1. The Tactics of Alexander
The Battle Of Issus
The Tactics of Alexander

2. 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

3. 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…

4. “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

5. 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…

6. 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.

7. 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

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

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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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.

22. 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!