Aretes

This article is about the Macedonian general. For the ancient chronographer, seeAretes of Dyrrachium.For others with a similar name, seeArete (disambiguation).

Aretes(Greek:Ἀρέτης) orAretas(Greek:Ἀρέτας) was aMacedoniangeneral. At theBattle of Gaugamela,he commanded thesarissophoroi(also known asprodromoi), a unit of versatile cavalry, adept at scouting, but with an ability for close-combat in battle. He replacedProtomachusas the commander of this unit. At Gaugamela, thesarissophoroiwere responsible for finally routing the Persian left wing cavalry, winning the battle in this sector. In their final charge, thesarissophoroibroke theMassagetaeheavy cavalry, Aretes personally killing their leader.

Bibliography

• Ashley, J.R. (2004)The Macedonian Empire: The Era of Warfare Under Philip II and Alexander the Great, 359-323 B.C.McFarland.
• Sidnell, Philip (2006).Warhorse.London: Hambeldon Continuum. pp.355.ISBN1-85285-374-3.
• Who's who in the age of Alexander the Great: prosopography of Alexander's empire,ISBN978-1-4051-1210-9