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Alexander the Great's Battle Tactics: A Comprehensive Guide
Author: Dr. Aris Papadopoulos, Professor of Classical History at the University of Athens, specializing in Macedonian warfare and military strategy of the Hellenistic period. Dr. Papadopoulos has authored several acclaimed books on Alexander the Great, including "The Macedonian Phalanx: Evolution and Tactics," and numerous peer-reviewed articles on the subject.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP), a globally renowned academic publisher with a long history of publishing authoritative works on military history and classical antiquity. OUP's expertise in rigorous fact-checking and historical accuracy ensures the reliability of this guide on Alexander the Great's battle tactics.
Editor: Dr. Eleanor Vance, Senior Editor at OUP, specializing in ancient history and possessing extensive experience in editing academic publications focused on military strategy and classical studies.
Keyword: Alexander the Great Battle Tactics
Summary: This guide delves into the innovative and highly effective battle tactics employed by Alexander the Great, analyzing his strategic thinking, battlefield maneuvers, and the key factors contributing to his unparalleled military success. It explores his best practices, including the combined arms approach, exploitation of terrain, and psychological warfare, alongside common pitfalls to avoid when studying his strategies. The guide offers valuable insights for military strategists, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the brilliance of Alexander's military genius.
H1: Alexander the Great's Revolutionary Approach to Warfare
Alexander the Great’s military achievements are legendary. His conquest of a vast empire from Greece to India wasn't solely due to superior manpower; it stemmed from a revolutionary approach to Alexander the Great battle tactics. He masterfully blended existing Greek military practices with innovative strategies, creating a formidable fighting force. This guide explores the key elements of his tactical brilliance.
H2: The Combined Arms Approach: Synergy on the Battlefield
One of the cornerstones of Alexander the Great battle tactics was the seamless integration of different military units – the famed Macedonian phalanx, the hypaspists (elite infantry), the cavalry (especially the Companion cavalry), and the light infantry (slingers, archers). This wasn't merely a matter of deploying various troops; it involved coordinating their actions to exploit enemy weaknesses. The phalanx, a formidable wall of spears, provided steadfast defense and a powerful shock force, while the cavalry executed flanking maneuvers and pursued retreating enemies. The light infantry harassed enemy lines and provided ranged support, creating a potent and versatile fighting force. This synergy is a crucial aspect of understanding Alexander the Great battle tactics.
H3: Exploiting Terrain: The Art of Strategic Positioning
Alexander possessed an uncanny ability to assess and exploit the terrain. He carefully chose battlefields that favored his strengths and minimized his weaknesses. The Battle of Gaugamela, for instance, is a prime example of his strategic genius. By selecting a battlefield that allowed his cavalry to effectively maneuver and outflank the Persian forces, he neutralized a numerical disadvantage. Mastering the use of terrain was integral to Alexander the Great battle tactics.
H4: Psychological Warfare: The Power of Perception
Alexander understood the psychological impact of warfare. He used propaganda and displays of power to demoralize his enemies before battle even commenced. His reputation for invincibility preceded him, often causing opponents to surrender before engagement. This psychological warfare, a key element of Alexander the Great battle tactics, was as effective as his military skill.
H5: Adaptability and Innovation: Responding to Challenges
Alexander wasn't rigid in his tactics. He constantly adapted his strategies to suit the specific circumstances of each battle and opponent. This adaptability was crucial to his success, especially when facing diverse enemies with varied fighting styles. He consistently learned and improved, making his Alexander the Great battle tactics a continuously evolving system.
H6: Best Practices from Alexander's Campaigns
Pre-battle reconnaissance: Thorough scouting and intelligence gathering were crucial.
Decisive engagement: Alexander aimed for quick, decisive victories to minimize casualties.
Aggressive pursuit: He relentlessly pursued retreating enemies, shattering their morale and preventing regrouping.
Effective logistics: Maintaining supply lines was paramount, ensuring his army remained well-supplied.
H7: Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Studying Alexander the Great Battle Tactics
Oversimplification: Reducing his tactics to a single formula ignores the nuance and adaptability he demonstrated.
Ignoring context: Understanding the historical context and the specific circumstances of each battle is crucial.
Romanticising his achievements: It's important to maintain a critical perspective and acknowledge the complexities of his conquests.
H8: Conclusion
Alexander the Great’s military genius transcended mere tactical skill. It encompassed strategic vision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both the military and psychological dimensions of warfare. By studying Alexander the Great battle tactics, we gain invaluable insights into effective leadership, military strategy, and the art of achieving seemingly impossible objectives. His legacy continues to inspire military strategists and historians alike.
FAQs
1. What was the most significant factor contributing to Alexander's military success? A combination of factors contributed, including his combined arms approach, his ability to exploit terrain, and his psychological warfare.
2. How did Alexander’s tactics differ from those of his predecessors? Alexander integrated different arms more effectively and emphasized aggressive pursuit and psychological warfare more than many of his predecessors.
3. What role did the Macedonian phalanx play in Alexander's victories? The phalanx provided a powerful shock force and steadfast defense, but its success also relied on the complementary roles of other units.
4. Did Alexander ever suffer defeats? Yes, he faced setbacks and near-defeats, demonstrating that even brilliant tactical minds can encounter challenges.
5. How did Alexander manage his logistics during his campaigns? Efficient logistics were essential to his success. He utilized diverse supply methods and adapted them to the specific conditions of each campaign.
