Battle of Gaza (312 BC)

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Battle of Gaza
Part of the Third war of the Diadochi
Date 312 BC
Location Gaza
Result Ptolemaic victory
Belligerents
Ptolemy I of Egypt Demetrius I of Macedon
Commanders
Ptolemy I of Egypt,
Seleucus I Nicator		 Demetrius I of Macedon
Strength
18,000 infantry,
4,000 cavalry		 12,500 infantry,
4,400 cavalry,
43 war elephants
Casualties and losses
Unknown 500 killed,
8,000 captured,
43 war elephants
v • d • e
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 launched 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, but was routed; losing 500 men killed, a further 8,000 taken prisoner, and losing all his elephants. He retreated to Tripolis in Phoenicia.

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


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