Battle of Ipsus: What Happened
In 301 BC, the largest battle of the wars between Alexander's successors was fought at Ipsus, in Phrygia in central Anatolia. On one side stood Antigonus the One-Eyed, the most powerful of the successors, who hoped to reunite Alexander's empire under his own rule, and his son Demetrius. Against them stood a coalition of rivals who feared his ambition: Seleucus, Lysimachus and Cassander, with Ptolemy supporting them. Seleucus brought several hundred war elephants obtained from India. According to ancient accounts, Demetrius led a successful cavalry charge that drove back the enemy horsemen, but he chased them too far. Seleucus then used his elephants to block Demetrius from returning to the battle. Left exposed, Antigonus's army was surrounded, and many of his soldiers deserted. Antigonus, then around 80 years old, refused to flee and was killed by a shower of javelins while waiting for his son. His kingdom was divided among the victors. Ipsus ended the last serious attempt to reunite Alexander's empire, confirming its permanent division into separate kingdoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Battle of Ipsus?
The Battle of Ipsus, in 301 BC, was the largest battle of the wars between Alexander's successors, fought in Phrygia in central Anatolia.
Who fought at the Battle of Ipsus?
Antigonus the One-Eyed and his son Demetrius fought against a coalition of Seleucus, Lysimachus and Cassander, supported by Ptolemy.
How did the elephants decide the Battle of Ipsus?
After Demetrius chased the enemy cavalry too far, Seleucus used his war elephants to block him from returning, leaving Antigonus's army exposed and surrounded.
What happened to Antigonus the One-Eyed?
Antigonus, then around 80 years old, refused to flee and was killed by a shower of javelins while waiting for his son to return.
Why was the Battle of Ipsus important?
It ended the last serious attempt to reunite Alexander's empire and confirmed its permanent division into separate kingdoms.
More Events from Hellenistic Greece