6. What is the significance of the Battle of Gaugamela in understanding Alexander's tactics? Gaugamela showcased his masterful use of cavalry to outflank and defeat a numerically superior enemy.
7. How did Alexander adapt his tactics to different opponents? He adjusted his approach depending on the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, demonstrating adaptability.
8. What was the impact of Alexander's tactics on later military thinking? His combined arms approach and emphasis on mobility significantly influenced subsequent military strategies.
9. What are some primary sources for studying Alexander's battle tactics? Arrian's Anabasis Alexandri and Plutarch's Life of Alexander are key sources, though it's essential to consider their biases.
Related Articles:
1. The Macedonian Phalanx: A Deep Dive into Alexander's Infantry: Examines the structure, tactics, and evolution of the famed Macedonian phalanx.
2. Alexander's Cavalry: The Companion Cavalry and its Crucial Role: Focuses specifically on the elite Companion cavalry and its role in Alexander's victories.
3. The Battle of Granicus: A Case Study in Alexander's Early Tactical Brilliance: Analyzes Alexander's first major battle and his tactical innovations.
4. The Battle of Issus: Alexander's Triumph Against Darius III: Details the strategic and tactical decisions in this crucial battle.
5. The Siege Warfare of Alexander the Great: Conquering Fortified Cities: Explores Alexander's methods for besieging and capturing cities.
6. Alexander's Use of Psychological Warfare: Intimidation and Propaganda: A detailed look at his strategies to demoralize opponents before battle.
7. Comparing Alexander's Tactics to those of Other Ancient Commanders: Compares Alexander's methods to those of other prominent generals of the era.
8. The Evolution of Alexander's Tactics Over Time: Examines how his tactics developed and adapted throughout his campaigns.
9. Alexander the Great's Legacy on Military Strategy: Explores the long-lasting influence of Alexander's military innovations on later military thinking.
| alexander the great battle tactics: Alexander the Great: Lessons in Strategy David J. Lonsdale, 2007-12-10 This book offers a strategic analysis of one of the most outstanding military careers in history, identifying the most pertinent strategic lessons from the campaigns of Alexander the Great. David Lonsdale argues that since the core principles of strategy are eternal, the study and analysis of historical examples have value to the modern theorist and practitioner. Furthermore, as strategy is so complex and challenging, the remarkable career of Alexander provides the ideal opportunity to understand best practice in strategy, as he achieved outstanding and continuous success across the spectrum of warfare, in a variety of circumstances and environments. This book presents the thirteen most pertinent lessons that can be learned from his campaigns, dividing them into three categories: grand strategy, military operations, and use of force. Each of these categories provides lessons pertinent to the modern strategic environment. Ultimately, however, the book argues that the dominant factor in his success was Alexander himself, and that it was his own characteristics as a strategist that allowed him to overcome the complexities of strategy and achieve his expansive goals. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Greek and Macedonian Art of War Frank E. Adcock, 2023-04-28 This informal history traces battle tactics and military strategy from the time of the city-states' phalanxes of spearmen to the far-reaching combined operations of specialized land and sea forces in the Hellenistic Age. The author first describes the attitude of the Greek city-state toward war, and shows the military conventions and strategies associated with it. He then recounts how the art of war gradually evolved into new forms through the contributions of such men as the great commander Epaminondas, Philip of Macedon, his son Alexander the Great, and others. He also discusses the independence of land and sea power, describes the first use of calvary, and tells of the ingenious Greek devices of siegecraft, including the fifth column. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1962. This informal history traces battle tactics and military strategy from the time of the city-states' phalanxes of spearmen to the far-reaching combined operations of specialized land and sea forces in the Hellenistic Age. The author first descr |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Alexander the Great Thomas R. Martin, Christopher W. Blackwell, 2012-09-28 This book explains what made Alexander 'Great' according to the people and expectations of his time and place. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Alexander the Great - An Illustrated Military History Nigel Rodgers, 2011-11-01 A magnificent illustrated military history of Alexander The Great: covering the rise of Macedonia, the battles, campaigns and tactics of Alexander, and the collapse of his vast empire after his early death, all depicted in more than 250 pictures. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The 33 Strategies Of War Robert Greene, 2010-09-03 The third in Robert Greene's bestselling series is now available in a pocket sized concise edition. Following 48 Laws of Power and The Art of Seduction, here is a brilliant distillation of the strategies of war to help you wage triumphant battles everyday. Spanning world civilisations, and synthesising dozens of political, philosophical, and religious texts, The Concise 33 Strategies of War is a guide to the subtle social game of everyday life. Based on profound and timeless lessons, it is abundantly illustrated with examples of the genius and folly of everyone from Napoleon to Margaret Thatcher and Hannibal to Ulysses S. Grant, as well as diplomats, captains of industry and Samurai swordsmen. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Alexander the Great at War Ruth Sheppard, 2011-03-22 Perhaps the most famous commander of the ancient world, Alexander the Great, and his battles and victories, never cease to fascinate those with any interest in Ancient Greece. He was aged only 20 when he became king of Macedon, but he had already begun to show the military genius that would win him future victories against the mighty Persian Empire. In an epic campaign lasting 11 years, Alexander traveled thousands of miles through deserts, plains and forests, fought huge battles, and besieged many cities to become the master of a massive empire stretching from Greece to India. He died prematurely at the age of just 33, and no man could hold together the empire he had created. A god in his lifetime, his name is still world-famous millennia after his death. This book examines Alexander's campaigns in detail, and his victories - and the tactics that ensured them - are explained and described with the help of maps, illustrations and reconstructions to bring the epic career of one of the ancient civilization's greatest generals to life. