The War of gaugamela
Darius Prepares for War of gaugamela with a Diverse Army
Darius had decided to war of gaugamela in an open area where his numerical advantage would be more obvious. Additionally, his troops had put in a lot of effort to level and clear the land. To make it suitable for Persian War chariots. By modern estimates the Persian army was between 50 000and 80,000 strong. And made up of contingents from across the empire: infantry from Syria and Babylonia,Cavalry from Armenia,India and Central Asia…. Up to 200 sized chariots even a handful of war elephants.
A Macedonian Tapestry: Alexander’s Army Takes Shape
Alexander’s Army was smaller,and may have been outnumbered by as much as two to one. He deployed his units in their usual formation: on the Left Flank,thracian and thessalian Cavalry,commanded by Pomeranian. In the center,the Macedonian Veterans of the Phalanx-each armed with their 18-foot sarissa Pike. On the right flank,Alexander with his Elite Cavalry,The Companions;and his best infantry,the hypaspists. These were the units with which Alexander planned to launch his main attack. Greek hop lights formed a second line,and supported both wings-which were angled back,to guard against encirclement by the Persians.
The Art of War of gaugamela: Alexander’s Tactical Genius on Display
The War of gaugamela began when Alexander LED his wing out to the right-a move that took the Persians by surprise. Could Alexander really be trying to encircle their huge Army? The persians mirrored his movement,taking troops away from their Center,to outflank Alexander,and prevent him leaving the area they cleared for the Persian chariots. But Alexander’s unusual maneuver was a trap-to entice the Persians to weaken their Center. When he saw that it had worked,he ordered his Greek Cavalry to charge,to keep the Persians fixed in position.
The Tide Turns: A Pivotal Moment in the Battle
A giant Cavalry battle developed on the right wing. Darius,meanwhile judging this to be the decisive moment,Unleashed his chariots. But expert agrianes Javelin-throwers took out horses Took out horses and crews-while the Greek infantry opened Lanes,allowing the Chariots to pass harmlessly through.
Alexander’s Decisive Strike: A Blow to the Heart of the Persian Army
Now Alexander LED His companion Cavalry,and parts of the Macedonian Phalanx,in a headlong charge straight at the weekend Persian Centre, fighting his way towards Darius himself. The sudden ferocity of Alexander’s assault through the Persians into Panic-the centre of the army broke and ran-King Darius himself leading the rout. But Alexander’s left wing was in serious trouble-permenian,facing a huge Onslaught by Persian Cavalry,was virtually surrounded-Indian and scythian Horseman had even ridden through a gap in the Greek line-but rather than wheeling and attacking the Greeks from behind,They Carried straight on to loot their camp.
From Rescue to Rout: Alexander Secures Victory at Gaugamela
Parmenion sent a desperate appeal to Alexander for help. The king abandoned his pursuit of Darius,regrouped,and charged the Persian right wing. It was the hardest and bloodiest fighting of the battle-claiming the lives of 60 of Alexander’s companions. Finally,as news of darius’ flight spread across the battlefield,the last Persian Horseman turned and fled. The Battle of gargamela was a stunning and complete victory for Alexander. According to ancient sources,he lost just a few hundred men,while the Persians lost thousands.Alexander had routed darius’s great Army,and now the road to Babylon-the Empire’s main capital-lay open.
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