Battle of gaugamela

Alexander's phalanx of Elite Hypaspist. When Alexander crossed to Asia in 334…

Alexander at Arbela, Plain of Gaugamela, Iraq, 331BC- by David Pentland

Macedonian phalanx wielding the sarissa - a 4 to 7 meter (13–21 feet) long spear. The invention of the sarissa is credited to Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.

1- The Battle of the Isonzo, is the name given to the battle fought on August 28, 489 on the banks of the Isontius River, not far away from Aquileia. This river is now known as the Isonzo in Italian, and Soča in Slovene. Theoderic defeated Odoacer, who retreated. 2- The Battle of Verona was fought on 30 September 489 between the Ostrogothic leader Theoderic the Great and the Germanic King of Italy Odoacer. Theoderic personally led his troops in battle, and achieved a decisive victory.

Personally led by Alexander the Great in battle, Alexander's Companion cavalry or 'hetairoi' were the attacking arm of his Macedonian army, tasked with landing the critical hammer blow in many of his victories. They were primarily equipped with the light, two-metre-long xyston lance and acted as shock cavalry. For their armour they equipped themselves with a cuirass made of bronze or leather. They also wore metal greaves and a gorget, both usually made of bronze.

The Companions (Greek: ἑταῖροι, hetairoi) were the elite cavalry of the Macedonian army from the time of king Philip II of Macedon and achieved their greatest prestige under Alexander the Great, and have been regarded as the best cavalry in the ancient world and the first shock cavalry. Chosen Companions/Hetairoi formed the elite guard of the king (Somatophylakes).

The Macedonian phalanx in the battle of Gaugamela. Artwork from the book: Great Commanders and their battles.

Posts about Alexander the Great written by annoyzview