Map Description

Historical Map of Gaugamela and Vicinity.

The Battle of Gaugamela - October 1, 331 BC - Initial Dispositions and Opening Movements.


Illustrating

:: Persian Army ::

• Darius
• Chariots

:: Macedonian Army ::

• Alexander
• Parmenion
• Phalanx*
• Hypaspists**
• Rear Phalanx of Auxiliaries
• Camp

The Persian army under Darius III deployed their forces at Gaugamela with scythed*** chariots at the front - a key tactical asset they would commit early in the battle. Alexander arranged his smaller Macedonian army with careful consideration: Parmenion commanding the left wing, while the disciplined Macedonian phalanx and elite Hypaspists formed the center.

When the Persians initiated combat with their chariot charge, Alexander's forces executed a well-rehearsed tactic: the infantry formations deliberately split to create lanes, allowing the chariots to pass harmlessly through, where they were then attacked from the sides or handled by rear-guard troops.


* The phalanx was the main infantry formation of the Macedonian army, consisting of heavily armed soldiers (phalangites) arranged in a dense, rectangular formation. They were equipped with very long spears called sarissas (approximately 18 feet long) and fought in a tight formation where the front ranks projected their spears while rear ranks held theirs upward, creating a formidable wall of spear points. At Gaugamela, the phalanx formed the center of Alexander's battle line and was crucial for holding the army's position against Persian attacks.

** The Hypaspists were an elite infantry unit in Alexander's army that served as a bridge between the heavy phalanx and the more mobile cavalry. They were more lightly armed than the phalanx and could operate effectively both in formation and in more fluid combat situations. At Gaugamela, they played a crucial role positioned between the phalanx and Alexander's cavalry units, able to support either as needed.

*** Scythed chariots were Persian war chariots equipped with sharp blades (scythes) extending from the wheel hubs and sometimes from the sides of the chariot body. These blades were designed to cut down infantry as the chariot drove through enemy formations at high speed. At Gaugamela, they represented a significant investment in specialized military equipment by the Persian army, though Alexander's tactics neutralized their effectiveness.

The term "scythed" comes from "scythe" - the curved harvesting blade, here adapted for military use.

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

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