Battle+of+Issus

=Battle of Issus =


 * Who:** the Macedonian army (hoplites, light infantry, cavalry) led by Alexander the Great, vs. the Persian army (light and heavy infantry, Immortals, cavalry) led by Darius III


 * What:** The Battle of Issus was a decisive victory for Alexander over Darius. After Alexander's men occupied Asia Minor, Darius mustered an army and personally marched against him. They faced each other across the mouth of the Pinarus River, with the shoreline to Alexander's left and Darius's right. Darius formed up his front with cavalry on the right and infantry on the left, spilling over the river and into the hills on the other side to menace Alexander's right. He led from the center of his line, surrounded by his elite cavalry guard and hoplite mercenaries. Alexander placed his phalanx on his left and his cavalry on his right, with a detachment of cavalry covering his left flank. He led first the elite Macedonian infantry and then his elite cavalry unit on the right, leaving the left in the hands of his capable general Parmenion.

The Persians first engaged as their heavy cavalry crossed the river. Parmenion, though outnumbered, held the line while Alexander led an infantry counterattack, breaking through Darius's left. Then, Alexander led a cavalry charge against Darius himself in the center, in his signature hammer-and-anvil manoeuver; Darius fled the field rather than risk death or capture, demoralizing the rest of the Persian army, which scattered as Alexander bore down behind the mercenary phalanx. The Macedonian cavalry gave chase, killing many of the fleeing Persians.


 * When:** October 331 BC


 * Where:** the shores of the Gulf of Issus, Anatolia


 * Why:** The Battle of Issus marked a power shift in the ancient world. The Persians were, for the first time, no longer the dominant force in the area. It set the stage for their final defeat at Gaugamela. It was also the first time they were defeated with their king upon the field.