THE BATTLE OF GAUGAMELA Alexander vs. the Persians “Ding Ding” The Last Round

EVENTS LEADING TO THE BATTLE Alexander marched east from Tyre when he heard that Darius was in Babylon. Alexander hoped to draw Darius away from Babylon and its flat plains. the two armies met 8 miles from Gaugamela.

BEFORE THE BATTLE… Alexander saw he was outnumbered 5 to 1. he saw that Darius had prepared the battle field making it suitable for his chariots.

THE NIGHT BEFORE… Parmenio’s advises Alexander to attack at night and surprise the Persians Alexander disagrees: too dangerous to attack at night, he doesn’t want to “steal” his victory. Instead, Alexander orders his men to have a meal and a rest. he himself sleeps in. BUT… Darius men are on stand-by all night

ALEXANDER’S BATTLE LINE Alexander did not want to get outflanked. changed his usual battle line. used Greek allies and Macedonians to protect the rear. allied cavalry protects the flanks.

Cretans and light troops Alexander Companions Hypaspists Phalanx Paoenians and Bactrians Thracians and Thessalians Greek Phalanx Baggage train and prisoners

DARIUS’ BATTLE LINE Darius hoped to win be share weight of numbers. his battle line stretched across the plain of Gaugamela. he placed his scythed chariots at the front. his wings were made up of massive numbers of cavalry.

Scythed Chariots Indians Bactrians Scythians Infantry and archers Immortals Darius Bessus Mazaeus Elephants Inferior infantry

HOW TO DESTROY DARIUS AND HIS EMPIRE IN HALF A DAY THE ORDER OF BATTLE OR HOW TO DESTROY DARIUS AND HIS EMPIRE IN HALF A DAY

1. Alexander moves to right and the Persians move to their left to cover him.

2. Darius sends his scythed chariots but they’re ineffective.

3. Darius orders all his battle line to advance with his right wing cavalry attacking Alexander’s left wing.

4. Darius' moves his central cavalry to the left wing to assist his cavalry there

5. This makes a gap in Darius’ line which was what Alexander was waiting for and he charges straight through it.

6. Darius turns and flees just in time along with his left wing cavalry. Alexander follows.

7. Unaware Darius had left the field some Persians make it all the way through to the baggage train.

8. Alexander’s secondary phalanx turns around and attacks these Persians who have no means of escape.

9. Alexander stops chasing Darius to come to Parmenio’s aid 9. Alexander stops chasing Darius to come to Parmenio’s aid. Alexander has to fight hard to get through to Parmenio

10. When Alexander arrives Parmenio no longer needed rescuing and the battle ends.

Confused…?...good. Here it is again then.

ONCE THE DUST SETTLED… Darius escaped to the north. Even though Darius was alive he was finished and his army is crushed. Alexander now free to move into the economic heartland of the Persian Empire. Alexander gives himself the title King of Kings and captures Persepolis