2006:Higher Level, Topic 2 (i)(a) Describe the main components of Alexander’s army. (25) (b) In the battle of Issus what use did Alexander make of his cavalry and infantry? (25)

2006:Higher Level, Topic 2 (i)(a) Describe the main components of Alexander’s army. (25) (b) In the battle of Issus what use did Alexander make of his cavalry and infantry? (25) 1.Read the Question carefully and ask yourself, what am I being asked to do here? 2.Then ask yourself, how can I make this easier on myself? THINK!

2006:Higher Level, Topic 2 (i)(a) Describe the main components of Alexander’s army. (25) (b) In the battle of Issus what use did Alexander make of his cavalry and infantry? (25) 1.Read the Question carefully and ask yourself, what am I being asked to do here? 2.Then ask yourself, how can I make this easier on myself? Use Issus as the example for (a)

2006:Higher Level, Topic 2 (i)(a) Describe the main components of Alexander’s army. (25) (b) In the battle of Issus what use did Alexander make of his cavalry and infantry? (25) If we were to imagine a bird’s eye view of Alexander’s battle formation at Issus we would notice two main wings: the left on the seaward side under the general command of Parmenio and the right towards the hills under Alexander.

2006:Higher Level, Topic 2 (i)(a) Describe the main components of Alexander’s army. (25) (b) In the battle of Issus what use did Alexander make of his cavalry and infantry? (25) Alexander split his right wing into two sections due to what Arrian calls “the strange geography of the place”. On the extreme right at an angle to protect the army’s flank he posted his Agrianian spearmen and some light infantry troops along with archers to check the Persians that were stationed in the hills almost in Alexander’s rear. Facing Darius across the river he posted his Prodromoi (advance scouts) and the Paeonians. These were light cavalries whose main role was to support the heavier hetairoi or companion cavalry on their charge and to ensure no gaps opened up in the lines.

φάλαγξ / PHALANX The heavy infantry was the muscle of the Macedonian army. It marched slowly and deliberately bearing long heavy pikes (sarissas). It was however vulnerable at its sides (flanks) and from behind. Craterus was a phalanx commander until his promotion after the death of Parmenion. Coenus (Parmenion’s son-in- law) was also a phalanx commander until his death shortly after the Mutiny at Hyphasis Alexander nicknamed his phalangites as his pezhetairoi (foot-companions) perhaps to recruit more...

Πελταστής (Peltasts) also known as skirmishers The “light infantry” were varied specialist troops. In battle their role was to provide a screen of covering fire for the main units designed to upset and harass the enemy’s ranks

Ὑπασπιστής (Hypaspistes) Meaning: “under shields” usually translated as “guards” Due to their lighter weapons and leather cuirasses (armour) the hypaspists were more dynamic, faster and spontanteous than the phalanxes whose vulnerable flanks they protected. Although he led the phalanx against the Getae, Nicanor (son of Permenion) commanded the hypaspists during the Persian Campaign until his death shortly before the trial of his brother Philotas.

Light Cavalry Like the light infantry, the light cavalry carried lighter arms and less armour and so were more dynamic, faster and spontaneous. Its role in battle was to protect the heavy infantry After Gaugamela, Alexander acquired Scythian mounted archers, which could be devastating in battle to the enemy.

Heavy Cavalry These were like the tanks of the Macedonian army The galloped in formation armed with long sarissa pikes and smashed through enemy lines Alexander himself rode with his hetairoi (companions) On the left wing during the Persian Campaign was a similar squadron of heavy Thessalian cavalry