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). In general, the word Diadochi means successors in Greek, such that the neoplatonic refounders of Platos Academy in Late Antiquity referred to themselves as diadochi (of Plato). ... Centuries: 5th century BC - 4th century BC - 3rd century BC Decades: 360s BC 350s BC 340s BC 330s BC 320s BC 310s BC 300s BC 290s BC 280s BC 270s BC 260s BC Years: 317 BC 316 BC 315 BC 314 BC 313 BC _ 312 BC _ 311 BC... The city of Gaza is the principal city in the Gaza Strip. ... Ptolemy I Soter (367 BC–283 BC) was the ruler of Egypt (323 BC - 283 BC) and founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty. ... Demetrius I (337-283 BC), surnamed Poliorcetes (Besieger), son of Antigonus I Monophthalmus and Stratonice, was a king of Macedon (294 - 288 BC). ... Ptolemy I Soter (367 BC–283 BC) was the ruler of Egypt (323 BC - 283 BC) and founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty. ... Silver coin of Seleucus. ... Demetrius I (337-283 BC), surnamed Poliorcetes (Besieger), son of Antigonus I Monophthalmus and Stratonice, was a king of Macedon (294 - 288 BC). ... Indian war elephant, relief at Mathura, 2nd century BC War elephants were important, although not widespread, weapons in ancient military history. ... In general, the word Diadochi means successors in Greek, such that the neoplatonic refounders of Platos Academy in Late Antiquity referred to themselves as diadochi (of Plato). ... The Battle of Crannon (322 BC), fought between the Macedonian forces of Antipater and Craterus and rebellious South Greek forces led by the Athenians, was the decisive battle of the Lamian war. ... The battle of Paraitacene (317 BC) was a battle in the wars of the successors of Alexander the Great (see diadochi) between Antigonus and Eumenes. ... Battle of Gabiene (316 BC) was a second great battle (after Paraitacene) between Antigonus and Eumenes in the wars of the diadochi (successors of Alexander the Great). ... The naval Battle of Salamis took place in 306 BC near Salamis, Cyprus between the fleets of Ptolemy I of Egypt and Demetrius, two of the diadochi, the successors to Alexander the Great. ... The battle of Ipsus was fought between some of the successors of Alexander the Great in 301 BC near the village of that name in Phrygia. ... The Battle of Corupedium (also called Corupedion) is the name of the last battle of the Diadochi, the rival successors to Alexander the Great. ... In general, the word Diadochi means successors in Greek, such that the neoplatonic refounders of Platos Academy in Late Antiquity referred to themselves as diadochi (of Plato). ... Ptolemy I Soter (367 BC–283 BC) was the ruler of Egypt (323 BC - 283 BC) and founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty. ... Demetrius I (337-283 BC), surnamed Poliorcetes (Besieger), son of Antigonus I Monophthalmus and Stratonice, was a king of Macedon (294 - 288 BC). ... Antigonus I Cyclops or Monophthalmos (the One-eyed, so called from his having lost an eye) (382 BC - 301 BC) was a Macedonian nobleman, general, and satrap under Alexander the Great. ...

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: Indian war elephant, relief at Mathura, 2nd century BC War elephants were important, although not widespread, weapons in ancient military history. ... The Macedonian phalanx is an infantry formation developed by Philip II and used by his son Alexander the Great to conquer the Persian Empire. ...

• left wing: 3,000 cavalry
• center: 18,000 phalanx
• right wing: 1,000 cavalry

External links

• Lecture Notes for Week Fourteen