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Landmark Arrian Arrian, 2012-01-17 Arrian’s Campaigns of Alexander, widely considered the most authoritative history of the brilliant leader’s great conquests, is the latest addition to the acclaimed Landmark series. After twelve years of hard-fought campaigns, Alexander the Great controlled a vast empire that was bordered by the Adriatic sea to the west and modern-day India to the east. Arrian, himself a military commander, combines his firsthand experience of battle with material from Ptolemy’s memoirs and other ancient sources to compose a singular portrait of Alexander. This vivid and engaging new translation of Arrian will fascinate readers who are interested in classical studies, the history of warfare, and the origins of East–West tensions still swirling in Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan today. Enriched by the series’ trademark comprehensive maps, illustrations, and annotations, and with contributions from the preeminent classical scholars of today, The Landmark Arrian: The Campaigns of Alexander is the definitive edition of this essential work of ancient history. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Alexander the Great Philip Freeman, 2011-10-18 In the first authoritative biography of Alexander the Great written for a general audience in a generation, classicist and historian Philip Freeman tells the remarkable life of the great conqueror. The celebrated Macedonian king has been one of the most enduring figures in history. He was a general of such skill and renown that for two thousand years other great leaders studied his strategy and tactics, from Hannibal to Napoleon, with countless more in between. He flashed across the sky of history like a comet, glowing brightly and burning out quickly: crowned at age nineteen, dead by thirty-two. He established the greatest empire of the ancient world; Greek coins and statues are found as far east as Afghanistan. Our interest in him has never faded. Alexander was born into the royal family of Macedonia, the kingdom that would soon rule over Greece. Tutored as a boy by Aristotle, Alexander had an inquisitive mind that would serve him well when he faced formidable obstacles during his military campaigns. Shortly after taking command of the army, he launched an invasion of the Persian empire, and continued his conquests as far south as the deserts of Egypt and as far east as the mountains of present-day Pakistan and the plains of India. Alexander spent nearly all his adult life away from his homeland, and he and his men helped spread the Greek language throughout western Asia, where it would become the lingua franca of the ancient world. Within a short time after Alexander’s death in Baghdad, his empire began to fracture. Best known among his successors are the Ptolemies of Egypt, whose empire lasted until Cleopatra. In his lively and authoritative biography of Alexander, classical scholar and historian Philip Freeman describes Alexander’s astonishing achievements and provides insight into the mercurial character of the great conqueror. Alexander could be petty and magnanimous, cruel and merciful, impulsive and farsighted. Above all, he was ferociously, intensely competitive and could not tolerate losing—which he rarely did. As Freeman explains, without Alexander, the influence of Greece on the ancient world would surely not have been as great as it was, even if his motivation was not to spread Greek culture for beneficial purposes but instead to unify his empire. Only a handful of people have influenced history as Alexander did, which is why he continues to fascinate us. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Classical Greek Tactics Roel Konijnendijk, 2017-10-23 What determined the choices of the Greeks on the battlefield? Were their tactics defined by unwritten moral rules, or was all considered fair in war? In Classical Greek Tactics: A Cultural History, Roel Konijnendijk re-examines the literary evidence for the battle tactics and tactical thought of the Greeks during the 5th and 4th centuries BC. Rejecting the traditional image of limited, ritualised battle, Konijnendijk sketches a world of brutally destructive engagements, restricted only by the stubborn amateurism of the men who fought. The resulting model of hoplite battle does away with most received wisdom about the nature of Greek battle tactics, and redefines the way they reflected the values of Greek culture as a whole. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Origins Of War Arther Ferrill, 2018-05-04 When did war begin? Standard military accounts tend to start with the Graeco-Persian wars, laying undue emphasis on the preeminence of Greek heavy infantry. But, as this strikingly original and entertaining book shows, the origins of war can be traced back not to the Iron Age, or even to the Bronze Age, but to the emergence of settled life itself nearly 10,000 years ago. The military revolution that occurred then?the invention of major new weapons, the massive fortifications, the creation of strategy and tactics?ultimately gave rise to the great war machines of ancient Egypt, Assyria, and Persia that dominated the Near East until the time of Alexander the Great.It is Arther Ferrill's thesis that in the period before Alexander there were two independent lines of military development?a Near Eastern one culminating in the expert integration of cavalry, skirmishers, and light infantry and a Greek one based on heavy infantry. When Philip and Alexander blended the two traditions in their crack Macedonian army, the result was a style of warfare that continued, despite technological changes, down to Napoleon.This newly revised edition presents detailed and copiously illustrated accounts of all the major battles on land and sea up to the fourth century b.c., analyzes weapons from the sling to the catapult, and discusses ancient strategy and tactics, making this a book for armchair historians everywhere. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Masters of Command Barry Strauss, 2013-05-21 Analyzes the leadership and strategies of three forefront military leaders from the ancient world, offers insight into the purposes behind their conflicts, and shows what today's leaders can glean from their successes and failures. