ALEXANDER GREAT THE KING Alexander. Philip’s ACHIEVEMENTS (Alexander’s inheritance)

ALEXANDER

GREATTHE

KING Alexander

Philip’s ACHIEVEMENTS (Alexander’s inheritance)

Alexander’s First MovesAfter Alexander was proclaimed King, he had a number

of immediate problems to solve, first inside Macedonia, then in the rest of Greece:

1. He killed all rivals to the throne, including 2 of the 3 Lyncestian brothers (see Artus, pg.16) and Amyntas (son of Philip’s elder brother). Attalus was also killed.

2. All Greece was in revolt. He first went south, where he outwitted the Thessalians to gain their support. Athens and the other southern states acclaimed him as Philip’s successor.

3. He then needed to go north, to deal with revolts in Illyria.

4. While in the north, there were rumours that he had been killed. Thebes again revolted, with support from Athens.

5. Alexander laid siege to Thebes and defeated it. (see next slide)

The Sack of Thebes

One of Alexander’s first ‘Acts of Cruelty’. Use Hamilton (p.48-49) to note:

•The reasons why Thebes decided to revolt

•What happened before Alexander attacked the city.

•What happened at the end of the battle.

•How and why the League of Corinth dealt with Thebes.

•Why Hamilton calls this “a calculated act of terrorism”. (Is this fair?)

ALEXANDER

GREATTHE

MILITARY GENIUS

Alexander’s Army

Thessalian Cavalry

Led by Parmenio (2iC)

Left-Wing

Largely defensive

Phalanx

12000 men, led by Craterus and

Coenus

Centre of Army

Fought close together with sarissae and

locked shields

Hypaspists (Royal Guards)

3000 men

Protected RHS of phalanx

Provided link between

Phalanx and Companion

Cavalry

Companion Cavalry

Led by Alexander /

Philotas

Right-Wing

Main attacking force

http://www.livius.org/aj-al/alexander/falanx.jpg

MiletusHalicarnassu

s

Gordium

Granicus River (334BC)

Tarsus Issus(333BC

)

map: www.wargamer.com

Troy

The Conquest of Asia Minor

Before the Granicus Battle

Memnon’s Advice to Persian satraps:

Adopt a ‘scorched earth’ policy:

• Retreat

• Destroy crops as they go

• Wait for reinforcements.

Before the Granicus Battle

Above: The Granicus River today – not much to look at.

Parmenio’s Advice to Alexander:

• Don’t attack immediately

• Wait for dawn

• Persians will retreat from river

• Macedonians won’t have to fight up steep river banks

The Granicus BattlePhase One:

• Alex lines up on right

• Persians strengthen their

left

The Granicus Battle

Phase Two:

• Macedonians cross river

• Amyntas’ cavalry attacks

diagonally to right

• Persians move to their left

The Granicus Battle

Phase Three:

• Alex leads Companions attack diagonally to the left

• Persian line is broken

• Greek Mercenaries killed / captured

The Primary Sources on the Battle

The impact of the phalanx assault“But the enemy hardly sustaining the first onset, soon gave ground and fled, all but the mercenary Greeks” – Plutarch

““It seemed the act of a desperate madman rather than of a prudent commander to charge into a swiftly flowing river …” - Plutarch

Alexander nearly killed by Persian satrap“But as he was about to repeat his stroke, Cleitus, called the black Cleitus, prevented him, by running him through the body with his spear.” - Plutarch

Alexander’s ruthless killing of the Greek mercenaries at Granicus“Ordering a combined assault by infantry and cavalry, Alexander quickly had them surrounded and butchered to a man, though one or two may have escaped notice among the heaps of dead. About 2,000 were taken prisoner.” - Arrian

Significance of the Granicus Victory

MiletusHalicarnassu

s

Gordium


Tarsus Issus(333BC

)



Troy

Read the ‘Course of Events’ sections of the sieges of Miletus and Halicarnassus. What is the main reason why Alexander could take Miletus relatively easily, while he struggled to overcome Halicarnassus?

Miletus and Halicarnassus

Disbanding The Fleet

Use Artus pages 44 & 46 and Hamilton page 60 to fill out the notes on this event.

Miletus

Halicarnassus

Gordium


Tarsus Issus(333BC)



Troy

Image: www.livius.org

From Gordium to Mallus

Cilician Gates

Tarsus

Philip the Arcananian

‘Liberating’ of Soli and Mallus

Games in SoliAbove: The Cilician Gates were a very narrow pass – in Alexander’s time it was said that you could not pass a loaded camel through here!

