Battle of Gaza (312 BC)
From Open Encyclopedia
{{Infobox Military Conflict
|image=
|caption=
|conflict=Battle of Gaza
|partof=the Third war of the Diadochi
|date=312 BC
|place=Gaza
|result=Ptolemaic victory
|combatant1=Ptolemy I of Egypt
|combatant2=Demetrius I of Macedon
|commander1=Ptolemy I of Egypt
Seleucus I Nicator
|commander2=Demetrius I of Macedon
|strength1=18,000 infantry
4,000 cavalry
|strength2=12,500 infantry
4,400 cavalry
43 war elephants
|casualties1=Unknown
|casualties2=500 killed
8,000 captured
lost 43 war elephants
}}
| Wars of the Diadochi |
|---|
| Paraitacene – Gabiene – Gaza – Salamis – Rhodes – Ipsus – Corupedium |
The Battle of Gaza was a battle of the Third war of the Diadochi between Ptolemy (satrap of Egypt) and Demetrius (son of Antigonus I Monophthalmus).
Ptolemy decided an invasion of Syria. With 18,000 infantry and 4,000 cavalry he arrived to Gaza in early 312 BC. Demetrius decided to offer him battle.
Demetrius:
- 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
Ptolemy:
- left wing: 3,000 cavalry
- center: 18,000 phalanx
- right wing: 1,000 cavalry
