130 likes | 317 Views
THE INDIAN EXPEDITION. VS. The Rock of Aornus. This was 2100 m high overlooking the Indus River Alex was compelled to take it as the place had strategic significance Ptolemy was sent first then Alex the next day Alex built a causeway to cross a ravine
E N D
The Rock of Aornus • This was 2100 m high overlooking the Indus River • Alex was compelled to take it as the place had strategic significance • Ptolemy was sent first then Alex the next day • Alex built a causeway to cross a ravine • Indians surrendered because of the causeway and attempted to escape but was stopped by Alex.
The Battle of Jhelum (326BC)Background • Porus was on the eastern side of the Jhelum (Hydaspes) River which caused problems for Alex. • River was swollen • Porus was waiting with 200 elephants
ALEX TRICKED PORUS By: Pretending to cross at various points to confuse Porus. Porus would send men to counter but in the end gave up Craterus and a large force were left in the main camp
CROSSING THE RIVER • The night before crossing there was heavy rain and thunder which concealed Alex. advance north • Rain and wind eased so boats and rafts began to cross • Alex disembarked first only to find they had landed on another island • Once on the eastern side he organised his troops in battle formation.
Still crossing the river • When Porus heard of the crossing he did not believe it was main attack so sent son with small to attack but was wiped out. • Porus’ troops were deployed in a place favourable to cavlary manoeuvres. Infantry placed in the centre – behind elephants, with cavalry on either side shielded by chariots. • Alex planned to eliminate the Indian cavalry first and engage infantry • Coenus had orders to remain out of sight and attack from the rear.
COURSE OF THE BATTLE • Alex attack first sending his cavalry against porus’ cavalry • With Indian cavalry on Porus’ left Coenus attacked from the rear, so Indians retreated behind the elephants. • Elephants tore big gaps in alex ranks thus cavalry was encouraged and again • Alex forces encircled the Indian cavalry. • Gap opened Indians tried to retreat thus Craterus and his men crossed and mowed them down • Porus stayed with his army until wounded and then surrendered.
AFTER THE BATTLE • Alex asked Porus how he wanted to be treated and he replied “like a king”. • Alex allowed him to continue ruling his lands and also added lands • On the site of the battle alex built two cities: • Nicaea – meaning victory • Bucephala as Alex horse Bucephalus died
SAILING DOWN THE INDUS 326(bc) • Because his troops no longer wished to continue into India, Alex returned to the west. • Alex sailed to investigate landing places along the river banks for trade