Arbela, battle of (battle of Gaugamela) (331 bc). Located west of the Tigris about 50 miles (80 km) from modern Erbil (Arbela), Gaugamela was the site of Alexander's third and decisive victory over the Persians in September 331 bc. Following defeat at Issus, King Darius had assembled a massive army from his eastern provinces, especially heavy cavalry: 200, 000 infantry and 45, 000 cavalry are the lowest of various grossly exaggerated figures. Alexander disposed his 40, 000 infantry and 7, 000 cavalry to offset this numerical difference: his strike troops, primarily Macedonians, occupied the front line (phalanx in the centre, cavalry on the wings), while his Greek allies and mercenaries constituted a second line which could face-about to form a square if the Persians threatened to encircle. Alexander advanced obliquely, threatening to drag the Persians off the terrain prepared for an attack by scythe- chariots; a Persian outflanking move on the right failed, their chariots were neutralized by Thracian javelin men, and Alexander then charged with the cavalry on the right wing, broke the Persian centre, and forced Darius to flee. On the Macedonian left Parmenio endured a fierce assault, which was only terminated when Alexander was recalled from pursuing Darius.
Bibliography
- Marsden, E., The Campaign of Gaugamela (Liverpool, 1964)
— L. Michael Whitby