Before the Battle of IssusAlexander’s Mistake:

• Wrong intelligence about Darius’ position

• Heads south down coast to meet Persians

• Darius circled from North-East, cutting off Alex’s

supply lines

• Alex decides to turn and fight over Pinarus River

http://www.ancientbattles.com/Issus/issus_campaign.jpg

This turned out to Alexander’s advantage!

The Battle of Issus

http://www.livius.org/a/1/maps/issus_map.gif

PHASE 2

•Alex led Companions against cardaces

• Cavalry on mountain side attacked Persian

light troops

• Persians on seaside attacked, putting

Parmenio’s Thessalians under

pressure.

1. Darius stood firm behind the Pinarus river

PHASE 3

• Advancing across uneven ground, the phalanx broke up,

allowing Persians to break through into gap.

• Meanwhile, Alexander charged toward Darius, defeating most of his

personal guard.

• Under threat of death or capture, Darius turned and fled from battle.

PHASE 4

• Darius’s retreat caused a general retreat

amongst Persians

• Alexander did not initially follow, as his phalanx was still in

disarray.

• Parmenio ordered a counter-attack, which

turned the Persian cavalry around – many

were killed.

The Battle of Issus

Success and Failure at Issus

• The geography of the battle meant Darius could not spread his forces and outflank Alexander (ie. luck!).

• Superior training and discipline of Macedonians, particularly the phalanx.

• The ability of Alexander to spot weakness in the Persian line.

• Alexander’s calculated risk that an attack on Darius would prove decisive.

Alexander won and Darius lost due to…


“God himself… by suggesting to Darius to leave the open ground and cram his army into a confined space, has taken charge of operations in our behalf ” – Arrian

Darius’s advisors flattery: “First one, then another of them blew up the bladder of his conceit by saying that the Persian cavalry would ride over the Macedonian army and trample it to pieces.” - Arrian

“Spotting the worst breach in the Macedonian phalanx, the Greeks [mercenaries fighting for Persia] attacked. The action there was desperate, as the Greeks tried to drive the Macedonians back to the river… while the Macedonians, eager not to fall short of Alexander, whose success was already apparent, tried to preserve the good name of the phalanx. - Arrian

[Walking through Darius’ palatial tent and observing all the luxuries the Persian King travelled with] He turned to his companions and remarked: “So this, it seems, is what it is to be a king.” - Plutarch

The Aftermath of Issus

• Alexander gained a major psychological advantage from his first victory over Darius.

• Phoenicia was opened to Alexander and his conquests in Asia Minor secure.

• Darius lost a large number of his best troops

• Alexander captured the Persian royal family

• Alexander could proclaim himself the ‘Lord of Asia’.

Why was this victory so important for Alexander?

The Conquest of Asia MinorImportance of Alexander’s Successes up to 333BC

After Issus, what next?

The Siege of Tyre

Use Artus (page 51) and

Hamilton (pages 71-73) to complete the notes on this 7 month

siege.

The Siege of TyreCourse of the Siege –

Problems and Solutions • 800m to New City • Construction of Causeway

• Attacks on engineers building causeway

• 50m Siege Towers constructed with catapults

• Fireship destroyed siege towers and causeway

• Built more towers and another causeway

• It was difficult for Alex to blockade the harbour

• Tyrian part of Persian navy changed sides

• City walls were thick • Rams and Catapults mounted on ships

• Defenders cut ships mooring ropes

• Mooring chains used


“The king himself climbed the highest siege-tower [which was full of catapults and other siege-engines]. His courage was great, but the danger greater for, conspicuous in his royal insignia and flashing armour, he was the prime target of enemy missiles.” – Curtius Rufus

“To this Tyrian Heracles, Alexander said he wished to offer sacrifice. But when this message was brought to Tyre by the ambassadors, the people passed a decree to obey any other command of Alexander, but not to admit into the city any Persian or Macedonian; thinking that under the existing circumstances … that it would be the safest course for them to pursue in reference to the issue of the war, which was still uncertain.” - Arrian

“The extent of the bloodshed can be judged from the fact that 6,000 fighting-men were slaughtered within the city's fortifications. It was a sad spectacle that the furious king then provided for the victors: 2,000 Tyrians, who had survived the rage of the tiring Macedonians, now hung nailed to crosses all along the huge expanse of the beach.” – Curtius Rufus

Egypt Welcomes Alexander

Three stops:

1. Memphis (Cairo)

2. Alexandria

3. Siwah

Alexander vs. Darius

The March to Gaugamela

The Battle of Gaugamela - Background

From his camp, Alexander could see:

• He was outnumbered at least 5 to 1

• Darius had prepared the battlefield to suit the Persians.

