s forces; besides in most places, the river banks were too steep for a landing.

Alexander had to come up with another plan and instead of wasting time trying to dislodge the Thracians and Triballi refugees on Peuce Island, he opted to isolate them by attacking the Getae on the opposite river bank. Inspired by Xenophon, Alexander instructed his troops to collect the boats and dug-outs moored along the river and to stuff the army tents with hay to use them as floating devices.

Overnight, the king managed to ferry 4,000 infantrymen and 1,500 cavalry (imagine the strain on the horses!) across the estuary of the Danube. No wonder the Getae were in shock as soon as they saw the Macedonians, and they fled at the first cavalry attack. The same day, Alexander ferried the entire army back to base camp where he received the surrender of the Triballians and Thracians pinned on Peuce Island as well as from other tribes along the Danube.

It sounds such a simple statement but the logistics involved are not to be underestimated considering the current and the width of the river. The delta is known to be strewn with many islands and sandbanks, turning any crossing into a daring challenge. Over the centuries, the bedding and the mouth of the Danube have changed dramatically, making it very hard to pinpoint the exact place where this operation took place.

In the end, the Thracians became an elite corps in Alexander’s army, successfully carrying out the roughest and most dangerous jobs. They were often praised by the king in person for their daring and often reckless attacks.