Alexander Reaches Tigris

While Dariush III was preparing for the battle in Gaugamela, Alexander and his forces after allowing his men to rest near Harran reached Tigris. Meanwhile Mazaeus' army joined forces with Dariush III and was sent on ahead to demolish the crop and food resources to make it inconvenient for Alexander, therefore putting the entire area to the east of Tigris on fire as if they were the invading army. The Macedonians crossed the river with little difficulty as planned by Dariush III who looked completely in command of the situation and waiting for the victory. But on Sep, 30, there was an eclipse of the moon right after sunset which was considered a disaster for Persia. It is very possible that priests were bribed to create panic among soldiers. (Updated: Dec, 22, 2007)

Battle Of Gaugamela Lost To Alexander

Alexander had set spies all over Persia. After the eclipse of the moon was visible on Sep, 20 morals were low on the Persian side as it was considered a sign of defeat. Now there was a superstitious air created that noticed a meteor flash on Sep, 23 which was considered another bad luck for Persians. The signs were clear just like in the battle of Halys in 585, Dariush sent a courier to Alexander to offer peace and the land to the east of Euphrates but Alexander rejected the offer. This was also a source of disgrace for the Persian king as he was considered a coward among his own people. Alexander was 40 kilometers away from the battleground marching forward rapidly when the Persians became ready for a defeat as Astronomical Diaries reported a "fall of fire". Mazaeus' men reported Alexander setting camp 10 kilometers away from the Persian army. There are no credible accounts of the battle itself other than Dariush III deserting the battlefield and thus letting his people lose the fight. This was the second battle fought by Dariush III against Alexander after Issus. (Updated: Dec, 22, 2007)

• Gaugamela : گاوگمل
• Euphrates : فرات
• Persian : فارسي(Farsi,Parsi) ايراني پارسي
• Mazaeus : مازئوس
• Dariush : داريوش(Darius)
• Battle : جنگ
• Tigris : دجله(Dijlah, Dicle, Hiddekel)
• Persia : ايران
• Harran : حران
• Issus : ايسوس
• Halys : رود هاليس

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