The Battle Of Gaugamela By Alexander The Great - 1869 Words

The Battle of Gaugamela SSG Hennessey, Timothy J USAICoE NCOA, Class 15-003 Alexander the Great is arguably the greatest general and military strategist to have ever lived. He never lost a battle, and before his thirtieth birthday, he had conquered from Greece to India. His military conquests paved the way for Hellinization, the spread of Greek culture, throughout the world. Though Alexander’s reign was short, he left an indelible mark on not only his kingdom but on the world to come. He was an inspiration for Napoleon and Caesar. His name marks dozens of cities across the globe. None of this would have been possible, though, if he hadn’t defeated King Darius III and the Persian Empire. The greatest of Alexander’s†¦show more content†¦As is common following the assassination of a ruler in ancient times, Alexander solidified his role as King of Macedon by executing or otherwise eliminating all rivals to the throne. He then focused southward, into Greece and the rebellious city-states. The primary states he concerned himself with were Thessaly, Thermopylae, and Athens. As would be his fashion in all of his campaigns, he moved his army swiftly into Greece before the Greeks could prepare for his arrival. Thessaly and Thermopylae quickly, and without bloodshed, recognized him as their ruler. Before the end of 336, Alexander had been recognized as the leader of the League of Corinth by all of Greece, with the exception of Sparta. The only revolt was by Thebes, in 335 and, once again, Alexander responded to this revolt quickly and swiftly. Within three days, the city was razed, soldiers slaughtered with ruthless efficiency, and women and children sold into slavery. Once Thebes was dealt with, Athens gave its wholehearted support to Alexander and the Corinthian League. Once he had finished consolidating his power within Macedon and Greece, Alexander set his sights on the Persian Empire and all of Asia. In 334, only two years after taking power, Alexander marched his army west, navigated the Hellespont, and crossed into Persian territory for the first time. Though he left Antipater and some of his troops in behind to ensure the Greeks did not revolt again, he took close to 30,000 infantry and 5,100 cavalry