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Rory Blunt · Joined: 14 Oct 2009 Posts: 16

What is the decisive moment at Gaugamela? Why is this moment critical? Why does Alexander rest in Babylon? Why does he rush to Susa? Do think that Susa’s defiance will have an effect on Alexander’s immediate plans? How? Why?

Rory Blunt · Joined: 14 Oct 2009 Posts: 16

Babylon was the center of power and resources for Persia, and as such Alexander rested there, not only to give his troops time to recover, but also to assert himself as the new ruler of Persia, no over general having successfully gotten here he needed time for the rumors and confirmation to spread around, this also means that when he advance latter other cities might just recognize him as leader instead of giving him trouble. However Susa is another one of those places like Tyre that Alexander just needed to capture, and he can’t really move non until he dose, so yah its defiance is not helpfull

lialia03 · Joined: 18 May 2010 Posts: 6

Hey,

So I'm only done with chapter 16 as of now, but I think the decisive moment in Guagamela is when Alexander had his men spurt to the right. Even though Darius was quick to react and had his men shadow and then once again catch up and outnumber Alexander, it cost him control of the battle.

"'The whole art of war,' wrote Napoleon, 'Consists in a well-reasoned and circumspect defensive followed by a rapid and audacious attack.'" (page 238) And it worked in Alexanders favor... they were able to penetrate soon thereafter, and amidst all the dust and crazy chariot rolling and etc., the Companions could charge, the Shield Bearers protected, and the foot companions screamed their alalalalai's and killed some major Persians. All in all pretty critical.

CelinaFernandezAyala · Joined: 17 Nov 2009 Posts: 37

The decisive moment at Gaugamela was when Alexander decided to advance and leading the line to the right. In addition to what Lia mentioned, it was also critical because many things that looked especially threatening and were added for the sole purpose of massive destruction, such as the elephants and chariots, were ultimately useless. The chariots rolled back into the baggage camp, and the elephants were easily evaded. I think it's worth noting that this was the tactic that shut down some of the most dangerous/challenging parts of the Persian army. The combination & timing of the charge & shift were the perfect combination to ensure ALexander success.

Alexanders rests at Babylon for its resources, especially food, which was key to soldiers after a battle. I agree with Rory's point about Alexander using it as an opportunity to assert himself as king, however I think a big part of it was culturally-based. When he entered Babylon, he restored all Xerxes destroyed and sacrificed to Bel-Marduk. This marks an important pattern in Alexander's conquest- it's one thing to use the fear of God to take over and control an area, and another thing to understand a culture's values and use that to help establish power. The latter leaves more room for genuine loyalty and respect- which are really important to have when conquering, especially in a city that has enough food to feed the army.

semmet · Joined: 05 Jan 2010 Posts: 41

Much like Lia and Celina, I think one of the most important moments at Gaugamela was the move towards the right, but I think the [/i]deciding moment was when Alexander and his troops charged back towards the center and when they used their archers and javelins against Darius and his army. It seemed as though the chariots were one of the main potential threats, and during the abrupt switch back towards the center, the chariots were essentially wiped out, bringing the battle back to an infantry and companion battle- the Macedonian and Greek strengths. The shift in battle type is what allowed the companions to charge, and the foot companions with the infantry to penetrate the elephant-lined (SO BADASS) defense that Darius had set up, which was ultimately when he turned and fled for the Royal Road (page 239).

semmet · Joined: 05 Jan 2010 Posts: 41

huh. so my last post was definitely supposed to stop italicizing after 'deciding.' but now my whole second half is emphasized. maybe the computer was letting me know EVERYTHING i had to say was so important that it all needed to be stressed. ah well.

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