Darius's Escape to Ecbatana

Following the battle of Gaugamela, Darius III, the last king of the Achaemenid Empire, made a strategic retreat over the mountains to Ecbatana, which is present-day Hamadan. This flight was a critical moment in the conflict between Darius and Alexander the Great, as it marked the beginning of the end for Darius's reign. While Darius fled, Alexander advanced and successfully captured Babylon, a significant city that held great cultural and political importance in the ancient world. The capture of Babylon not only demonstrated Alexander's military prowess but also his ability to gain the loyalty of the local population. Babylonian astronomical diaries from this period noted that Alexander, upon entering the city, sent scouts ahead with a message to the inhabitants, assuring them that he would respect their homes and property, stating, 'I shall not enter your houses.' This approach helped to establish a relatively peaceful transition of power and showcased Alexander's strategy of integrating himself into the cultures of the regions he conquered.