eformed his phalanx and charged at the gap at the Persian front. Dariusonce again was exposed and his army was retreating. The battle was lost and with it thedestiny of the Persian monarchy; the greatest empire which had yet existed in history.The victory at Gaugamela wore out Alexanders troops so Alexander led them toBabylon. Here at Babylon, Alexander was greeted with gifts and given the city. His armyrested and recuperated. Alexanders army marched on Susa on November 25th. His armywas replenished and reinforced to 70,000 strong. Susa had been a war zone since thebeginning of history yet the governor of Susa met Alexander by the Tigris river bearinggifts. The governor gave Susa to Alexander with no opposition. From here Alexandermarched on to the ancient city of Xerxes and Darius about a month later. On Alexanders journey through the outskirts of Susa he met up with natives of theAfghan-hills. These natives demanded tolls for Alexander to pass like they had done toprevious kings before him. Alexander was not the sort of person to stand for this so hehad them killed. Alexander had his eyes set on a bigger goal - Persopolis.11Persopolis was the huge Persian palace with royal tombs and shrines. It was theheart of the Persian empire. This was a trophy to acquire in Alexanders eyes. He led hisreinforced army of now 80,000 right to the gates of Persopolis. The gates were closed andthere seemed to be no easy way of gaining entrance. Alexander interrogated prisoners inhopes of finding a way in; this was of no help. A local shepherd told Alexander of analternative route to gain entrance through the rear of Persopolis. This route was the onlyone known and it was through rocky terrain. Alexander proceeded with 15,000 of his men through the long valley of Mulla Susan to the back of the pass. Alexander and his fearlessarmy were ready to conquer. At daybreak, Alexanders army captured the Persians in asurprise attack from the rear. The Persians p...
