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Hydaspes River [?], 326 BC
Strategic Context
Alexander the Great’s ambition drags himself and his army deeper into India after conquering the Persian Empire; now a vast array of powerful kingdoms stand before him. One such kingdom ruled by King Taxiles equips the Macedonians with equipment and supplies in exchange for help in subduing his rival, Pauravan King Porus. The Pauravan Empire fields an army that is more than a match for the Macedonians.
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Stakes
+ A Macedonian victory would extend the borders of Alexander’s empire and absorb even more soldiers and supplies for further expansion into India.
+ A Pauravan victory would sustain King Porus’ kingdom and spell complete disaster for the Macedonians struggling in the harsh Indian climate.
By Jonathan Webb, 2009

2. Hydaspes River, 326 BC Strength
Macedonians
Well
Pauravans
Well
Alexander the Great
King Porus
23,000 infantry
30,000 infantry
8,000 cavalry
4,000 cavalry
300 chariots
100 war elephants
By Jonathan Webb, 2009

3. Alexander’s Empire in Asia c. 323 BC

4. Macedonians Pauravans
The major feature of the battlefield is the Hydaspes (Jhelum) River, which is both deep, rapid, and swollen during this season. There is one suitable fording site in the west, and a series of islands in the east which is ideal for crossings by boat. Any crossing of the river is extremely difficult if under fire or attack. North of the river is more elevated than the south; the only significant elevated terrain south of the river is a steep hill. The overall ground is a mix of dense forest and open area.
Macedonians
(Alexander)
Pauravans
(Porus)

5. Macedonians (Alexander the Great)
The Macedonians encamp opposite the Pauravans, separated by the Hydaspes River. Porus thinks only a madman would attempt a crossing and Alexander only solidifies this belief by sending for large supplies of wheat and spreading rumours that he has no intention to cross until the monsoon season ends. He also stages continuous cavalry patrols which, with no consequence, cause Porus to relax.
Alexander begins his crossing. Porus becomes gradually more aware of a crossing, but believing it to be a feint, sends his son with only 2,000 cavalry and 120 chariots to investigate. It is too late however; Alexander’s force is already across the river and promptly annihilates this force. Porus, after losing half of his cavalry in one move, decides to face Alexander with the bulk of his army.
Under the cover of an intense storm, Alexander moves a large portion of his army (containing his pike phalanx, skirmishers, and elite cavalry) upriver to a previously discovered crossing site. He leaves Craterus behind with 8,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry (mostly Asiatic allied troops) to keep Porus’ attention on the main camp, and instructs him to cross the river and envelop the Pauravan army if he is left unguarded.
Macedonians (Alexander the Great)
23,000 infantry
8,000 cavalry
Macedonians
(Alexander)
Symbol guide
Macedonians Pauravans
Infantry Infantry
Cavalry Cavalry
Camp Chariots
War elephants
Camp
Pauravans
(King Porus)
30,000 infantry
4,000 cavalry
300 chariots
100 war elephants
Pauravans
(Porus)

6. Macedonians (Alexander the Great)
Porus sees his left wing cavalry in danger and shifts his right wing cavalry to aid them. Coenus, following this movement, circles behind the Pauravan line to attack the rear of the Pauravan cavalry. Porus’ attack on the Macedonian center is a rough affair; the Macedonian phalanx is not accustomed to full war elephant charges and is gradually giving ground.
The Pauravan cavalry is completely surrounded and destroyed. The Macedonian phalanx nearly breaks but remains firm and repels the Pauravan war elephants. Some are killed but others veer around in a rampage, trampling infantry and ripping holes in the Pauravan line. The Macedonian cavalry then envelops Porus’ left wing, careful to avoid the war elephants.
Porus deploys his infantry behind the war elephants in the center, protected by cavalry on the flanks with a reserve of infantry and war elephants just behind his line. He leaves an infantry contingent to disrupt any attempted crossing by Craterus. Alexander deploys the phalanx, which includes his elite Hypasists, in the center, backed by archers. He divides his cavalry in half: one half including his elite Companions and Scythian horse-archers on his right wing and the other half hidden on his left wing. He plans to eliminate Porus’ cavalry and then hit with the phalanx.
The Macedonian horses’ fear of the elephants prevent a charge on the main line so Alexander seeks to lure Porus’ cavalry away from them. Alexander uses his horse-archers to destroy the Pauravan chariots, which are immobilized by the mud, and lure the Pauravan cavalry into the open where they are attacked by his heavy cavalry. Porus meanwhile orders an attack on the Macedonian center.
Macedonians (Alexander the Great)
23,000 infantry
8,000 cavalry
Macedonians
(Alexander)
Craterus
Symbol guide
Alexander
Macedonians Pauravans
Infantry Infantry
Cavalry Cavalry
Camp Chariots
War elephants
Camp
Coenus
Pauravans
(King Porus)
30,000 infantry
4,000 cavalry
300 chariots
100 war elephants
Coenus
Pauravans
(Porus)

7. Macedonians (Alexander the Great)
Porus knows he is in great danger and makes one last counter-stroke with his reserve. His infantry is engaged with the Macedonian cavalry so he uses 40 war elephants in a desperate charge against the Macedonian phalanx. Alexander’s phalanx is better prepared, using skirmishers and missiles to repel the war elephants.
Panics quickly spreads to the Pauravan camp and its garrison flees along with any infantry capable of fleeing the Macedonian envelopment while Craterus’ force pursues. His force arrives in time to cut off the retreat of the majority of the Pauravan army, which surrenders soon after.
The Pauravan cavalry is completely surrounded and destroyed. The Macedonian phalanx nearly breaks but remains firm and repels the Pauravan war elephants. Some are killed but others veer around in a rampage, trampling infantry and ripping holes in the Pauravan line. The Macedonian cavalry then envelops Porus’ left wing, careful to avoid the war elephants.
Macedonians (Alexander the Great)
23,000 infantry
8,000 cavalry
Macedonians
(Alexander)
Craterus
Symbol guide
Alexander
Macedonians Pauravans
Infantry Infantry
Cavalry Cavalry
Camp Chariots
War elephants
Camp
Coenus
Coenus
Craterus
Pauravans
(King Porus)
30,000 infantry
4,000 cavalry
300 chariots
100 war elephants
Pauravans
(Porus)

8. Hydaspes River, 326 BC Casualties & Aftermath
Macedonians:
Pauravans:
4,000 or
13%
21,000 or
62%
Alexander spared Porus’ life and allowed him to continue ruling his kingdom, albeit in Alexander’s name. The Macedonian victory proved to be an empty one however; Alexander’s exhausted army mutinied shortly after and refused to undertake any further conquest. The Macedonians were forced to cross the Gedrosian Desert and suffered horrendously for the chance to sail back home.
By Jonathan Webb, 2009

9. The Art of Battle: Animated Battle Maps
By Jonathan Webb, 2009