Map Description

Historical Map of the Hydaspes River and Vicinity.

Battle of the Hydaspes in 326 BC - Combined Arms Attack

Illustrating

• Alexander
• Hypasists
• Phalanx
• Coenus
• Elephants

After crossing, Alexander's force first encountered and defeated a smaller force led by Porus's son.

Porus then had to choose between committing his main force against Alexander while leaving his original position vulnerable to Craterus, or dividing his army.

He chose to face Alexander with his main force.

Alexander used his cavalry to engage Porus's horse on one flank. During this engagement, Alexander's mounted troops proved superior.

Alexander's infantry had to contend with the elephants.

Coenus commanded one of the six taxeis (infantry battalions) in Alexander's army. He led his unit in a coordinated pincer movement with Craterus's forces, helping to encircle Porus's army. The battle concluded with this encirclement of Porus's forces.


:: In Summary ::

The battle of the Hydaspes demonstrated sophisticated combined arms tactics. Alexander's army included cavalry, infantry, and archers, while Porus arranged his forces with elephants in the center, supported by infantry, and cavalry on the wings.

Porus was allowed to maintain his position as king, though now subject to Alexander's authority.

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

Related Links

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