Gaugamela
The Battle of Gaugamela, fought in 331 BC near the modern city of Erbil in northern Iraq, was a pivotal confrontation between the forces of Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia. The name Gaugamela, which translates to "Camel's House," stems from a location designated by Darius I for the care of camels used in military logistics. The battle is noted for Darius's decision to engage on a flat plain, utilizing his superior cavalry. However, the tide turned when Alexander exploited a gap in the Persian lines, leading to a decisive breach that caused panic among Darius's troops and ultimately resulted in the king's flight.
This engagement is frequently cited as a prime example of tactical penetration in warfare. Despite the victory, Alexander was unable to immediately capitalize on his success due to the need to support his own forces. The aftermath saw the capture of Darius's treasure and royal chariot, while Darius himself was later betrayed and killed by one of his commanders. The Battle of Gaugamela is often regarded as a significant milestone in Alexander's campaign against Persia, marking a turning point in the ancient power dynamics of the region.
Gaugamela
(Gomal)
In northern Mesopotamia (Iraq); northwest of Arbela (Erbil), northeast of Nineveh, and across the Tigris from the modern city of Mosul. Gaugamela received its name, which means `Camel's House,’ from the Achaemenid Persian king Darius I, who allocated it for the maintenance of the camel that had carried his baggage through the deserts of Scythia (512 BC).
Gaugamela was the scene of a major battle in the war between Alexander the Great and Darius III Codomannus (331). Although the course of the battle is very uncertain, it seems that Darius chose the flat plain as their battlefield because of his superior strength in cavalry, but when an opening became visible in the Persian left center Alexander charged into the gap, causing the opposing center to break and flee, with Darius in the lead. The engagement has often been regarded as an outstanding example of penetration tactics. Although Alexander failed to follow up the pursuit—owing to the need to rescue his left wing under Parmenio—the victory proved decisive. Darius' treasure and royal chariot were captured at Arbela, and he himself, a refugee, was killed by one of his own commanders in the following year.