During the Yervanduni period, the Armenian army was notably substantial. The Roman author Quintus Curtius Rufus, writing in the 1st century BC, provides an account of the famous Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC. In this battle, the right wing of the allied forces, led by Persian King Darius III, included 40,000 infantry and 7,000 cavalry from the army of Greater Armenia. This contingent fought valiantly until late in the evening and only retreated in an organized manner when it became evident that the Persians in the center and on the left flank had suffered a crushing defeat.
The Role of Lesser Armenia
Rufus does not provide details about the number of troops from Lesser Armenia fighting on the left flank. However, it is clear that the 47,000-strong force from Greater Armenia did not represent the entire armed forces of the region, as Gaugamela was located far from Armenia’s borders. It is likely that an equal number of troops remained in the country to ensure the security of the northern and northeastern borders, which were often restless.
Historical Context and Comparisons
This conclusion is supported by Xenophon’s report that only half of the Armenian troops were sent to the pan-Aryan army. In the 9th (or 7th) century BC, the rapidly moving part of King Aram’s army, referred to as the “expeditionary corps” in modern terminology, also consisted of approximately 50,000 warriors, according to Movses Khorenatsi. These 50,000 troops did not include fortress and border garrisons, which remained at their permanent locations.
Interestingly, the number of this corps coincides with the total number of cavalry under Tigran the Great, which, according to Plutarch, numbered 55,000 horsemen, 17,000 of whom were dressed in armor. Later, Khorenatsi notes that King Aram, after strengthening the country’s security, added another 40,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry to his existing army of 50,000. With this united force of 92,000, he set out on a campaign to the west, towards Caesarea.
The Armenian army’s significant size and strategic deployment during the Battle of Gaugamela highlight its importance in ancient military history. The accounts of Rufus, Xenophon, and Khorenatsi provide valuable insights into the organization and strength of the Armenian forces during this period. The Armenian army’s role in the battle and its broader historical context underscore the region’s military prowess and strategic significance.
