The Tactics of Alexander The Battle Of Issus The Tactics of Alexander

So… When Did This Battle Happen? 334 BC 333 BC 332 BC 331 BC 334 BC 334 BC 333 BC 331 BC Visit to Troy Disbanding of the Fleet THE BATTLE OF ISSUS Revolt of Memnon in Thrace The Battle Of The Granicus The Gordium Knot Siege of Tyre Visit to Siwah

The Gordium Knot In 333 Alexander arrived in the City of Gordium An Ancient legend said that he who could untie the knot would become the ruler of Asia Alexander took a look at this knot Alexander found he could not undo the knot So…

“It does not say how one must undo the knot” He drew his sword… “It does not say how one must undo the knot” And he cut clean through the knot

The Lead Up To The Battle Alexander and his forces were at Mallus when word came of the Army of Darius was encamped east of the Syrian gates Excited, Alexander traveled non-stop to Finally fight Darius However, Darius had actually by-passed Alexander, came across the sick and wounded Macedonians, and killed them all. Realizing his mistake, Alexander turns around and travels back with all speed…

The Battle The two armies met on the narrow coastal plain of Issus, with the river Pinarus between them Darius, limited by the narrow terrain, deployed his best troops (the mercenary Greek infantry) in the center, with his cavalry on either side. Darius himself stayed at the rear of his forces, right in the center, surrounded by the persian levy.

The Macedonians deployed in normal battle formation, with the allied cavalry (led by Parmenio) on the left, and the archers and light infantry on the right. Alexander positioned himself at the head of his companions

The troops - Darius 12000 Persian cavalry 8000 Greek Mercenaries 20000 Persian Heavy Infantry 14000 light troops 50000 persian levy

The troops – Alexander’s cavalry 2100 Companions 600 Prodromoi 2100 Thessalians 750 from Greek states 300 from Paenia

Alexander’s infantry 12000 in the Phalanx 7000 Greeks 3000 Hypaspists 6000 Pelasts from Thrace 5000 Greek mercenary Pelasts 2000 light troops

Persian Light Infantry The Battle Lines Persian Light Infantry Persian Cavalry Darius Persian Cavalry Persian troops Greek Mercinaries Persian troops Hypaspists Light infantry Parmenio’s cavalry Macedonian Phalanx Alexander and the Companions

Alexander attacked across the river at the heavy infantry Parmenio is attacked and despite being outnumbered, ensures than no gap forms in the line Darius’ Mercenaries attack the phalanx, and fight so well that a gap forms in the line

Greek Mercenaries poured into the gap in the line, attacking vulnerable Macedonians Meanwhile, Alexander pushes closer to Darius Darius sees this, and flees the battlefield

After realizing Darius had fled, the Persian troops began to withdraw Alexander, instead of pursuing Darius turns around and charges the Greek mercenaries The mercenaries either fled or were cut down by the cavalry

Alexander set off after Darius… But failed to capture him…

After the Battle… Darius Darius had lost many troops, including five commanders. Darius’ family were captured Darius now only had access to 2000 mercenaries

After the battle - Alexander First defeat of Darius, defeated Darius even though outnumbered… good for propaganda Captured Darius’ family, took on role of great king Asia minor now controlled by Alexander Greek states cowed by amazing victory, sent Alexander a golden wreath Alexander free to take Gaza and Tyre

The Letters From Darius The first letter requested friendship and Alliance in return for the restoration of his family that Phillip Started the war without provocation It is said that this letter was very arrogant in tone Diodorus disagrees, saying that the letter offered a payment of ransom and an offer to cede territory west of the Hayls river

Whatever the content of the letter, Alexander’s response was a flat refusal. He also blamed Persians for the murder of Phillip and the start of hostilities Blamed Darius for stirring up trouble in Greece Demanded to be addressed as “king of Asia” Alexander then proceeded to lay siege to Tyre

The second request After the siege of Tyre, another letter arrived from Darius. This letter again asked for the restoration of his family, this time for a ransom of 10,000 talents The letter also offered Alexander all the territory west of the Euphrates And finally, Darius requested Alexander become his ally and marry his Daughter

Again, Alexander refused this time saying “the countries, and all their treasures are already mine, and I will marry your daughter with or without your permission” Parmenio is said to have said “if I were Alexander I would accept this offer” Alexander replied “so would I if I were Parmenio” Alexander then marched in battle formation to Egypt.

Alexander’s military genius This battle shows us that Alexander is a military genius He reacts quickly to changes in the battle, and modifies his tactics to suit the situation He is able to turn a disadvantage into an advantage And he can convince his troops to take on an army far larger than they, and still win!