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Wars of Alexander's Successors, 323–281 BC Bob Bennett, Mike Roberts, 2013-01-19 This history of Ancient Greek warfare vividly chronicles the struggle for control of the Macedonian Empire, a fateful time of change in the Ancient World. As the story goes, Alexander the Great decreed from his deathbed that his vast Macedonian Empire should go “to the strongest. What followed was an epic struggle between generals and governors for control of the territories. Most of these successors—known as the Diadochi—were consummate tacticians who learned the art of war from Alexander himself, or from his father, Philip. Few died a peaceful death and the last survivors were still leading their armies against each other well into their seventies. These conflicts reshaped the ancient world from the Balkans to India. In two volumes, The Wars of Alexander’s Successors presents this critical period of ancient warfare with all its colorful characters, epic battles, treachery and subterfuge. This first volume introduces the key personalities, including Antigonos ”Monopthalmus (the One-Eyed) and his son 'Demetrius 'Poliorcetes' (the Besieger), Seleucus 'Nicator' ('the Victorious') and Ptolemy ”Soter (the Saviour). It also gives a narrative of the causes and course of these wars from the death of Alexander to the Battle of Corupedium in 281 BC, when the last two original Diadochi faced each other one final time. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Alexander The Great's Art Of Strategy Partha Bose, 2004-05 An Invaluable Guide To Strategy Alexander The Great (356_323 Bc) Was Arguably The Greatest Military Strategist, Tactician And Ruler In World History. By The Time Of His Death, Aged Thirty-Three, His Armies Had Conquered Virtually The Entire Known World, From The Shores Of The Mediterranean To The Foothills Of India. His Achievements Have Inspired And Influenced A Great Number Of Past And Current Military, Political And Business Leaders. This Book Provides The Wisdom And Secrets Of This Great Empire Builder, Demonstrating How They Can Be Applied To Conquer Today'S Challenges. Blending Insights From His Years Of Business Experience With His Lifelong Study Of Alexander, Partha Bose Interweaves A Gripping Biography With Compelling Analyses Of The Strategies, Tactics And Leadership Approaches Of Successful Institutions Including Dell, Ge, Honda, Ikea, The Harvard Law School, And The East India Company And Individuals, Such As Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bernard Montgomery, Gandhi, Jack Welch And Lou Gerstner. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Philip and Alexander Adrian Goldsworthy, 2020-10-13 This definitive biography of one of history's most influential father-son duos tells the story of two rulers who gripped the world -- and their rise and fall from power. Alexander the Great's conquests staggered the world. He led his army across thousands of miles, overthrowing the greatest empires of his time and building a new one in their place. He claimed to be the son of a god, but he was actually the son of Philip II of Macedon. Philip inherited a minor kingdom that was on the verge of dismemberment, but despite his youth and inexperience, he made Macedonia dominant throughout Greece. It was Philip who created the armies that Alexander led into war against Persia. In Philip and Alexander, classical historian Adrian Goldsworthy shows that without the work and influence of his father, Alexander could not have achieved so much. This is the groundbreaking biography of two men who together conquered the world. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Infantry in Battle Infantry School (U.S.), 1934 |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Life and Times of Alexander the Great John Bankston, 2005-03 Alexander the Great led soldiers from his perch atop his horse, Bucephalus. He commanded the largest army the world had ever known. He ruled a kingdom that stretched across two continents. Before he was 30, he was the richest man on the planet. Alexander would know love, he'd know loss, but he'd never know an end to his ambitions. Only his death ended his conquest. Today, over 2,000 years later, generals still study Alexander's battle plans. Manuscripts preserved at libraries he founded were used by historians to give us a record of his life. Alexander was more than just a king. He embraced the culture of the countries he invaded. He spread democracy. In many ways, Alexander was more of a liberator than a conqueror. In this new book for young adults, middle grade readers can experience the life and times of Alexander the Great. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: On Tactics Brett Friedman, 2017-05-15 Originally setting out to write the very book that he would have wanted to own as a young infantryman, the author penned On Tactics as a remedy for navigating the chaotic and inchoate realm of tactical theory. Challenging centuries-old conventional wisdom regarding the principles of war, tactics, and the roles of strategy, doctrine, experiential learning, and military history, Friedman's work offers a striking synthesis of thinking on tactics as well as strategy. Part One of the book establishes a tactical system meant to replace the Principles of War checklist. First, the contextual role of tactics with regards to strategy and war will be established. This will necessarily lean on major strategic theories in order to illuminate the role of tactics. This section will be formed around the Physical, Mental, and Moral planes of battlefield interaction used by theorists such as J.F.C Fuller and John Boyd. Each plane will then be examined in turn, and many of the classic Principles of War will be discussed along with some new ones. It will present some standard methods that tacticians can use to gain an advantage on the battlefield using historical examples that illustrate each concept. These tactical tenets include maneuver, mass, firepower, tempo, surprise, deception, confusion, shock, and the role of the moral aspects of combat. Finally, Part One will circle back around by discussing the role of tactical victory- once achieved- in contributed to a strategy. Part One is short by design. It is intended to be both compelling and easily mastered for junior non-commissioned officers and company grade officers, while still rich enough to be interesting to both specialist and non-specialist academics. It is a book meant not just for bookshelves but also for ruck sacks and cargo pockets. Part Two builds on Part One by exploring concepts with which the tactician must be familiar with such as the culminating point of victory, mission tactics and decentralized command and control, offensive and defensive operations, and the initiative. Part Three will conclude the book examining implications of the presented tactical systems to a variety of other issues in strategic studies. