Commanders from the Antiquity Age

NOTE: He had 3 sons, namely Philotas, Nicanor, Hector and at least one daughter, whose name has not survived.
Destroyed Halos, an important town in southern Thessaly.  346 B.C.
Appointed to conclude peace with Athens with two other Macedonian generals, Antipater and Eurylochus.
With Attalus, Amyntas Andromenes, and 10,000 troops, sent by Philip II to liberate Greek towns on the coast of Asia Minor.  336 B.C.
NOTE: By this time, the Persian king, Artaxerxes IV Arses, was murdered.  He was succeeded by his relative, Darius III Codomannus.
The invasion causes the Greek towns in Asia to revolt.
Suffered a serious defeat by ther Persian mercenary, Memnon of Rhodes, at Magnesia.
NOTE: Though pushed back by Memnon, he managed to keep the army in Asia Minor.
Alexander recognized as king of Macedonia.  October 336 B.C.
Attalus, Parmenion's relative and co-commander of the expedition into Asia Minor, is put to death from Hecataios with Parmenion approval due to political intrigue.
NOTE: Somewhat interesting, though Attalus was related to Parmenion who was still in control of the army, Alexander almost dared the betrayal by having Attalus killed and giving Parmenion the capability to turn against him.
NOTE: Alexander did put members of his family in key positions in the Macedonian army.  Most noteably, Philotas, Parmenion's oldest son, was the commander of the Companion Cavalry. Parmenion's other son Nikanor led the hypaspists.
Parmenion given the title, second-in-command, of the Macedonian Army.
NOTE: He already received this title from Philip II.  However, Alexander displays his trust to Parmenion by keeping him in this position when he easily could not have.

NOTE: Sometime after Attalus death, Parmenion captured Gryneion and sold its inhabitants into slavery. However he was forced by Memnon the Rhodian to abandon the siege of Pitane.
King Alexander joined Parmenion in Asia Minor with reinforcements.  May 334 B.C.
The Persian satraps, Spithridates and Mithridates, assembled an army near Dascylium.
With Alexander, moved against the Persian army.

GRANICUS RIVER May, 334 B.C.
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Alexander (35,000) vs. Persian satraps Spithridates/Mithridates (38,000)
After crossing the Hellespont, the Macedonian army marched on the road to Dascylium, the capital of Satrapy of Phrygia.  The Persian army under Spirthridates and Mithridates wait for the Macedonians on the banks of the Granicus River.  The Macedonian scouts spotted the Persian army.  Memnon of Rhodes, captain of the 8,000 Greek mercenaries who left Greece to fight for the Persians, suggested a scorched-earth policy.  This suggestion is rejected by the satraps.  The Persians, according to Arrian, the Greek historian, placed their cavalry in front of their infantry and drew up on the east bank of the river.  The Macedonians had their heavy Phalanxes in the middle and cavalry protecting their flanks. Parmenion commanded during the battle, the left including the Thessalian cavalry. The uneveness of the eastern bank held by the Persians caused many of the Macedonians great concern.  It is not known if Alexander attacked immediately, or if he had crossed the river upstream and attacked at dawn (as suggested by Alexander's second-in-command, Parmenion).  Alexander ordered Nicanor's cavalry and one battalion of hypaspists to feint attack the Persian left flank.  The Persians reinforced their flank and the Macedonians feinted.  With the feint objective met, Alexander and the Companion cavalry formed a wedge and charged into the weakened Persian center line.  The Macedonian assault was so swift, perhaps because of the effective use of the river's current, and forceful that it pushed the Persians from the shore, alienating the calvary from the slow approaching phalanx.  This allowed the Persians to countercharge.  During this charge, many noteable Persian nobles were killed.  Alexander was also stunned by an axe-blow but was saved by a man named Clitus the Black.  The Macedonian cavalry, controlling the center of the battlefield, turned left and rolled up the Persian cavalry which had been engaged with the Macedonian left in a general engagement.  A gaping hole in the center of the battlefield allowed the Macedonian phalanx to rush towards the Persian infantry in the rear.  The Persian flanks broke and the infantry was routed.  Many of the infantry were killed during the chase.  The Greek mercenaries, sitting on top of the hill never engaging the Macedonians, were surrounded.  Refusing to accept their surrender, Alexander defeats the Greek 'traitors'.
4,000 Persians killed (the majority killed during the rout)
2,000 Persians captured
Spithridates was killed.
  115 Macedonians killed.
NOTE: Of the estimated 8,000 Greeks that fought for the Persians, 2,000 were captured and sent to Macedonian mines.  Two years later, when asked for their release from citizens from various Greek city-states, including Athens, he freed them.
NOTE: Memnon did not participate in this battle.

