Alexander the Great Avenger: The Campaign that Felled Achaemenid Persia

The Achaemenid Persian Empire had threatened the mainland Greeks since 500 BC, but Alexander the Great's invasion changed the rules. He developed a new model army, taking the traditional hoplite heavy infantry and heavy cavalry in a new evolutionary direction, and neutralized the Persians' efforts to modernize their troops, tactics, and equipment. His intelligent use of these forces, along with his strategic and operational decision-making, allowed him to dictate the course of the campaign and win battles by tactical brilliance and guts. Darius III was not as inept as often thought, but his misfortune was to be pitted against the genius of Alexander.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Since 500 BC, the mainland Greeks had been under the threat of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, enduring significant invasions. However, subsequent attempts to launch offensive campaigns had failed. The arrival of Alexander the Great marked a significant turning point. In Macedonia, a revolutionary new army was developed, revolutionizing the traditional hoplite heavy infantry and transforming the heavy cavalry. These advancements neutralized the Persians' efforts to modernize their troops, tactics, and equipment. Despite incorporating a state-of-the-art siege train, the reformed Macedonian army's structure facilitated an unprecedented operational tempo. Manousos Kambouris' detailed analysis reveals that Alexander's strategic and operational prowess, fueled by his intimate knowledge of geography and logistics, along with well-timed movements and clever feints, enabled him to dictate the course of the campaign. His ability to select battles and win them through tactical brilliance and audacity is noteworthy. The author also assesses the Persian capabilities and decision-making, concluding that Darius III was not as inept as commonly perceived. In fact, he may have been the most militarily capable king of kings, but his misfortune lay in facing the unparalleled brilliance of Alexander, the great avenger.

Weight: 864g
Dimension: 240 x 164 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399073929