Battle of Gaugamela took place in 331 BC.e.It was the last fighting between the armies of king Darius III of Persia and Alexander the Great.The battle took place at a significant superiority of the Persians.There were several hundred thousand people, and they fought against tens of thousands of soldiers of the Greek-Macedonian army.At the beginning of the confrontation Parmenion - the commander of the left flank of the army of Macedon - suffered very significant losses.Alexander commanded the right flank and made a deceptive and totally unexpected maneuver.This has led to confusion of the Persian king, and he left the battlefield.As a result, the Macedonian army won.What actually happened?And as the battle went on, which is not forgotten today?
Alexander
famous military leader lived in 356-323 years BC.The conquests of Alexander the Great became one of the greatest events in the history of all mankind.About them stacked and epic legends, filmed and written scientific thesis.Alexander was the governor of Macedonia and founder of the Hellenistic state of the world.Great was the son of King Philip II and daughter of the monarch Molosser Olympics.A child brought up in an aristocratic spirit: he taught mathematics, writing, playing the lyre.His teacher was Aristotle himself.Judgment and martial character, Alexander had been in his youth.Also, the future ruler boasted of incredible physical strength, and that he managed to tame Bucephalus - a horse that did not yield a draw training.
are some famous dates in history, which glorified the Macedonian king:
- beginning of August 338 BC.e.- 16-year-old army ruler defeated the Greek army;
- spring 335 BC.e.- A campaign that brought victory over Alexander mountain Thracians, Illyrians and triballami;
- winter 334-333 years BC.e.Macedon managed to win Pamphylia and Lycia.
But that's not the whole list of victories the great commander.
Victory
All conquests of Alexander the Great is unlikely to describe in a few sentences, but some are still worth mentioning.Once in the year 335 BC.e.Alexander proclaimed himself king, he is subordinate to the will of those who dare to rebel against him, it was the army in northern Macedonia.He also struck Illyrians and drove them to the Danube.
Next Great uprising was crushed by armed Greeks.He defeated Thebes and did not spare the mighty Athens.Shortly afterwards, with his huge army defeated the army of the king of the Persians and thus set their will across Asia Minor.But the date on the history suggest that Alexander has repeatedly fought with Darius III, and won a victory over him.For the first time this has happened in 333 BC.e.Then, crossing the Taurus, when Issa a battle between the armies of two great generals.But he won the Great, the Persian king forced to flee into Babylon.
Prostrate ruler Alexander offered some peace terms.But he did not accept them.He decided to conquer the country, located on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea.By turns Macedonian subdued Illyria, then Palestine, and then to Egypt.There he built the pyramids Alexandria.And then was the aforementioned Battle of Gaugamela.
reasons battle
As already known to the reader, these events took place in 331 BC.e.For a couple of years before Darius III was first defeated his opponent.Then, like the Persian world and he invited the Macedonian 10 thousand talents as a ransom for his captured family.In addition, the Persian king Darius was ready to pay for his daughter Alexandra satire.Behind her in the form of a dowry was supposed possessions of the Hellespont, and up to the Euphrates.Also, Darius III was ready for an alliance and peace with your enemy.
something that offers Persian, was incredibly important for Alexander, so he had discussed all this with its allies.One of the close of Macedon, Parmenion, said that he would accept all the conditions being in place of Alexander.But not in the style of the commander was to be led by someone else.Therefore he said that he would also agree to the proposal, if I had the opportunity to be in place Parmenion.But as he - Alexander the Great, and not anyone else, neither for a cease-fire will not go.
Darius had sent a corresponding letter, which stated that no one has the right to command the great commander.And his wife, the daughter of a Persian will be the Great only if the latter himself so desires, because the whole family is the enemy in his power.Alexander wrote that if Darius wants peace, then let them come to his master as his subject.After such message Darius III started to prepare for this war.
opponents
Army Battles of Alexander the Great have always been bloody, and brought a lot of losses opponents.After the Macedonian army was numerous.In preparation for the battle of Gaugamela, it numbered 40 thousand infantry and seven thousand horsemen.But the Persians had the largest weighty advantage.However, it does not upset the Great, as most of the army of the king consisted of well-trained soldiers with experience.The army of Darius III totaled 250 thousand. People, among which there were 30 thousand. Mercenaries from Greece and 12 thousand. Baktrians heavily on horseback.
as a transition Euphrates
Battle of Gaugamela began with the fact that, after passing Syria Macedonian army came to the Euphrates.The Persian army was to defend the crossing.But the Persians disappeared as soon as they saw the main forces of their opponents.Therefore, Alexander managed to easily overcome the Euphrates and continue to march to the east.Darius did not prevent the Great.He, along with his army of enemies waiting on the plain, which is ideal for the deployment of the army and the defeat of the Macedonians.The small village of Gaugamela was located next door to this plain.
Tiger and improved the army of Darius
In September, went to the river Tigris, Alexander the Great (Battle of Gaugamela, one of his many feats, was just around the corner).The prisoners, who had already grab, said that Darius would prevent the Macedonian crossing through this reservoir.But after the Great began to cross the river on the opposite bank there was no one.The Persians were preparing for an attack in another.
Meanwhile troops Darius III improved and perfected their weapons.So, to the hub and the drawbar chariots are attached sharpened tip.It was assumed that such units must cause huge losses of the enemy army.Weapons Corps has also become more powerful.
battle began
Macedonian right flank was the right obliquely to the main front line.Darius ordered his left wing to round the right flank of the enemy.The cavalry rushed to perform it.Alexander also ordered the Greek cavalry to attack, but his men have failed.Still, Darius plans were not realized.
Winning Alexander
Battle of Gaugamela was hot.Ultimately Darius III fled with the army on the battlefield like a naughty cat.In spite of his not numerous Macedonian army was able to win thanks to his intelligence and prudence.This battle marked the end of the Persian Empire, and his lord was killed by his own allies approximate.Alexander the Great, after such a significant battle has won many victories and expanded their holdings are not the same power.