~SEE ALEXANDER III's PORTFOLIO TO VIEW MAP~

Captured Dascylium, the capital of Hellespontine Phrygia. One of his tasks was to ensure that Kalas, son of Harpalos - the new satrap - would be securely established there.
NOTE: Sources say it fell without a struggle.  Archaelogical evidence contradicts this.
Captured Magnesia and Traaleis.
NOTE: While Parmenion was doing this, Alexander captured Sardes, Ephesus, Miletus, and Halicarnassus. Parmenion rejoined Alexander at Miletus where he advised him not to disband the fleet.
During the winter, Parmenion invaded central Turkey, drove out the Persian troops.
NOTE: Alexander moved through Lycia while Parmenion was doing this.While being at Gordium, Parmenion caught the agent of Darius, Sisines who had been sent in order to contact Alexander of Lyncestis with alledgely aim the assasination of Alexander. Sisines was sent into chains to Alexander who was at Phaselis. In spring of  333 B.C. Alexander came to Gordion leading the fresh reinforcements.
With Alexander, moved east to Cilicia.
Captured Tarsus without Alexander.
NOTE: Alexander fell ill at this time.  Interesting enough, Parmenion blamed Alexander's physician Alexander of Kappadokia (he was innocent of the charge).  Alexander ignored Parmenion's advise.
Occupied the Assyrian gates while Alexander was still in Cilicia.
Received word that Darius' large army was at Sochi, two days away from his position.
Alexander lost Darius; Parmenion convinced Alexander to remain where he is and not advance into the Assyrian plains.
The Persians capture the empty camp near Issus, killing the sick and wounded left behind by Alexander.
Hearing word of Darius behind him, Alexander moves towards Issus.
Darius, either chasing Alexander or thinking the Macedonian army retreated, moves south when his scouts locate the Macedonian army, which had already passed the Pillar of Yunus.
Darius moves from Issus and both armies find each other at the Pinarus river.

ISSUS 333 B.C.
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Alexander (40,000) vs. Darius III (91,000)
Darrius III, with such a large force (20,000 Greek mercenaries, 60,000 Persian infantry, 11,000 Persian cavalry) and unable to supply it properly, was forced instigate the conflict.  However, the Macedonian supply line is cut as well.  Darius III positioned his army along the Pinarus river as Alexander approached.  The Macedonian right flank was held by Alexander's Companion Cavalry and his Thessalian allied cavalry on the left with Parmenion in command of the phalanx.  The Persian heavy cavalry is concentrated on the coast, their right flank, more Greek mercenaries.  The Cardaces, Persian infantry, are spread along the river and foothills, wrapping around the other bank to expose Alexander's flank.  Darius is located in the middle, with his best troops, the Greek mercenaries and his royal cavalry guard.  Darius later sent parts of his cavalry along the possible exposed flank.  Alexander reacts by two small detachments (Agrians and light cavalry) to protect the right flank and a greater number of cavalry to protect the left wing, which was positioned against the heavy Persian cavalry.  The Persian cavalry cross the river and attack the Thessalian cavalry and Parmenion's horsemen.  By late afternoon, Alexander, leading the Hypaspists on foot, charge against across the river and quickly overrun the surprisingly disorganized Cardaces' units.  The Persian attack managed to push the cavalry back and penetrate the phalanx from the side.  The Greek mercenaries put up stiff resistance against the Macedonians' central phalanx' attack.  With the situation deteriotating on the Macedonian's left flank, the Greek mercenaries started to push the Macedonians back across the river.  Despite what appeared to be the advantage, the Persian left wing collapsed and was turned.  The Macedonians did not pursue, they turned on the flank of the Greek mercenaries.  Mounting a horse, Alexander leads his Companion Cavalry against Darius.  Viewing the situation, Darius immediately flees.  With the king running off the field, the Persians abandon all efforts and are routed.  Macedonian cavalry mercilessly pursue the Persians until night approaches.  Despite the rout, the Greeks mercenaries retired in good order.  Darius managed to escape.
NOTE: In view of it all, Alexander used a sophisticated version of the oblique formation.  Permenion was in charge of holding the Perisans right flank, while Alexander moved against the Persian left flank and, then, center.  Darius fled to Euphrates, leaving his family behind (wife, children, and mother) and much of his kingdom's treasure.  
NOTE: Sisygambis, Darius' mother, disowned him and adopted Alexander.
NOTE: First defeat Darius III experienced.
10,000 Persians are killed on the battlefield.
Much more are killed during the rout.
   450 Macedonians killed (Alexander was wounded).

