The Battle of Issus
Alexander the Great Defeats Darius of Persia 333 B.C.
The Battle of Issus in 333 B.C. was one of the greatest for Alexander the Great. As told from the Macedonian point of view it is a victorious, though violent, battle from which the Macedonians continued to carry their title of invincible.
Darius’ Arrival at Issus
When news arrived that Darius of Persia was approaching the Macedonian forces, Alexander the Great immediately called together his advisors to discuss their options. The consensus was to advance to meet them, though not immediately.
Had Darius remained in his original position, which was a flat and wide open battlefield, perfect for his numerous cavalry, he may have won the battle; however his advisors claimed that Alexander’s slow response to the Persian advance meant that he did not intend to continue further into Asia. They convinced him that the Persian army could easily overtake the Macedonians and should press forward. Thus, Darius advanced to Issus and upon his arrival, found Alexander’s rear detachment.
Slaughter of the Macedonian Rear
When the Persian army came upon the Macedonian rear, they found those left behind due to illness or injury. Every single Macedonian present was killed.
Word reached Alexander and he sent the Hetaeri, the elite cavalry, to investigate the validity of these claims.
Alexander Encouraging His Army
Once the Hetaeri returned to Alexander with news that the attack had taken place and Darius was presently occupying Issus, Alexander called to his men to have courage.
He cited other battles in which the Macedonians had been victorious. He compared the luxury-loving Persians who fought as slaves to the free Macedonians who fought with their hearts dedicated to the battle.
After his men ate a hearty meal, Alexander led the army out to meet Darius.
Troop Movement Toward Issus
Had Darius remained where he originally planned, his sheer numbers may have triumphed over the Macedonian forces. The terrain, however, worked against Darius and Alexander used it to his own advantage.
Darius sent 30,000 cavalry and 20, 000 light infantry across the Pinarus River while another 20,000 men went to Alexander’s rear.
Alexander meanwhile brought the cavalry, comprised of the Thessalians, Macedonians and the Hetaeri, on the right under his own command. The Peloponnesian troops made up the Macedonian left, under the command of Parmenio, a trusted advisor and general from the days of King Philip, Alexander’s father.
Darius then moved his cavalry to his right, threatening the Macedonian left on the seaward side of the battlefield. Darius continued to move his men around throughout the battle, though it seemed to his detriment.
Alexander quickly responded by moving the Thessalian troops to meet the Persians. He accomplished this and all other movements in a way to conceal such actions from his enemies. Likewise, he continued to lead his men in a slow, precise way in order to give his men and his enemies the appearance that he had all the time in the world, that is until the armies came within striking distance.
The Battle of Issus
Springing to action, the Macedonians fell into battle with the Persians. Their swift pace decreased casualties and left the Persians helpless. The Persian left, when faced with Alexander and the cavalry, fell almost immediately.
Alexander then moved his forces to the Macedonian center to maintain stability and keep the Persians from breaking through the line. Those troops in the weakening center were encouraged by Alexander’s swift success and fought harder.
Even Darius soon became involved in the battle, but when faced with the Macedonian cavalry, the Persians retreated, Darius leading the way, even dropping his shield and bow to escape on horseback.
Alexander pursued Darius until the sun died that day, but did not capture him. The Persian army was decimated and the Macedonians were victorious once more.
Source:
Arrianus, Flavius. "The Battle of Issus." The Art of War in World History: from Antiquity to the Nuclear Age. Ed. Gerard Chaliand. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994.
