The Battle of Gaugamela

The March to Gaugamela

The Battle of Gaugamela - Background From his camp, Alexander could see: He was outnumbered at least 5 to 1 Darius had prepared the battlefield to suit the Persians. Parmenio’s Advice: Attack at night to surprise Persians Alexander’s Response: “I will not steal victory like a thief” (Arrian)

The Battle of Gaugamela – Orders Prior to Battle “Get a good sleep tonight – we attack in the morning” “Stay alert tonight for a sneak attack.”

The Battle of Gaugamela – Positioning of Troops Persian Left: Cavalry and Infantry under satrap Bessus Persian Centre: Darius with bodyguard of spearmen and horsemen, Gk Mercenaries, Indian Cavalry. In front were elephants and scythe chariots. Persian Right: Massive group of cavalry under satrap Mazaeus

The Battle of Gaugamela – Positioning of Troops Macedonian Right: Companion cavalry Extra Gk cavalry on right to protect flank Macedonian Centre: Phalanx on oblique angle Hypaspists Extra phalanx with orders to face the rear if encircled. Macedonian Left: Thessalian Cavalry under Parmenio Extra Gk cavalry on left to protect flank

The Battle of Gaugamela

The Course of the Battle 1. Alex advanced to the right edge of the battlefield. Darius launched a cavalry attack to stop this. 2. Darius’ elephants and scythe-chariots attacked but they were stopped by lancers and ‘corridors’ created by the phalanx. 3. Darius ordered a general offensive. Mazaeus was launched against Parmenio’s wing and the rest of the cavalry were sent to help Bessus on Alexander’s right. 4. This caused a gap to open in the Persian line, to the left of the centre. Alexander, waiting for this opportunity, charged towards Darius 5. Darius decided that the battle was lost and fled. On his left, Bessus and the Bactrian cavalry followed. 6. Parmenio was hard pressed by Mazaeus and called for help. Alex did not chase after Darius but moved to assist Parmenio. He came across Persians trying to escape. Many Companions were killed in this fight. 7. By the time Alexander was able to get to Parmenio’s side he was no longer needed. Mazaeus escaped, pursued by Thessalians

The Battle of Gaugamela – The Significance of the Victory For Alexander: He was ‘Lord of Asia’ at 25 He had destroyed Darius’s army and power He had access to the key cities of the Persian Empire, including the vast wealth of the Persians. For Darius: He lost almost all power and prestige He continued to flee from Alexander, until he was killed in Northern Persia in 329BC

Alexander’s Military Expertise 1.Ordering his troops to rest the night before is good man management. 2.Positioning of the troops shows anticipation of a difficult situation where being outflanked was a strong possibility. 3.Diagonal movement towards edge of battlefield shows cunning through anticipation of Darius’s response. 4.Splitting of phalanx to deal with scythe chariots shows how well-drilled Alex’s troops were. 5.Decisive charge shows Alex’s ability to seize his opportunity to make a decisive break. 6.Decision not to pursue Darius is wise, because of need to preserve his own army. Summary: Victory at Gaugamela was against enormous odds. This battle shows the full range of Alex’s skills as a general.