Batis expected to hold Egypt in subjection until the Great King could raise another army and confront Alexander in a battle from this city. It was on an eminence, on the edge of a desert from which the surrounding area could be easily controlled. It controlled the main road that went from the Persian province of Syria to Egypt. The city, over 60 feet high, was traditionally employed to control the surrounding area, which even then was a hotbed of dissent. Batis was aware that Alexander was marching down the coast, as he had just been victorious at Tyre. He therefore victualed Gaza for a long siege. It is not unlikely that he was aware of Alexanders scheme of controlling the entire Mediterranean coast before moving into the interior of Persia.