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Thread: Battle Reports

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    Senior Member Senior Member Ibn-Khaldun's Avatar
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    Default Battle Reports

    Battles of the Arche Ptolemaioi



    This thread is for all Battle Reports. Any post in this thread which is not a Battle Report will be moved or deleted.

    Note: Battle Reports can be extensive multi-part IC stories, but they can also just be OOC brief summaries of the action. The nature and length of the report is entirely up to you. It is encouraged that everyone post at least the final results of the battle, either typed out or by posting a screenshot of the results scroll that appears at the end of the battle. It is however crucial that we know what type of victory or defeat the battle ended in, since it influences the rank of a character (it must therefore be seen in a screenshot or typed as an aside).

  2. #2
    Involuntary Gaesatae Member The Celtic Viking's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    Battle of Damaskos, 269 BCE

    Prelude:
    After having his plans altered and his campaign put to a halt by the Seleukid fleets blockade of the port of Sidon, Basileos Philadelphos Ptolemaios moved in the summer of 269 BCE south into Ioudaia to gather his supplies there instead. This was completed in the middle of the fall, and consequently he moved into Syria Koile and besieged Damaskos. In the winter, before his assault weapons had been completed, a relief army led by general Sositratos Termessou Pisidikes came in an attempt to lift the siege.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Battle:
    Philadelphos Ptolemaios started off with the ability to take the high ground and took it. Advancing on the enemy, he could use his cavalry superiority to hammer-and-anvil the enemy until they fled. Most casualties were suffered amongst the phalangites, especially so for those on the right flank; the light infantry suffered very little casualties, and - aside from some of Philadelphos' bodyguards in his battle with Sositratos Termessou Pisidikes - his cavalry survived without a single loss.

    Pictures:
    Skirmish:
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Philadelphos' charge:
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Results:
    As a result of this battle, Sositratos Termessou Pisidikes was killed in battle and Damaskos was liberated and incorporated into the Ptolemaic kingdom. More importantly, the threat from Damaskos was now neutralized.

    Results:
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

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    Peerless Senior Member johnhughthom's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports



    Paratoinon back under our control.

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    Senior Member Senior Member Ibn-Khaldun's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    Spring, 267 - Syria



    Easy battle against Seleucid warband. I cannot call it an army since it had only a unit of Akontistai in it.

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    Peerless Senior Member johnhughthom's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports



    Battle against three units of slingers. On top of a large hill. Right in the corner of the map.

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    Involuntary Gaesatae Member The Celtic Viking's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    Autumn of 267 BCE



    Small battle against a Seleukid army.
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    Member Member Folgore's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    267 BCE, autumn

    Discontent with the ongoing Hellenisation of Ioudaia, a group of Jews under the leadership of a man calling himself "Timodoros", rose up in arms early in the summer of 267 BCE. Timon Arrhidaeos, strategos of the Ptolemaic Empire and strongly involved with all trade in and out of Ioudaia wasted no time in dealing with these rebels. He immediately started recruiting Jewish loyalists from the population of Hierosolyma and arranged to take command of the city's poorly armed garrison. Only a few months later, he launched a daring attack on the Jewish rebels, being outnumbered and inferior in arms. Shocked by this early Ptolemaic intervention, the rebel morale took a steep dive, but Timodoros decided to meet Timon in battle nonetheless, feeling confident that his height advantage would win him the battle. As the Ptolemaic army drew near, Timon rushed his infantry towards the rebel right flank, as he lead a small contingent of cavalry round the rebel army. The rebel army was poorly organised and ill-equipped to deal with the surprising move. As it began to change formation, Timon's cavalry charged into the rebel rear with such ferociousness that the rebel soldiers started running for their lives. Few were quick enough to escape being trampled under Timon's horses however and most of those that did escape were found in hiding later. All prisoners were summarily executed and the rebellion crushed.


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    OOC: That was a lot easier than I expected. I sent both my infantry units to attack one of theirs, then hit it from the rear with my guard unit. The very second it hit the enemy formation they broke and mopping up the other two units also went effortless. I checked Hierosolyma's trade scroll and it's back to ~270 per ship per turn. I'm glad I was able to restore my income to their normal levels, though I estimate I lost 3000 mnai in lost revenue to these clowns in total...
    Last edited by Folgore; 07-02-2011 at 15:28.

  8. #8
    Strategist and Storyteller Member Myth's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    Alexandros, still a bit intoxicated from the feast celebrating the birth of his niece, took two loyal units of horsemen and with that band of men defeated the rebellious army gathering dangerously close to Alexandreia.