~SEE ALEXANDER III's PORTFOLIO TO VIEW MAP~

NOTE: Rushed to Damascus and seized Darius' treasure. A purportedly letter is quoted by Athenaios (depnosoph) from Parmenion to Alexander, itemizing the captured spoils, among them 329 of Darius concubines
After Issus, diplomatic exchanges took place, Parmenion recommended Alexander to accept Darius' off of 'all countries west of the Euphrates'; Alexander declined.
Important command during the year 332 B.C.


Siege of TYRE  332 B.C.
=========================
Alexander (23,000) vs. unknown (numbers not found)
Built on an island a half mile off shore. the fortified city of Tyre poised as a threat to Alexander's plan of eliminating all Persian ports, thus ending a Persian invasion into Greece.  Built a mole across the channel, but parts of it was destroyed by the Phoenician galleys.  Consolidated his recent conquered assets (Sidon, Byblod, and Aradas) and with his other new allies (Rhodes and Cyprus) used their fleet to check the Tyrian galleys.  Once the mole was completed, they immediately began to attempt to breach the Tyre defenses, which took considerable time.  Alexander, leading the final storm of Tyre, successfully captured Tyre.
 8,000 Tyrians killed.
30,000 Tyrians sold into slavery.
NOTE: What took king Nebuchadnezzar II 13 years to fail to do, Alexander did in 7 months.
NOTE: Darius III opened negotiations with Alexander, which was quickly turned down.

Siege of GAZA  332 B.C.
=========================
Alexander (numbers not found) vs. Batis (numbers not found)
While the siege was taking place, Alexander moved further along the coast and accepted more cities.  Gaza, under Batis, refused to surrender.  The heavily-fortified fort protecting Gaza laid on a hill.  After Tyre, Alexander build ramps on the side of the hill.  Gaza maintained it resistance for two months before it was finally taken.  All the men were killed and the women and children were sold into slavery.  Alexander was injured during the siege.
NOTE: Immitating Achilles, Alexander dragged the body of Batis behind a chariot around the walls of Gaza.

Penetrated Mesopotamia and Assyria.
Mazaeus, assigned to the new Persian army by Darius, marched up the Tigris to oppose him.

