Could Alexander have conquered the Persian Empire without the Companion Cavalry?

The Companion Cavalry were highly trained Macedonian troops first formed by Alexander the Great's father, Philip II. Despite his military genius, he could not have been successful without them. This source-based homework task supports student understanding of the NSW Ancient History syllabus
Higher School certificate course
Part III - Personalities in Their Times
Option H - Alexander the Great
Students analyse a range of primary and secondary, visual and written sources to come to an understanding of the importance of the Companion Cavalry to Alexander's military success. Most successful armies have a core of professional elite soldiers (e.g. the SAS in the Australian army). Students can research how and why these special forces are necessary and the training they undertake.