Final answer:
The Battles of Granicus, Issus, and Gaugamela were key victories for Alexander the Great, marked by his strategic brilliance and the tendency of Darius III to flee, leading to Persian defeat. Alexander's superior tactics and leadership, as recounted by Arrian and Plutarch, greatly contributed to these successes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Key Battles During Alexander the Great's Campaign
At the Battle of Granicus River in 334 BC, Alexander the Great faced Persian satraps with a significantly smaller force. Upon winning, Alexander secured Anatolia, demonstrating strategic brilliance and boldness. In the subsequent Battle of Issus in 333 BC, Alexander exploited the cramped battlefield, countering the numerical superiority of King Darius III's forces. The decisive moment came when Darius III fled, resulting in a chaotic retreat of the Persian army and a significant psychological victory for Alexander.
The Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC in Iraq marked the peak of Alexander's military achievement. His use of phalanx and cavalry surprised the Persians, and once again, Darius III's flight led to Persian defeat. Throughout these battles, Alexander's personal leadership of the cavalry and ability to inspire his troops were pivotal, while Darius's actions often led to the disarray of his forces.
Arrian's accounts provide detailed narratives of these battles, holding Alexander's strategic prowess in high esteem. Comparatively, Plutarch's narratives provide a more personal account of Alexander's character and leadership qualities that shaped the outcomes of these confrontations. Collectively, Alexander's conquests shifted the power dynamics of the ancient world, with his victories at these key battles being instrumental.