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    Last edited by Myth; 07-03-2011 at 15:39.
    The art of war, then, is governed by five constant
    factors, to be taken into account in one's deliberations,
    when seeking to determine the conditions obtaining in the field.

    These are: (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth;
    (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline.
    Sun Tzu, "The Art of War"
    Like totalwar.org on Facebook!

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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    Battle of Tarsos

    The sun was burning fiercely on Euergetes neck as he casually examined the siege lines of his troops. It had only been a few weeks since the Royal Army had made a safe landing on the shore of . After the men, horses and wagons had been unloaded onto the beach, his army had made steady progress up the rivers into the highlands of Kilikia. Meeting little resistance Euergetes took the advice of many of his retainers and let the army forage, which kept the small amount of supplies intact for the long siege that was expected. This however, led to stealing and raiding, which the Kleronomos Basileios turned a blind eye to, after all, the populace had betrayed the Kingdom.

    Although sceptical of his training in the arts of war the army seemed to run itself. Delegating had been easy and turning the commanders still loyal to the previous leader had been trivial, money being the key factor. Setting up the siege lines around the city of Tarsos was no trouble and the cavalry was able to dispatch of any defenders trying to sally out. It had been a week since the siege had started and the army had settled into a routine. This same complacency had effected the Heir as well so he had decided for a morning stroll to inspire the men and check standards weren't slipping.

    Suddenly, a young boy who was no older than 14 stumbled into the side of Euergetes and toppled to the floor. Turning around quickly to rebuke the boy, Euergetes swung his hand hoping to clap him on the side of the head. The boy however, swiftly darted out of the way and bowed his head.

    'Kleronomos Basileios, my most sincere apologies, I bring news from Herakleides however. A Seleukid relief force is marching on the north of the city.'

    All signs of anger disappeared from Euergetes face as the realisation of what might befall his army clattered into his brain. Gathering his thoughts he shouted an order for his horse and told the boy to bring the news to his commanders.

    'Tell them to gather north of the city and leave a token force from each of their units to watch the city.'

    When Euergetes reached his bodyguards captain however the news was grave.

    'They number over three quarters of our army. If the garrison sallies out then they would most likely match our numbers. With the army stretched out I suggest we concentrate our forces to the south and let them come at us. There is slight hills over there and overall our army is likely to be in much better condition. We haven't marched over mountains to get here after all,' the seasoned veteran explained.

    'I agree. Carry out that plan, I expect to give battle by this afternoon.'

    ~~~

    With the army formed up on the side of a slight slope the Kleronomos Basileios was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the enemy force. He had never been in battle before and his closest experience was the lessons in the sand battlefields of Mégas Aléxandros' battles. There would be no special strategy this battle. Skirmish with the psiloi, engage with the superior infantry forces of Aigyptos and flank with larger cavalry numbers. If it could be helped Euergetes would not get involved in direct fighting. He wished to observe and give orders if necessary. Fighting would only distract him and could cause disaster. Looking to the flanks he saw the cavalry was already eager and started to flank the army early.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    'Very well' he thought, 'they can handle themselves'. The psiloi closed to the enemy as well and started to throw their javelins and loose arrow shafts wildly into the dense mass of men. There was a few cries of anguish but the untrained peasants were never meant to be the deadly force of the army. The commanders knew their jobs well and the infantry held back, letting the enemy come to them through a constant shower of projectiles. Lining up they advanced steady towards the Ptolemaic lines with their superior phalanx but with a lack of support troops.

    'Surely they cannot win this way Herakleides. Our phalanx will hold them and our light troops quickly flank them. Why do they advance?' asked the Kleronomos Basileios.

    'This style of fighting has happened for over a century general. The enemy commander must have faith in the superiority of Seleukid troops.'

    'Fool' muttered Euergetes, 'if a brave one'.

    The heavy infantry clashed with the lesser trained troops of the Ptolemaic army but the way of phalanx warfare kept them rooted to the spot. The light troops of Euergetes steadily advanced around the side and attacked the sides and rear of the phalanx. A smile broke across Euergetes face as he saw this. Why I ever doubted my ability is a wonder. This is all too easy, thought the Heir.

