Background Porus ruled over the tracts between the rivers Hydaspes (Vitasta) and Acesines (Asikni); Strabo noted the territory to contain almost 300 cities. He had a hostile relationship with the neighboring polity of
Taxila, having assassinated their erstwhile ruler Ambhiraj, his maternal uncle. Alexander chose to shield his infantry and instead led a devastating cavalry charge on Porus' left wing, forcing reinforcements from the right; however, this rear-transit came under attack by
Coenus' cavalry and Porus' cavalry was compelled to take refuge within the infantry frontlines, causing confusion. Not only were Porus' cavalry charges repelled but the
mahouts were killed using
sarissas and the elephants were pushed back into Porus' columns, wreaking havoc on the rear, Alexander's cavalry kept charging and inflicting disorder..|thumb
Aftermath Despite the apparently one-sided results, Alexander was impressed by Porus and chose not to depose him. His territory was not only restored, but also expanded, with Alexander's forces annexing the territories of
Glausaes, who ruled to the northeast of Porus' kingdom. According to
Diodorus, Antipater recognized Porus' authority over the territories along the
Indus River. However,
Eudemus, who had served as Alexander's
satrap in the Punjab region, killed Porus. == Cultural depictions of Porus ==