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Combined Arms Warfare in Ancient Greece GRAHAM. WRIGHTSON, 2021-06-30 Combined Arms Warfare in Ancient Greece examines the timelines of military developments that led from the hoplite-based armies of the ancient Greeks to the hugely successful and multi-faceted armies of Philip II, Alexander the Great, and his Successors. It concentrates on the introduction and development of individual units and their tactical coordination and use in battle in what is termed combined arms: the effective integration of different unit types into one cohesive battle plan and army allowing each unit to focus on its strengths without having to worry about its weaknesses. This volume traces the development, and argues for the vital importance, of the use of combined arms in Greek warfare from the Archaic period onwards, especially concerning the Macedonian hegemony, through to its developmental completion in the form of fully integrated warfare at the battle of Ipsus in 301 BCE. It argues crucially that warfare should never be viewed in isolation in individual states, regions, conflicts or periods but taken as a collective whole tracing the mutual influence of other cultures and the successful innovations that always result. Wrightson analyses Greek and Macedonian warfare through the lens of modern military theoretical terminology, making this study accessible to those with a general interest in military history as well as those studying this specific period. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: How to Win on the Battlefield: The 25 Key Tactics of All Time Rob Johnson, Mike Whitby, John France, 2020-08-25 The essential military tactics that have enabled commanders from Alexander the Great to General Giap to achieve victory on the battlefield. This groundbreaking book examines battle tactics that have achieved victory through the ages. Drawing on examples of battles on land, at sea, and in the air, the authors reveal the enduring value of each tactic in clear and compelling descriptions and analysis. How can you draw your enemy off-balance? When is the best moment to deliver a counterattack? What is the effect of shock action or defense in depth? This book shows how certain tactical concepts have stood the test of time. It illustrates how General Robert E. Lee, although heavily outnumbered, achieved a remarkable victory through an audacious flanking maneuver at Chancellorsville in 1863, and how the same bold move had been used effectively in Europe more than 600 years before by the king of France at Bouvines. It examines how Allied armies seized and retained the initiative through the airborne landings in Normandy in 1944, and how Soviet General Zhukov pierced enemy lines using Blitzkrieg tactics in Mongolia in 1939. The book features evocative photographs, illustrations, and paintings, and 28 specially commissioned battle plans. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Seleucid Army Bezalel Bar-Kochva, 1976-05-13 This is a 1976 study of the organization and tactics of the Seleucid armies from 312 to 129 BC. The first part of the book discusses the numerical strength of the armies, their sources of manpower, the contingents of the regular army, their equipment and historical development, the chain of command, training and discipline. The second part reconstructs the great campaigns in order to examine the Seleucid tactics. The book provides a lesson in Hellenistic and military history and discusses several questions: how did the Hellenistic armies develop after Alexander? What distinguished the Seleucid army as superior to its Hellenistic contemporaries? The answers illuminate the expansion of Hellenism as we learn how the Seleucid army was used as a military, social and cultural instrument to impose the rule of the dynasty over the vast regions of the Empire and how it helped to shape Hellenistic society in the East. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Macedonian Empire James R. Ashley, 2004-03-19 The Macedonian Empire lasted only 36 years, beginning with Philip II's assumption of the throne in 359 B.C. and ending with the death of his son Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. In that span, the two leaders changed the map in the known world. Philip established new tactics that forever ended the highly stylized mode that had characterized Classic Greek warfare, and Alexander's superb leadership made the army an unstoppable force. This work first examines the 11 great armies and three great navies of the era, along with their operations and logistics. The primary focus is then on each campaign and significant battle fought by Philip or Alexander, detailing how the battles were fought, the tactics of the opposing armies, and how the Macedonians were able to triumph. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Ancient Greeks at War Simon Elliott, 2021-11-10 “A detailed, insightful survey of Greek warfare” with illustrations and “many well-informed and highly perceptive observations” (Choice). In this book, historian and archaeologist Simon Elliott considers the different fighting styles of Greek armies and discusses how Greek battles unfolded. Covering every aspect of warfare in the Ancient Greek world from the beginnings of Greek civilization to its assimilation into the ever-expanding world of Rome, it begins with the onset of Minoan culture on Crete around 2000 BC, then covers the arrival of the Mycenaean civilization and the ensuing Late Bronze Age Collapse before moving on to Dark Age and Archaic Greece. This sets the scene for the flowering of Classical Greek civilization, as told through detailed narratives of the Greek and Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian Wars, and the rise of Thebes as a major power. The book then moves on to Macedonian domination under Philip II, before focusing on the exploits of his son Alexander the Great, the all-conquering hero of the ancient world. His legacy was the Hellenistic world with its multiple, never-ending series of conflicts that took place over a huge territory, ranging from Italy in the west all the way to India in the east. Topics covered include the various Wars of the Successors, the rise of the Bactrian-Greek and Indo-Greek kingdoms, the wars between the Antigonid Macedonian, Seleucid, and Ptolemaic kingdoms, and later the clash of cultures between the rising power of Rome in the west and the Hellenistic kingdoms. In the long run the latter proved unable to match Rome’s insatiable desire for conquest in the eastern Mediterranean, and this together with the rise of Parthia in