Empire 103. Alexander the Great: Defeating Darius
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Dec 5, 2023 Explore the intriguing rivalry between Alexander the Great and Darius III as they prepare for the pivotal Battle of Gaugamela. Delve into the strategic brilliance of Alexander and the psychological turmoil of Darius as empires collide. Witness the dramatic fall of Darius, captured by his own ally, and the repercussions for the Persian Empire. The hosts also touch on the rich history of Leptis Magna, revealing the challenges of its restoration amid political turmoil. Finally, reflect on Alexander's vast legacy and the cultural fusion that followed his reign.
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Darius's Bad Omens
- Darius faced bad omens before the Battle of Gaugamela: a blood-red moon, meteors, and his wife's death in childbirth.
- His battle preparations were also compromised as Alexander's troops saw them due to a full moon.
Alexander's Tactics at Gaugamela
- At Gaugamela, Alexander's troops, despite being outnumbered, outmaneuvered the Persians, causing a gap in their lines.
- Alexander exploited this gap, attacking the Persian chariots and ultimately causing Darius to flee the battlefield again.
The Fall of Babylon
- Darius's retreat from Gaugamela to Ekbatana (modern Hamadan, Iran) marked a turning point, losing his Mesopotamian heartland.
- Alexander's subsequent capture of Babylon, welcomed as a liberator, further solidified his position and humiliated Darius.