Top Ancient Battles
Throughout history, numerous civilizations have been shaped by various epic battles. While the world has changed drastically in the years since these battles, their economic and cultural impacts still resonate within the global community today. Whether it was the defense of a kingdom or the advancement of an empire, these top ancient battles shook civilizations and continue to inspire achievements in military strategy.
Battle of Kadesh
In the 13th century BCE, under the reign of Ramses II, the Battle of Kadesh occurred in what is today Syria. About 20,000 Egyptian troops marched against the Hittite army for control over the city of Kadesh. After five days of fighting, neither side emerged victorious, and the two kings sought a peace treaty that solidified the Treaty of Kadesh.
Battle of Thermopylae
In 480 BCE, the Battle of Thermopylae took place in central Greece. This legendary battle saw 300 Spartans and 2000 allied Athenians defending a strategic mountain pass against a Persian force of more than 100,000 soldiers. Despite the overwhelming force of the Persian army, the Spartans and Athenians held strong and managed to inflict significant casualties on the attackers before they were ultimately defeated.
Battle of Marathon
At the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE, the Athenian army fought off a Persian invasion, despite being vastly outnumbered. Only 9,000 Athenian warriors stood in the way of the 25,000 strong Persian force. Through the use of effective tactics, the Athenians were able to successfully turn the tables on the enemy and push them back before they could mount an attack.
Battle of Indian Horseshoe
The fourth century BCE marks the date of the Battle of the Indian Horseshoe, in which Alexander the Great and his armies were pitted against King Porus and his army of 30,000 warriors and 200 elephants. Though outnumbered two to one, Alexander’s strategic use of infantry, cavalry and artillery, combined with his military prowess, allowed for his forces to break through the enemy lines and take the battlefield.
Battle of the Tanais
In 334 BCE, the Battle of the Tanais took place on the banks of the River Tanais in what is now Ukraine. Alexander the Great led his forces against a coalition led by Darius III. The Macedonian forces were split in two, and they succeeded in driving the enemy back through the oxbow, leading to an impressive victory.
Battle of Gaugamela
In 331 BCE, Alexander the Great took on the powerful Persian Empire at the Battle of Gaugamela. Led by Darius III, the 40,000 strong Persian army was no match for Alexander’s skilled troops and tactics. Alexander’s forces routed the enemy, allowing him to achieve total victory.
The Battle of Megiddo
In 609 BCE, Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt led an invasion in the Middle East which culminated in the Battle of Megiddo in the kingdom of Israel. Though the Israelites were grossly outnumbered, they successfully fended off the Egyptian troops and held their ground, even managing to capture a number of prisoners.
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham
On September 13, 1759, the Battle of the Plains of Abraham marked a turning point in the Seven Years’ War between France and Britain. In this battle, General James Wolfe led the British to victory against the French army, capturing the city of Quebec and eventually establishing control over the Province of Canada.
The Battle of Salamis
In 480 BCE, the Battle of Salamis took place near the island of Salamis in present-day Greece. The Athenians and their ally, Themistocles, strategically used their fleet of ships to corner the larger fleet of the Persian Empire. This victory provided the fledgling Greek city-states with the momentum needed to eventually free themselves from the Persians.
The Battle of Leuctra
In 371 BCE, the Battle of Leuctra was fought in Thebes, Greece. Led by Epaminondas, the Thebans faced off against the mighty Spartan army. Though heavily outnumbered, the Thebans used a unique tactic to break the Spartan lines and achieve a decisive victory.
From Egypt to Greece, numerous civilizations have endured epic battles that left a lasting impression. Whether it was Alexander the Great leading an outnumbered army to victory or the Spartans defending their homeland against a massive invading force, a wide variety of battles have taken place that continue to impact today’s global culture. These top ancient battles shook civilizations and remain a permanent imprint in the fields of military strategy and history.
