Hay Wagon Wain
Ulrich Wilcken in his book Alexander the Great, points out that Alexander's first military campaign, as King of Macedonia, focused his attention to the north where the barbarians, the Tribaliians, resided between the Balkans and the Danube. Alexander felt it was best to secure this area which would cover his rear border before he left home for his campaign of revenge from the Persians.
Alexander Begins His Campaign Against the Tribaliians
Alexander sent ships from the Black Sea into the Danube. This navy was instructed to cooperate with his land forces which were to be met at a given destination. Here invaluable intelligence regarding the territory of the enemy was secured.
In the spring of 335, Alexander started from Amphipolis. He marched from Strymon to Nestos. He then turned off by way of Philippopolis, his father’s foundation, and reached the Kotcha Balkans. Here Alexander found the Shipka Pass which was occupied by the Thracians.
