Battle of Gaugamela
Also known as: Battle of Arbela
The Battle of Gaugamela, also called the Battle of Arbela, took place in 331 BC between the forces of the Army of Macedon under Alexander the Great and the Persian Army under King Darius III.
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First major victory in the Persian campaign
This initial victory opened the gates of Asia Minor to Alexander, setting the stage for his deeper penetration into the Persian heartland.
Key Macedonian general
As the commander of the left wing, Parmenion held the line against overwhelming Persian numbers, allowing Alexander to execute his decisive maneuver on the right.
Preceding major battle
Fought two years prior, this battle established Alexander's dominance in the Levant and forced Darius III to prepare a massive defensive force at Gaugamela.
Elite unit led by Alexander
Alexander personally led this heavy cavalry unit in a wedge formation to break through the Persian center at Gaugamela, directly targeting Darius III.
Tactical unit employed in the battle
The phalanx, armed with the sarissa, formed the core of Alexander's infantry and was instrumental in holding the Persian line while the Companion cavalry struck the center.
Defeated power in the conflict
The Battle of Gaugamela was the decisive engagement that led to the collapse of the Achaemenid Empire and the fall of its capital, Persepolis.
Key technological advantage
The sarissa allowed the Macedonian infantry to maintain a defensive wall that proved critical in surviving the Persian cavalry charges at Gaugamela.
Biographical chronicler
Plutarch's 'Life of Alexander' offers significant anecdotal details about the battle, including the psychological state of the commanders before the engagement.
Primary historical source
Arrian's 'Anabasis of Alexander' provides one of the most detailed and reliable accounts of the tactical maneuvers performed during the Battle of Gaugamela.
final major defeat of Darius III
This 331 BC battle was the decisive engagement where Darius III fled the field, effectively ending his ability to resist Alexander's conquest.
decisive military engagement against the Achaemenid Empire
This battle in 331 BC resulted in the collapse of the Persian Empire and allowed Alexander to claim the title of King of Asia.
Persian satrap and conspirator
Bessus commanded the Persian left wing at Gaugamela and later assassinated Darius III, marking the final end of the Achaemenid royal line.
Persian weapon deployed at Gaugamela
Darius III utilized these specialized chariots in an attempt to break the Macedonian infantry lines, but they were largely neutralized by Alexander's tactical adjustments.