GAUGAMELA October 1, 331 B.C.
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Alexander (47,000) vs. Darius III (110,000)
While Alexander was conquering the Mediterranean coast, Darius built a huge, but mostly inexperienced, army.  When the Macedonian army arrived at the site of battle chosen by Darius, Alexander immediately set up camp.  That night, Darius believed Alexander would attack, Darius had most of his men stay up the night in anticipation of the attack.  Darius ordered the field to be smoothed out and cleared to enhance the performance of the 200 chariots (there were also 15 war elephants on play, however, they did not appear to be a factor in the battle).  In the middle of the Persian army position was the elite infantry.  On the right flank was the Carian cavalry, Greek mercenaries and Persian horse guards.  Left flank was covered with mostly cavalry, under command of Bessus, from various regions and Mardian archers.  Darius positioned himself with his infantry.  Between the right flank and infantry, the Persian foot guards (Called the Immortals by the Greeks), Indian cavalry and Mardian archers stood guard.  With yet more troops to place on the field, in front of the main army were Bactrian chariots.  More varied cavalry were dispersed along the right flank, front, and left flank of the main army.  This group of cavalry, althought widely spread out, was under the command of a single cavalry commander, Mazaeus.  Macedonians, dispersed into two specific groups.  Alexander rode with the Companion cavalry, Paionian, and the Macedonian light cavalry.  The veteran mercenary cavalry was located on the right flank as well.  The left flank, under command of Parmenion, consisted of Thessalian, Greek mercenary, and Thracian cavalry.  The Agrians and Macedonian archers were stationed next to the phalanx, which was in a double-line formation.  Alexander wanted Parmenion to hold the line while he struck at the heart of the Persian army.
Combat was initiated by Darius, hurling his chariots at the Macedonian army.  The chariots were easily stopped by the Agrianians, moved aside and persuading the horses to enter into a type of 'mousetrap'.  Once the chariots were halted, the charioteers were killed.  The Macedonian rearguard started to cover the Macedonian flanks as the Persians continued to curl up the Macedonian line.  With the lines covered by the rearguard, Darius sent in more troops to circumvent the flank.  This action caused a gap between Bessus's left and Darius' center.  Alexander sent his last available cavalry reserves to protect the flanks.  Alexander disengaged his Companions.  Formed a cavalry wedge and charged into the main Persian line.  The cavalry wedge crashed into the weakened Persian center, dismantling the royal elite troops and Greek mercenaries.  Bessus, instead of supporting the defense of the king, pulled away from the attack.  Darius, in fear of his life, broke.  Receiving desperate messages from Parmenion, Alexander ended all thoughts of chasing Darius and aided the left flank, which had been violently pushed further to the left.  This caused a huge gap between the Parmenion and the phalanx.  The Persian and Indian cavalry units pored into that gap, however, instead of attacking the vulnerable flank and rear of the Phalanx or Parmenion, the went into the Macedonian camp and started looting it.  NOTE: They attempted to rescue the Queen Mother Sisygambis, but she refused to go with them.  The last available Macedonian reserves drove off the camp invaders, but received heavy casualties.  In the meantime, Mazaeus attempted to disengage his force, however the disengagement turned into a chaotic rout as the Thessalian cavalry continued to pursue.  Alexander pursued, but failed to capture, Darius, who fled to Ecbatana.  Parmenion looted the Persian baggage train.
4,000 talents captured
King's personal chariot and bow.
NOTE: Darius maintained a small force as well as the Bessus' Bactrian cavalry, remnants of the Royal Guard and 2,000 Greek mercenaries.  Darius planned to head East to raise another army and dispatched letters calling all Eastern satrapies to remain loyal.
Casualties are too exaggerated to list.  Safe to say high casualties among the Persians; less so for the Macedonians.

~SEE ALEXANDER III's PORTFOLIO TO VIEW MAP~

With Alexander, accepted the surrender of Babylonia.
While Alexander used a small force to capture the Persian gate, Parmenion entered the plain of Persepolis from the south.  330 B.C.
While Alexander chased king Darius, Parmenion conquered Ecbatana, another Persian capital.
Pacified the mountain country of the Cadusians.
Unaware that his son, Philotas, was accused of treason and executed.  December 330 B.C.
In Ecbatana, a courier arrived with a message to Atropates, the commander of the reinforcements, to kill the old general whom the letter accused him of treason.
Parmenion was killed for a reason he did not know.


Famous exchange between Parmenion and Alexander about Darius' offer.
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"I would accept it," said Parmenion after reading the proposal, "if I were Alexander."
"So would I," replied Alexander, "if I were Parmenion."

Great comment from wikipedia
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"Parmenion was Philip II's most trusted general, and a major influence in the formation of the tough, disciplined and professional Macedonian army whose tactics would dominate land warfare for the succeeding centuries, arguably until the Marian Reforms of the Roman army in 107 BC."


SOURCES
http://www.livius.org/pan-paz/parmenion/parmenion.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parmenion

~NOTE: No known images of Parmenion survived the age.