Map Description

Historical Map of Gaugamela and Vicinity.

The Battle of Gaugamela - October 1, 331 BC - Decisive Maneuver and Final Movement.


Illustrating

:: Persian Army ::

• Darious
• Gap in Persian Line

:: Macedonian Army ::

• Alexander
• Parmenion
• Gap in Macedonian Line

The battle's turning point came when a gap developed in the Persian line as Darius's forces attempted to outflank the Macedonian army. Alexander exploited this opportunity with a decisive charge of his Companion Cavalry*, driving straight toward Darius's position.

This aggressive thrust created a corresponding gap in the Macedonian line, but Alexander's calculated risk succeeded: Darius fled the battlefield, triggering a collapse in Persian morale and command structure.


* = The Companion Cavalry (Hetairoi in Greek) was an elite heavy cavalry unit that served as Alexander's premier striking force, composed of Macedonian nobles.

At Gaugamela, they executed the decisive charge through the Persian line that led to victory, with Alexander personally leading them toward Darius's position. They were considered the finest cavalry unit of their time and consistently served as the decisive arm in Alexander's major battles.

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

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