Parmenio’s Advice:

• Attack at night to surprise Persians

Alexander’s Response:

“I will not steal victory like a thief”

(Arrian)

The Battle of Gaugamela – Orders Prior to Battle

“Get a good sleep tonight – we attack in the morning”

“Stay alert tonight for a sneak attack.”

The Battle of Gaugamela – Positioning of Troops

Persian Left:

• Cavalry and Infantry under satrap Bessus

Persian Centre:

• Darius with bodyguard of spearmen and horsemen, Gk Mercenaries, Indian Cavalry.

• In front were elephants and scythe chariots.

Persian Right:

• Massive group of cavalry under satrap Mazaeus

The Battle of Gaugamela – Positioning of TroopsMacedonian

Right:

• Companion cavalry

• Extra Gk cavalry on right to protect flank

Macedonian Centre:

• Phalanx on oblique angle

• Hypaspists

• Extra phalanx with orders to face the rear if encircled.

Macedonian Left:

• Thessalian Cavalry under Parmenio

• Extra Gk cavalry on left to protect flank

The Battle of Gaugamela

The Course of the Battle1. Alex advanced to the right edge of the battlefield. Darius launched a cavalry attack to stop this.

2. Darius’ elephants and scythe-chariots attacked but they were stopped by lancers and ‘corridors’ created by the phalanx.

3. Darius ordered a general offensive. Mazaeus was launched against Parmenio’s wing and the rest of the cavalry were sent to help Bessus on Alexander’s right.

4. This caused a gap to open in the Persian line, to the left of the centre. Alexander, waiting for this opportunity, charged towards Darius

5. Darius decided that the battle was lost and fled. On his left, Bessus and the Bactrian cavalry followed.

6. Parmenio was hard pressed by Mazaeus and called for help. Alex did not chase after Darius but moved to assist Parmenio. He came across Persians trying to escape. Many Companions were killed in this fight.

7. By the time Alexander was able to get to Parmenio’s side he was no longer needed. Mazaeus escaped, pursued by Thessalians

The Battle of Gaugamela – The Significance of the Victory

For Alexander:• He was ‘Lord of Asia’ at 25• He had destroyed Darius’s army and power• He had access to the key cities of the Persian Empire, including the vast wealth of the Persians.

For Darius:• He lost almost all power and prestige • He continued to flee from Alexander, until he was killed in Northern Persia in 329BC

Alexander’s Military Expertise

1. Ordering his troops to rest the night before is good man management.

2. Positioning of the troops shows anticipation of a difficult situation where being outflanked was a strong possibility.

3. Diagonal movement towards edge of battlefield shows cunning through anticipation of Darius’s response.

4. Splitting of phalanx to deal with scythe chariots shows how well-drilled Alex’s troops were.

5. Decisive charge shows Alex’s ability to seize his opportunity to make a decisive break.

6. Decision not to pursue Darius is wise, because of need to preserve his own army.

Summary: Victory at Gaugamela was against enormous odds. This battle shows the full range of Alex’s skills as a general.

Into the Heart of the Empire

Watch the clip of Alexander’s arrival in Babylon. What impressions does this give of a) The Macedonians and b) The Persians?

Troubles in Northern PersiaChasing Darius, then his killers Bessus, Narbarzanes and Barsaentes.

Fighting rebellious satraps including Spitemenes.

Travelling through unfamiliar mountains in extreme weather.

Unhappy Macedonians:

ð Conspiracy of Philotas

ð Murder of Cleitus

ð Conspiracy of the Pages

ð An Endless Quest?

Internal Problems

ExternalProblems

Pursuing Darius

After Gaugamela, Alexander pursued Darius for several months into northern Persia.

Darius was killed by Bessus (one of his generals) in 329BC and left by the side of the road. Alexander continued to pursue Bessus, the general who now claimed he was ‘The Great King’.

