Battle of Hydaspes River, 326 BC

King Porus versus Alexander the Great: A Macedonian army under Alexander must divide its strength just to cross the river. Can it stand up to the Porus’ Pauravan army and its terrifying war elephants? Also known as the Battle of the Jhelum.
 .
 
Significance
.
This battle is often viewed as a Pyrrhic victory on Alexander’s part because it ended his final campaign but this is not the case. Historically and operationally, the battle changed little; Alexander’s men would have most likely refused to go any further into India. However, the battle once again demonstrated Alexander’s phenomenal tactical ability as a commander and for that, it is a reassuring victory to his legacy.
 .
Analysis
.
Alexander won this battle by achieving minute successes that contributed to his overall success. By crossing the river, eliminating half of Porus’ cavalry after doing so, neutralizing the Pauravan chariots with horse-archers, and trusting his phalanx to hold strong against a war elephant charge, he won a great victory. .
Notes
.
This is only the second animation I completed and to me, it seems primitive although it is much more complex than Marathon. I am always conflicted as to how much of the pre-battle maneuvering should be covered in the animation and in this case I felt Alexander’s method of crossing the river was worth including. One of the first rules I made when I planned the first season of animations was to ensure they were consistent and featured universal standards. Obviously, I have thrown this rule out the window in order to appreciate the unique aspects of individual battles. Otherwise, this site would be called “The Science of Battle” instead of its present title I will always prefer.
– Jonathan Webb
Works Consulted
“Battle of the Hydaspes River {June 326}.” Brigham Young University. http://history.byu.edu/fac/hamblin/ALEX/34%20Hydaspes.htm (accessed Dec. 25, 2007).
 .
Chandler, David. The Art of Warfare on Land. Norwich: Jarold & Sons Ltd, 1974.
 .
Gabriel, Richard A. “What We Learned . . . from the Hydaspes River.” Military History 24.10 (2008): 17.
 .
Tsouras, Peter G. “Wars of Alexander the Great: Battle of the Hydaspes River.” Military History June 2004, http://www.historynet.com/magazines/military_history/3027066.html?page=1&c=y (accessed Dec. 24, 2007).
 .
United States Military Academy History Department. “Atlas for Ancient Warfare.” United States Military Academy. http://www.dean.usma.edu/history/web03/atlases/AncientWarfare/index.htm (accessed Dec. 24, 2008).
 .
Warry, John. Warfare in the Classical World. London: Salamander, 1980.
 .
Images
.
Alexander the Great: http://www.wpclipart.com/famous/political/
.
King Porus: http://joseph_berrigan.tripod.com/ancientbabylon/id36.html
.
Macedonian heavy infantry: http://scottthong.wordpress.com/2007/05/21/the-macedonian-phalanx/
.
Macedonian cavalry: http://www.dbaol.com/armies/army_36_figure_1.htm
.
Map of Alexander’s Empire in Asia: http://homes.chass.utoronto.ca/~prchrdsn/465ephnotes.htm
.
Map of the world: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_map_projections
.
Pauravan cavalry: http://www.dbaol.com/armies/army_21a_figure_1.htm
.
Pauravan chariot: http://www.dbaol.com/armies/army_21a_figure_1.htm
.
Pauravan infantry : http://www.dbaol.com/armies/army_21a_figure_1.htm
.
Pauravan war elephant: http://www.hellenica.de/Griechenland/LX/Kriegselefanten.html
.
.

If you enjoyed the Battle of Hydaspes River 326 BC battle animation, you may also enjoy these other battle animations:

Siege of Tyre 332 BC, another battle featuring Alexander the Great:

tyre preview 1

Battle of Kohima-Imphal 1944, another battle fought in modern day India:

kohima-imphal preview 1

Battle of Ipsus 301 BC, another battle featuring war elephants in the Ancient Era:

ipsus preview 1Thank you for visiting The Art of Battle: Animated Battle Maps.

Readers Comments (23)