Gaugemela Battle Preparations

Alexander’s plan He will use Darius’s tactics against him. He will meet Darius one mile away in front a village called Gaugemela. 2. He would cross the desert in Summer and surprise them. 3. He is going to depend on the enemy’s lack of cohesion in battle. 4. They are going to let the enemy outflank them on both wings. 5. He will break through in the interior of Darius’s army. His main aim “To destroy the army of Darius or the army will destroy us” His objective “The death, the capture or flight of the enemy commander in chief

Darius’s plan He raised the number of his army twice the size he brought against Alexander at Issus. He leveled the corridor of about 500 Pace wide (paved) He would use heavy chariots against Alexander ‘s right center. He formed a group of his men called the “Immortals” whose aim was “To kill Alexander in the battle of Gaugemela or die”. He would secure Alexander’s death by poison. His objective “Alexander must be killed”.

Alexander’s Democracy He used to consult his men in his plans. Parmenion suggested a “surprise attack at night”. Philotas suggested to take couple of patrols to the Persian line to panic them and to be awake till the battle day.

Alexander’s Bravery and self-confidence He refused Parmenion’s opinion saying “I will not steal a victory” He felt panic for few moments but relieved himself saying “I can’t lose it, I am invincible” Regarding the group of “Immortals” he replied that he would teach them a lesson that they wouldn’t forget and said “I’ll even shout to them here’s Alexander if you want him”.

Parmenion’s wisdom Queen Mother’s wisdom He suggested that Alexander shouldn’t wear his red cloak nor ride his Bucephalus. She offered to go to Darius and offer him peace.