The Outcome of the battle of Gaugamela : Alexander’s Triumph in Persia
As the battle of Gaugamela continues. The Macedonian King entered the great City in Triumph,recognized by Persian officials as it’s new rightful ruler. So too at the city of Susa,where Alexander ceremonially took his seat upon the Royal Throne of Persia. In the Zagros Mountains,at a pass known as the Persian Gates. A courageous Persian Force held up Alexander’s Army for a month.the Greeks eventually found a mountain path that bypassed their position. Allowing them to encircle and wipe out the Defenders.
The Fall of Persepolis and The Pursuit of Darius
in early 330 BC, Alexander reached persepolis the Empire’s ceremonial capital. Alexander wanted to appear as a liberator to the Persians-as a legitimate successor to King Darius. But now,he ordered persepolis to be pillaged and burnt-retribution for the Persian invasion of Greece. And the burning of Athens sacred temples in 480 BC. Alexander now headed north into media,where Darius had taken refuge in the Royal City of ecbatana. Alexander was determined to capture Darius-but the fugitive King fled East in the hope of raising a new Army in the provinces of parathia,bactria,and sogdia.
The Fall of Darius and Alexander’s Plans
it was not to be. As Alexander closed in,the Persian king was murdered by one of his own Governors. Bessus,who then proclaimed himself the Empire’s new ruler. Alexander gave orders for Darius to be buried in the Royal tombs of persepolis. Alongside his ancestors.then he paused to organize his vast new Empire. Alexander appointed viceroys to rule the provinces on his behalf,keeping several Persians- who had sworn loyalty-in their posts. Then he resumed his March East. His goal: to find and kill the usurper bessus…. Subjugate the Empire’s Eastern provinces… and reach the far edge of the world…
Pursuing Bessus: The Conquest of Aria
In330 BC,Alexander continued his March East. His goal to find and kill bessus-a Persian usurper,claiming to be the rightful King-and to subjugate the Empire’s Eastern provinces…. Alexander headed first for Aria,today part of Afghanistan where the Persian Governor satibarzanes had launched a revolt-after initially pretending to submit to Alexander. The rebellion was crushed,and Satibarzanes killed in single combat by a Greek Cavalry officer.
The Betrayal of Philotas
Nearby,Alexander founded the city of Alexandria Ariana,modern herat-one of around a dozen cities that Alexander would eventually found,almost all bearing his name.Alexander marched on to phrada. The Macedonian Court had a long tradition of plots and assassination. 6 years before,Alexander’s own father King Philip,had been murdered by his bodyguard. He was now informed that philatas commander of His companion Cavalry, had uncovered a plot to assassinate Alexander, but kept it secret.
Father and Son: A Tragic Fate
Philotas, and his father Parmenion. Were among the most respected of Alexander’s commanders,and had played crucial roles in all his great victories. But when Phillotas confessed under torture,Alexander had him executed…. Then sent assassins back to Ecbatana,where parmenion was governor to kill him before he even heard of his son’s death. And had a chance to turn against Alexander.
The Capture of Bessus
In 329,Alexander resumed his pursuit of bessus.En Route, he founded the city of Alexandria at arachosia-modern Kandahar,in southern Afghanistan. As he reached Kunduz,bessus was betrayed by his own man and handed over in Chains. Alexander sent him back to Persia for execution,as a king-Slayer.
Pushing the Limits
Alexander pushed on into modern Tajikistan,where the sogdians rose up against him. He had to fight off attacks by local tribes,and take several towns by assault. On the banks of the Jacksons River,he founded the city of Alexandria-Eschate meaning Alexandria ‘the furthest’-so-named because he had. At last,reached the limit of the Persian Empire.
The Scythian Threat
this Frontier was frequently raided by Nomads,known to the Greeks as Scythians. Alexander lured them into a decisive battle near the jaxartes. The result was a crushing victory for the Macedonian King,that put an end to the raids. But fighting against Bactrian and Sogdian tribes continued,frustrating Alexander,and tying him down in a difficult Guerilla War.
We conclude that The Battle of Gaugamela resulted in a decisive victory for Alexander the Great. Shattering the Persian army and paving the way for his conquest of the Persian Empire. This victory allowed Alexander to pursue Darius, consolidate his power, and expand his empire further east.
Research and artwork for this video comes from Osprey Publishing’s extensive range of books on ancient history. Every Osprey book examines a particular battle, campaign or combat unit in authoritative, meticulous detail. And with more than 3,000 titles, they cover everything from ancient warfare to modern conflict.