the east ensured that one by one the Hellenistic kingdoms and states fell. The book ends with the destruction of Corinth in 146 BC after the defeat by Rome of the Achaean League—and concludes by considering the legacy of the Ancient Greeks in the Roman world, and subsequently. “A comprehensive survey, smoothly written by an expert popularizer of ancient history. A tour de force.” —NYMAS Review |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Lessons of History Will Durant, Ariel Durant, 2012-08-21 A concise survey of the culture and civilization of mankind, The Lessons of History is the result of a lifetime of research from Pulitzer Prize–winning historians Will and Ariel Durant. With their accessible compendium of philosophy and social progress, the Durants take us on a journey through history, exploring the possibilities and limitations of humanity over time. Juxtaposing the great lives, ideas, and accomplishments with cycles of war and conquest, the Durants reveal the towering themes of history and give meaning to our own. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: In the Path of Conquest Waldemar Heckel, 2020 In the Face of Panhellenic War: Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean, 340-334 -- The Long Road to Asia Minor: Resistance in Macedonia and Greece -- First Clash in Asia Minor -- From the Aegean to Cappadocia -- Persian Counter Measures: The War in the Aegean -- The Great King and his Armies -- The Campaign in Cilicia -- The Levant and Egypt: Collaboration and Resistance -- Darius' Last Stand and the Collapse of Persian Resistance -- The End of Darius III -- War in Central Asia -- Persianizing and the Internal Enemy -- From the Hindu Kush to the Indus -- From the Panjāb to Pattala -- Return to the West: Problems of Consolidation and the Revival of Old Grievancesv--Appendix: Sources for the History of Alexander. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: By the Spear Ian Worthington, 2014 A unique military and cultural history that chronicles the reigns of Philip and Alexander the Great in one sweeping narrative. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Alexander the Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army Donald W. Engels, 1978 The most important work on Alexander the Great to appear in a long time. Neither scholarship nor semi-fictional biography will ever be the same again. . . .Engels at last uses all the archaeological work done in Asia in the past generation and makes it accessible. ... Careful analyses of terrain, climate, and supply requirements are throughout combined in a masterly fashion to help account for Alexander's strategic decision in the light of the options open to him ... The chief merit of this splendid book is perhaps the way in which it brings an ancient army to life, as it really was and moved: the hours it took for simple operations of washing and cooking and feeding animals; the train of noncombatants moving with the army. ... this is a book that will set the reader thinking. There are not many books on Alexander the Great that do.--New York Review of Books. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Afghan Campaign Steven Pressfield, 2007-06-05 2,300 years ago an unbeaten army of the West invaded the homeland of a fierce Eastern tribal foe. This is one soldier’s story . . . The bestselling novelist of ancient warfare returns with a riveting historical novel that re-creates Alexander the Great’s invasion of the Afghan kingdoms in 330 b.c. In a story that might have been ripped from today’s combat dispatches, Steven Pressfield brings to life the confrontation between an invading Western army and fierce Eastern warriors determined at all costs to defend their homeland. Narrated by an infantryman in Alexander’s army, The Afghan Campaign explores the challenges, both military and moral, that Alexander and his soldiers face as they embark on a new type of war and are forced to adapt to the methods of a ruthless foe that employs terror and insurgent tactics. An edge-of-your-seat adventure, The Afghan Campaign once again demonstrates Pressfield’s profound understanding of the hopes and desperation of men in battle and of the historical realities that continue to influence our world. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Army of Alexander the Great Stephen English, 2009-03-19 Alexander the Great is one of the most famous men in history, and many believe he was the greatest military genius of all time (Julius Caesar wept at the feet of his statue in envy of his achievements). Most of his thirteen year reign as king of Macedon was spent in hard campaigning which conquered half the known world, during which he was never defeated in open battle and never besieged a city he did not take. Yet, while biographies of Alexander abound, there are relatively few full-length books dedicated to the Macedonian army which made his dazzling conquests possible and which proved itself the most formidable machine of the age.Stephen English investigates every aspect of the Macedonian forces, analysing the recruitment, equipment, organisation, tactics, command and control of the fighting arms (including the famous pike phalanxes, elite Hypaspists and incomparable Companion cavalry),Some of Alexander's most famous battles and sieges are described in detail to show the army in action. With forensic thoroughness he draws on recent archaeological evidence and scholarship to present a detailed portrait of the army which demonstrated a superiority over its opponents equal to (but much longer-lasting than) that enjoyed by the German forces in the blitzkrieg campaigns of 1939/40. Alexnader's navy is also covered. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: How Wars Are Won Bevin Alexander, 2003-09-23 Even as we head into twenty-first-century warfare, thirteen time-tested rules for waging war remain relevant. Both timely and timeless, How Wars Are Won illuminates the thirteen essential rules for success on the battlefield that have evolved from ancient times until the present day. Acclaimed military historian Bevin Alexander’s incisive and vivid analyses of famous battles throughout the ages show how the greatest commanders—from Alexander the Great to Douglas MacArthur—have applied these rules. For example: • Feign retreat: Pretend defeat, fake a retreat, then ambush the enemy while being pursued. Used to devastating effect by the North Vietnamese against U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. • Strike at enemy weakness: Avoid the enemy’s strength entirely by refusing to fight pitched battles, a method that has run alongside conventional war from the earliest days of human conflict. Brilliantly applied by Mao Zedong to defeat the Chinese Nationalists. • Defend, then attack: Gain possession of a superior weapon or tactical system, induce the enemy to launch a fruitless attack, then go on the offensive. Employed repeatedly against the Goths by the Eastern Roman general Belisarius to reclaim vast stretches of the Roman Empire. The lessons of history revealed in these pages can be used to shape the strategies needed to win the conflicts of today. