Alexander the Great: Pursue Darius or Turn South (331 BCE)
by Anonymous
After the Battle of Gaugamela, Alexander had to choose between pursuing the fleeing Persian king Darius III or consolidating power by capturing Babylon and Persepolis. His choice shaped the speed of the Persian Empire's fall.
Capture Babylon and Persepolis First
331 BCE
year
Low — cities were weakly defended
military risk
Immense wealth and legitimacy
strategic value
Chosen — secured the Persian treasury
outcome
Pursue Darius Immediately
331 BCE
year
High — overstretched supply lines
military risk
Eliminate rival claimant
strategic value
Deferred — Darius was later killed by his own men
outcome
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