Osprey Publishing Macedonian Phalangite vs Persian Warrior CBT40

Macedonian Phalangite vs Persian Warrior: Ancient Combat Analysis

Alexander's phalangites clash with Persian foot-soldiers in three key battles of the Ancient World. This highly illustrated study by a noted authority assesses the origins, combat role, and battlefield performance of Alexander's phalangites and their Persian opponents in three pivotal battles of the era—the Granicus River, Issus, and Gaugamela—at the dawn of a new way of waging war.

The Macedonian Phalanx

In August 334 BC, Alexander the Great invaded the Persian Empire and systematically set about its conquest. At the core of Alexander's army were 10,000 members of the phalanx, the phalangites. Armed with the sarissa—a long, two-handed pike approximately 5.5 meters in length—and fighting in formations up to 16 ranks deep, these grizzled veterans were the mainstay of the Macedonian army.

The Persian Immortals

Facing them were the myriad armies of the peoples that made up the Persian Empire. At the center of these forces was the formation known as the Immortals: 10,000 elite infantry, armed with spears and bows, who relied heavily on archery and large numbers to deter enemies.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The opposing sides
• Combat 1: The Granicus River
• Combat 2: Issus
• Combat 3: Gaugamela
• Analysis
• Aftermath
• Bibliography
• Index

In-Depth Military Analysis

This volume provides an in-depth analysis of warfare strategies and tactics across three pivotal battles of the era. It explores how the professionalized Macedonian forces successfully combined the defensive bulwark of the phalanx with aggressive cavalry tactics to defeat vastly larger imperial armies. The text is supported by detailed battlefield maps, illustrative diagrams, and specially commissioned color artwork depicting the weaponry and daily life of these ancient warriors.

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