Military tactics of Alexander the Great

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The military tactics of Alexander III of Macedon (356 BC - 323 BC), known as Alexander the Great, have been widely regarded as the core of his continuous success in battle throughout his campaigns. The Macedonian army that Alexander inherited had been created by his father, Philip II of Macedon. Additionally, Alexander employed and further refined the tactics his father had developed. At the battles of Granicius (334 BC) and Issus (333 BC), Alexander relied on the so-called 'hammer and anvil' tactic. At the Battle of Gaugamela (331 BC), he had to employ an innovative combat formation. Alexander arranged his units in a hollow square or box formation, to prevent the Persians, who were very strong in cavalry, from outflanking him and attacking his flanks and rear. However, the battle was still decided by the frontal attack of the phalanx (anvil) and the decisive charge of the Companion cavalry (hammer). Gaugamela was also an example of the refused flank tactic, regularly employed by the Macedonian...

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