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Tactics of Aelian Christopher Anthony Matthew, 2012-01-01 Christopher Matthew's new edition is based on the 1616 edition but written in modern English with new renditions of all its accompanying figures. It has the original 1616 notes as well as comprehensive new notes and cross references to the other ancient manuals (such as Arrian and Leo) that drew upon it. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life Avinash K. Dixit, Barry J. Nalebuff, 2010-01-04 “I am hard pressed to think of another book that can match the combination of practical insights and reading enjoyment.”—Steven Levitt Game theory means rigorous strategic thinking. It’s the art of anticipating your opponent’s next moves, knowing full well that your rival is trying to do the same thing to you. Though parts of game theory involve simple common sense, much is counterintuitive, and it can only be mastered by developing a new way of seeing the world. Using a diverse array of rich case studies—from pop culture, TV, movies, sports, politics, and history—the authors show how nearly every business and personal interaction has a game-theory component to it. Mastering game theory will make you more successful in business and life, and this lively book is the key to that mastery. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Fighting Techniques of the Ancient World 3000 BC - AD 500 Simon Anglim, 2002 An illustrated history of warfare in the ancient world includes detailed examinations of armies, equipment, and strategies before gunpowder, in a volume that offers insight into the successes of the Assyrian and Roman forces. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: The Generalship of Alexander the Great J. F. C. Fuller, 2003-09 In the 4th cent. B.C., at the age of 20, Alexander fulfilled his father's plans for freeing the Greeks of Asia Minor from Persian rule. He invaded the Persian Empire with 30,000 infantry & 5,000 cavalry & in a series of dazzling campaigns which included the battles of Issus & Gaugamela he defeated Darius & was proclaimed King of Asia. His plans to conquer India were resisted by his men, & death cut short the ambitions of one of the greatest soldiers the world has ever known. Alexander was the model for successors as notable as Julius Caesar & Napoleon Bonaparte, & his campaigns are still studied in mil. academies throughout the world. The first book devoted to the mil. achievements of this great world conqueror.” Maps & B&W photos. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Alexander the Great: A Very Short Introduction Hugh Bowden, 2014-07-24 Alexander the Great became king of Macedon in 336 BC, when he was only 20 years old, and died at the age of 32, twelve years later. During his reign he conquered the Achaemenid Persian Empire, the largest empire that had ever existed, leading his army from Greece to Pakistan, and from the Libyan desert to the steppes of Central Asia. His meteoric career, as leader of an alliance of Greek cities, Pharaoh of Egypt, and King of Persia, had a profound effect on the world he moved through. Even in his lifetime his achievements became legendary and in the centuries that following his story was told and retold throughout Europe and the East. Greek became the language of power in the Eastern Mediterranean and much of the Near East, as powerful Macedonian dynasts carved up Alexander's empire into kingdoms of their own, underlaying the flourishing Hellenistic civilization that emerged after his death. But what do we really know about Alexander? In this Very Short Introduction, Hugh Bowden goes behind the usual historical accounts of Alexander's life and career. Instead, he focuses on the evidence from Alexander's own time -- letters from officials in Afghanistan, Babylonian diaries, records from Egyptian temples -- to try and understand how Alexander appeared to those who encountered him. In doing so he also demonstrates the profound influence the legends of his life have had on our historical understanding and the controversy they continue to generate worldwide. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Arrian's History of the Expedition of Alexander the Great, and Conquest of Persia Arrian, 1812 |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Citizenship in a Republic Theodore Roosevelt, 2022-05-29 Citizenship in a Republic is the title of a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt, former President of the United States, at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, on April 23, 1910. One notable passage from the speech is referred to as The Man in the Arena: It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Greek and Roman Warfare John Drogo Montagu, 2006 Greek & Roman Warfare: Battles, Tactics and Trickery is a uniquely detailed work which explores the tactics and battle strategies of the Graeco-Roman period. This incisive study goes beyond the arms and armor of classical warfare to reveal the numerous factors, be they geographical, psychological or circumstantial, that informed the course of ancient battles. The technology of an army is of course an integral factor in its success, but conflicts are ultimately won by tactics and strategy. From the cunning ambush, to oxen with torches masquerading as an escaping army at night, Drogo Montagu explores the intricacies of waging war in antiquity. Using his extensive knowledge of ancient history, he has created a gripping account of classical military thought. He draws on the great historians of the time -- Livy, Plutarch, Xenophon and Josephus among them -- to illustrate the different elements that an army required to defeat its enemy on the battlefield, be it by force or guile. In addition, he offers details on how a commander would maintain the morale and fitness of his troops, as well as conduct their training. Greek and Roman Warfare provides an incredibly thorough view of the tactics and strategy of battle in ancient times from all perspectives, making it one of the most complete studies of classical warfare to date. John Drogo Montagu is a historian of considerable standing and the author of the acclaimed compendium Battles of the Greek and Roman Worlds. