Map Description

Historical Map of the Battle of Gaugamela, October 1, 331 BC.

This battle is also called the Battle of Arbela.


Illustrating

:: Persian Army ::

• Persian right wing under Mazaeus
• Persian left wing
• Persian war chariots, cavalry
• Scythian and Bactrian horses

:: Macedonian Army ::

• Light Troops
• Thessalian cavalry
• Cavalry
• Infantry
• The Phalanx
• Shield Bearing Infantry
• Royal Horse Guards
• Reserves

:: In a nutshell ::

The Battle of Gaugamela was the decisive confrontation between Alexander the Great of Macedon and Darius III of Persia.

After earlier victories at Granicus and Issus, Alexander pursued Darius into Mesopotamia. Darius chose the plain near Gaugamela (near modern-day Mosul, Iraq) for its flat terrain, ideal for his larger army and scythed chariots.

The Persian force numbered around 250,000 men, including cavalry, infantry, and specialized units like Indian elephants. Alexander commanded approximately 47,000 troops, featuring his elite Companion Cavalry and the disciplined Macedonian phalanx.

The battle began with Darius launching his chariots, which proved ineffective against Alexander's troops who simply opened ranks to let them pass. Alexander's innovative oblique advance to the right drew out the Persian left wing, creating gaps in their center. He then led his Companion Cavalry in a decisive charge toward Darius's position.

Despite having superior numbers, the Persian army began to collapse after Darius fled the battlefield, following a pattern similar to the Battle of Issus. The Macedonians pursued the retreating Persians for several miles.

Credits

Creasy, Sir Edward S.; The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World. London and Edinburgh: T. Nelson & Sons, 1851.

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