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The Battle of Gaza was a battle of the Third
war of the Diadochi between Ptolemy (and Seleucus) against Demetrius (son of
Antigonus I Monophthalmus). In late 312, Ptolemy launched an invasion from
Egypt, he marched with 18,000 infantry and 4,000 cavalry along the northern
edge of the Sinai. Receiving timely intelligence, Demetrius recalled his troops
from their winter quarters and concentrated them at Gaza. Demetrius's advisors
told him not to fight the more experienced Ptolemy and Seleucus, but he ignored
their advice.
Opponents: Ptolemaic Forces versus Macedonian Forces
Commanders and leaders:
Ptolemy I of Egypt Seleucus I Nicator
Demetrius I of Macedon
Strength:
Ptolemy - 18,000 infantry, 4,000 cavalry
Dmetrius - 12,500 infantry, 4,400 cavalry, 43 war elephants
Casualties and losses:
Ptolemy - Unknown
Dmetrius -500 killed, 8,000 captured, 43 war elephants
Battle order and deployment at Gaza:
Antigonid: left wing: 2,900 cavalry, 1,500 light infantry and 30 war elephants
under Demetrius command center: 11,000 infantry phalanx and 13 elephants right
wing: 1,500 cavalry
Ptolemaic: left wing: 3,000 cavalry, under Ptolemy and Seleucus center: 18,000
phalanx right wing: 1,000 cavalry
Armies and deployment:
Demetrius deployed 2,900 elite cavalry, 1,500 light infantry, and 30 Indian war
elephants under his command on the left. The Antigonid phalanx of some 11,000
was deployed in the center, with 13 war elephants in front and light infantry
protecting the main line. On the Antigonid right, there were 1,500 cavalry.
Ptolemy and Seleucus originally put most of their cavalry on the left, but when
they learned of Demetrius' disposition, they massed their 3,000 heavy cavalry
to the right, under their personal command. An anti-elephant corps of 3,000
light infantry (peltast, archers and slingers) equipped with anti-elephant
devices (spikes connected by chains) were positioned in front of the cavalry,
with orders to throw the devices in the path of the elephants and then target
the mahouts. Their phalanx was stationed in the center, with the remaining
1,000 cavalry deployed on the right.
Battle:
The battle opened with the advance guards of the stronger cavalry wings
engaging each other. Demetrius drove off the enemy. Ptolemy and Seleucus
responded by riding around Demetrius's left flank to attack. A fierce melee
ensued, with the cavalry of both sides fighting with their swords after their
lances had been shattered. While the cavalry battle on the flank was taking
place, Demetrius brought forward his elephants apparently hoping to demoralize
the Ptolemaic phalanx. As the elephants approached, the Ptolemaic archers and
javelinmen began showering the elephants and their crews. This, along with some
elephants stepping on the spiked chains, led to them becoming panicked. After
shooting down nearly all the crews, the Ptolemaic light infantry were able to
capture and kill most of the elephants.
The loss of the elephants panicked Demetrius' cavalry and many of his men
retreated. The infantry then engaged, and the fight was stiff. However, neither
phalanx could gain the upper hand. After trying to keep more cavalry from
retreating, Demetrius and the remaining cavalry fell back but still managed to
stay in formation while retiring over the open plain. This discouraged Ptolemy
and Seleucus from pursuing the enemy. The Ptolemaic phalanx began to push back
the Antigonid phalanx, and the Antigonid Phalangites threw down their arms and
retreated in chaos. Ptolemy and Seleucus had won a hard-fought victory.
Aftermath:
Demetrius lost, 8,500 men (500 were killed in battle, a further 8,000 taken
prisoner), including generals such as Andronicus of Olynthus, and all his
elephants. He retreated to Tripolis in Phoenicia, and started to rebuild his
army. He also sent a report to his father, who had just finished his campaign
in Caria, urging him to send help. Meanwhile, Seleucus had convinced Ptolemy to
release him from service and give him an army to try and take back his old
province of Babylonia which was now without a governor (Peithon had died in the battle). Ptolemy agreed, and
sent off Seleucus with a small force of around 1,000 troops.
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