Parmenion's mission in Damascus: the role of subsidiary direction in solving strategic tasks

The article highlights the contribution of Parmenion’s actions in Syria to implementation of the strategy of Alexander the Great. After the victory of the Macedonian army over the troops of the Persian king Darius III in the battle of Issus, Parmenion with a small cavalry corps was sent to Damascus. His purpose was to capture a rich treasure of Persian king, which was stored in this city. After accomplishing the mission successfully, Parmenion remained in Damascus as a satrap of Kelesyria. He provided control of the conquerors over the region, fostering the advancement of the Macedonian army to the south. During that period Alexander was in a difficult situation caused by the domination of the Persian fleet in the Mediterranean Sea and invasion of Persian cavalry in Asia Minor. To overcome the strategic crisis, Alexander had to capture the Phoenician city Tyre. The siege of the city lasted from January to July 332 B.C. Parmenion contributed to the success of this operation, controlling Damascus - the major crossroads and center of the fertile oasis. When the siege of Tyre was coming to its end, Parmenion with his army joined the basic forces of Alexander’s army.