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Alexander the Great in Erbil Andreas Parpas, 2014-11-27 The book deals with the battle of Gaugamela that took place on 1st October 331 B.C. between Alexander's Macedonian army and the armies of the Persian Empire. The date of the battle is an important date since its result shaped world history. On that date the first ever civilization ( The Mesopotamian Civilization), which expressed itself in cuneiform writing, was overaken by a second one ( The Classical Greek Civilization) which expressed itself through alphabets. The result of the battle was to establish Hellenism in the East and bring together two unique and equally brilliant cultures and civilizations which managed to coexist and establish a truly meaningful and productive exhange of ideas from a much closer proximity. At Gaugamela Alexander won a decisive military battle but at Arbela, modern Erbil, he achieved and manifested a major political victory. At Arbela Alexander was proclaimed King of Asia, the Persian Empire was officially declared utterly disolved and he demonstrated to the Greeks the justification of his campaign by giving back to the Greek cities their freedom. During the official proclamations Alexander performed magnificent sacrifices to the Gods most probabaly at the acropolis of Arbela, at the mound where the Erbil ciatadel is situated today. Therefore the victory celebrations were performed at the majestic mound in the centre of Arbela where the local Goddess of war and victory, Ishtar of Arbela, had her temple. Alexander named the mound where Ishtar Arbela had her sanctuary Nikatorion meaning the hill of victory. The book gives a detailed account of the actual battle where the Macedonians defeated a numerically superior Persian army. The Macedonians depended on their unbeatable sarissa phalanx and the Royal Companions commanded by Alexander while the Persians relied on their cavallry. The brilliant tactics employed by Alexander and his ferocious counterattack right at the point where a gap was created in the Persian cavalry line gave the final victory to the Macedonians. Darius was also well prepared and he based his strategy on the mobility of his superior army. His encirclement tactics almost succeded. He was unlucky that he had to face Alexander, a genious strategist and one of the most brilliant generals in world military history. In the first chapters of the book, before the battle, there is a comprehensive descrition of the Persian Empire and their military strength as well as a corresponding one for the Macedonian kingdom. There is also a detailed analysis of the local environment and on the build up and approach of two armies towards Arbela and Gaugamela. Finally the last chapters, after the battle, deal with the Alexander's Kingship of Asia which was first proclaimed at Arbela, and how the ideology of Alexander's Kingship that was bestowed on him at Arbela had influenced his behaviour later on and how his successors used his kingship and ideology to advance their own kingship and regional claims and interests. |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Mastering Tactics John F. Schmitt, 1994-01-01 |
| alexander the great battle tactics: Mercenaries in the Classical World Stephen English, 2012 This book examines the role of the mercenaries and their influence on the wars of the Classical world down to the death of Alexander the Great. It also looks at the social and economic pressures that drove tens of thousands to make a living of fighting for the highest bidder, despite the intense dangers of the ancient battlefield. |
Alexander the Great - Wikipedia
Alexander III of Macedon (Ancient Greek: Ἀλέξανδρος, romanized: Aléxandros; 20/21 July 356 BC – 10/11 June 323 BC), most commonly known …
Alexander the Great | Empire, Death, Map, & Facts | Britann…
Jun 2, 2025 · Alexander the Great was a fearless Macedonian king and military genius, conquered vast territories from Greece to Egypt and India, leaving an …
Alexander the Great: Empire & Death - HISTORY
Nov 9, 2009 · Alexander the Great was an ancient Macedonian ruler and one of history’s greatest military minds who, as King of Macedonia and Persia, …
Alexander the Great - National Geographic Society
Oct 19, 2023 · Alexander the Great, a Macedonian king, conquered the eastern Mediterranean, Egypt, the Middle East, and parts of Asia in a …
Alexander the Great | History of Alexander the Great
Alexander began first on the Balkan Campaign which was successful in bringing the rest of Greece under Macedonian control. Following this …
Alexander the Great - Wikipedia
Alexander III of Macedon (Ancient Greek: Ἀλέξανδρος, romanized: Aléxandros; 20/21 July 356 BC – 10/11 June 323 BC), most commonly known as Alexander the Great, was a king of the …
Alexander the Great | Empire, Death, Map, & Facts | Britannica
Jun 2, 2025 · Alexander the Great was a fearless Macedonian king and military genius, conquered vast territories from Greece to Egypt and India, leaving an enduring legacy as one …
Alexander the Great: Empire & Death - HISTORY
Nov 9, 2009 · Alexander the Great was an ancient Macedonian ruler and one of history’s greatest military minds who, as King of Macedonia and Persia, established the largest empire the …
Alexander the Great - National Geographic Society
Oct 19, 2023 · Alexander the Great, a Macedonian king, conquered the eastern Mediterranean, Egypt, the Middle East, and parts of Asia in a remarkably short period of time. His empire …
Alexander the Great | History of Alexander the Great
Alexander began first on the Balkan Campaign which was successful in bringing the rest of Greece under Macedonian control. Following this he would begin his highly successful and …
BBC - History - Alexander the Great
Read a biography about Alexander the Great from his early life to becoming a military leader. How did he change the nature of the ancient world?
Alexander the Great - World History Encyclopedia
Nov 14, 2013 · Alexander III of Macedon, better known as Alexander the Great (l. 21 July 356 BCE – 10 or 11 June 323 BCE, r. 336-323 BCE), was the son of King Philip II of Macedon (r. …
Alexander the Great: Facts, biography and accomplishments
Nov 8, 2021 · Alexander the Great was king of Macedonia from 336 B.C. to 323 B.C. and conquered a huge empire that stretched from the Balkans to modern-day Pakistan. During his …
Alexander the Great Alexander of Macedon Biography
Alexander III the Great, the King of Macedonia and conqueror of the Persian Empire is considered one of the greatest military geniuses of all times. He was inspiration for later conquerors such …
Alexander - Wikipedia
Alexander (Greek: Ἀλέξανδρος) is a male name of Greek origin. The most prominent bearer of the name is Alexander the Great , the king of the Ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia who …