Darius’ murder took place here

Into the Heart of the Empire

The Provinces of Bactria and Sogdia

Because the army was now fighting smaller battles in mountainous terrain, Alexander split his army into smaller units, disbanding his phalanx units and discarding the sarissae.

He captured Bessus in 328BC and had him executed, Persian style.

The rebellious satrap Spitemenes was eventually defeated after leading a guerrilla campaign against Alexander.

Other military campaigns in these provinces:

Capturing the Sogdian Rock 327BC

Massacring Indian tribesmen

Capturing the Rock of Aornus 326BC

Murder of Cleitus

Pages Conspiracy

The Sogdian Rock

Use the clip from In the Footsteps of Alexander to answer the following questions:

1. What was it about the Sogdian Rock that made it supposedly impenetrable?

2. How did Alexander overcome the challenge of the Sogdians to find “soldiers who can fly”?

Alexander Gets Married!After the capture of the Sogdian Rock,

Alexander fell in love with Roxane the daughter of Oxyartes, the local satrap. They were married in a traditional Persian ceremony.

Question: Was it Love or Politics?The picture of the ceremony is from a later Indian source.

The Rock of Aornus

Use the clip from In the Footsteps of Alexander to answer the following questions:

1. What Greek legend existed about the Rock of Aornus / Pir Sar?

2. Why would Alexander want to conquer the rock?

3. What difficulties did he overcome?

4. What does this episode say about Alexander’s character?

The Battle of Jhelum

(Hydaspes) 326BC

Above: Battle elephants were an important part of the Indian King Porus’ army.

Left: An almost incomprehensible map of the battle.


(Hydaspes) 326BC Tricking Porus (The Indian King)

• Alexander pretended to cross several times at various crossing points

• Craterus was left at camp with a large force, instructed to fake another crossing.

• Meanwhile, Alex would lead the real crossing 17 miles to the north.


(Hydaspes) 326BC Crossing the River• Heavy rain and thunder in the night helped conceal Alex’s movements

• The weather eased in the morning, so Alex could begin crossing.

• Alex disembarked,but was shocked to realise that they were only on an island half way across.

• Alex’s force quickly crossed in chin-deep water and formed up for battle.


(Hydaspes) 326BC What helped Alex?• Porus did not believe Alex’s force was the main attack. So he sent his son with a small force, that engaged the Macedonians and was wiped out.

• Soon after Porus arrived for the battle proper.

On the journey south down the River Indus, Alexander was responsible for several massacres in villages of the Mallian people.

Then in an attack on a Mallian village, Alexander was seriously wounded by an arrow through the lungs. His men believed he was dead, until he was paraded before them lying in a litter.

Having reached the Indus delta, Alexander sent the navy under Nearcus to go by sea, while he took the army by land across the Gedrosian Desert. This proved to be a terrible mistake, as the Navy was forced to resort to piracy, while an estimated 40,000 men died in the desert. The Gedrosian Desert

Pic: www.livius.org

The Return to Babylon

strategy and tactics

http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/s1/strategy.asp

In warfare, related terms referring, respectively, to large-scale and small-scale planning to achieve military success. Strategy may be defined as the general scheme of the conduct of a war, tactics as the planning of means to achieve strategic objectives. Karl von Clausewitz, the Prussian military theorist, who was influenced by Niccolo Machiavelli, described strategy as the planning of a whole campaign and tactics as the planning of a single battle. Antoine H. Jomini, an influential Swiss military theorist and general, regarded strategy as the art of moving forces to the field of battle and tactics as the conduct of forces in battle. Another school views strategy as a means of bringing the enemy to battle and tactics as the means of defeating him in battle.

Military strategy and tactics are essential to the conduct of warfare. Broadly stated, strategy is the planning, coordination, and general direction of military operations to meet overall political and military objectives. Tactics implement strategy by short-term decisions on the movement of troops and employment of weapons on the field of battle. The great military theorist Carl von Clausewitz put it another way: "Tactics is the art of using troops in battle; strategy is the art of using battles to win the war." http://www.molossia.org/milacademy/strategy.html

The Granicus Battle

RIVER GRANICUS

PHALANX (6 BATTALIONS)

THESSALIAN CAVALRY COMPANION CAVALRY

ADDITIONAL CAVALRYHYPASPISTS

PERSIAN CAVALRY

GREEK MERCENARIES

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ALEXANDER GREAT THE KING Alexander. Philip’s ACHIEVEMENTS (Alexander’s inheritance)

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