The Battle of the Hydaspes326BC

The Prelude to the battleAlexander arrives with his army at the river Hydaspes. The river is too deep to cross so Alexander needs to think of a plan to cross it some other way.

Cunning Strategy Alexander lulled the enemy into a complacent mood as he made many feint attempts to cross. And while King Porus was un aware he crosses the river upstream. But keeps up the illusion that his army is right in front of him.

The CrossingAlexander waited till a stormy night to make his crossing. Half way up the river he left Meleager with a small force at a ford. Alexander, with the bulk of the army, continued upstream where the were concealed by an island. It was here that the crossed the river.

The First EngagementAlexander was spotted crossing the river and Porus sent a small force assuming that the whole army was still at the ford where he was. He was wrong and this resulted in the death of his son.

The main battle and the aftermathIndains lost 20,000 infantry 3,000 infantry. Macedonians lost 80 infantry, 10 mounted archers, 20 Champions and about 200 cavalry. Alexander was impressed with Porus’ demenour and restored him his sovereingty and became a loyal friend