    'Hold on, their light troops might come to their aid' exclaimed Herakleides. Sure enough, when Euergetes turned he saw the spearmen of the Seleukids advancing. Suddenly and quickly the light cavalry struck, darting round the edges of their formation and throwing javelins into their midst. Failing to do their duty the enemy commanders chased the cavalry away from the battle. As Euergetes watched in amazement his cavalry surrounded and peppered the enemy until their javelins were depleted. The medium cavalry moved into the front of the formation and suddenly a charge from all angles descended on the understrength spearmen.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    They were slaughtered. Turning to help their comrades, they successively charged into the rear formation of the enemy ranks. They quickly broke and the cavalry streamed victorious across the fields mopping up enemy reinforcements and taking quick care of the cities garrison.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Euergetes smiled once more, content and happy.

    ~~~

    After hearing news that his father had found him a wife who was waiting for him in Alexandreia Euergetes was rather put out. Tarsos was a disappointing town. Drab and dreary, nothing like the pleasurable luxuries of other Eastern cities. After having his troops set up watched and stations throughout the city he gathered the three most senior commanders of his troops. Infantry commander Nikias was small and had mousy features. He was charged with both the psiloi and the proper infantry and had much success during the battle. Pallas was commander of the cavalry and was tall, strong and very good looking. He had flowing blonde hair which flapped out of the back of his helmet like a cape. Finally was Herakleides, the captain of Euergetes bodyguards. Old and wisened for a warrior he was the Heir's main advisor.

    'I will dispersing much of the cities population. They will be sent to major cities through the Kingdom to help bolster work programs. Let the men loot and pillage as they wish and make sure to collect as much money as possible. We need to keep the mnai flowing through the coffers. Herakleides will be in charge of the army whilst I return to Alexandreia for my wedding and the Royal Council meeting. I leave you gentlemen in good stead. No doubt I will get permission for us to continue campaigning and greater glory and money will come to us all. Pallas, stay out of the brothels will you?'

    'Will do General'.

    Laughing to themselves the group dispersed and Euergetes left the city for a long trip back to the capital of the world wondering what his wife would look like.
    Last edited by LeoCordis; 07-10-2011 at 18:52.
    PBeM's

    Kings of the Nile: Kleronomos Basileios Euergetes Ptolemaios

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    Involuntary Gaesatae Member The Celtic Viking's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports



    Report upcoming.

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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    Siege of Side


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 










    Last edited by LeoCordis; 07-19-2011 at 17:31.
    PBeM's

    Kings of the Nile: Kleronomos Basileios Euergetes Ptolemaios

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    Peerless Senior Member johnhughthom's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    City occupied.

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    Member Member Folgore's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    263 BCE, spring

    As Timon Arrhidaeos and his army moved into Tadmor and besieged Palmyra, the Seleucids sent a small army to aid the city. Not willing to fight two armies at once, Timon lifted the siege and attacked the Seleucid army in the field. No match for a complete army, the Seleucid forces were crushed.

    Last edited by Folgore; 08-02-2011 at 00:09.

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    Member Member Folgore's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    263 BCE, summer

    The Seleucids continue to split their forces. A detachment of skirmishers was spotted leaving Palmyra, heading towards Edessa through Syria. Timon's army, on its way back to Palmyra received word of this and moved west to intercept the enemy forces. The enemy tried to flee, but was forced to meet the Ptolemaic forces in battle after being pursued. In the ensuing battle, the Seleucid force was effectively destroyed.


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    Member Member Folgore's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    263 BCE, winter

    With the threat of the Ptolemaic Royal Army now heading east, the Seleucid forces are in disarray. Their large army stationed in Syria flees east and most of the Palmyra Garrison attempts to regroup with it in Edessa, passing straight through Ptolemaic controlled Syria. Here, Timon Arrhidaeos' army is still stationed, having taken upon the defence of Antiocheia. With the threat of the Seleucid army under Sarpedon Syriakos now gone, Timon is free to attack the enemy force from Palmyra.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Making no attempt to flee, the Seleucid army offers battle in the middle of the desert. Taking up a defensive position at the bottom of a hill, they make no attempt to take the initiative. Timon's army marches in battle order towards the enemy until they are within range of his slingers. On a hill, the advantage is clearly with Timon's forces and he allows his slingers to fire as long as they can on the enemy army.


    The enemy does not remain still however, and sends his troops forward, attacking the phalanx.


    But his forces are no match for the long sarissas. They are kept firmly in place until Timon's cavalry can charge the enemy's flank. As they do so, the Seleucid forces turn and flee. Those committed to the battle are trampled as they attempt to escape. Those in reserve make a hasty retreat. With the exception of the Seleucid heavy cavalry and a small group of skirmishers, their army is destroyed.



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    Member Member Folgore's Avatar
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    262 BCE, spring

    Having defeated no less than three Seleucid armies in the past year, the road to Palmyra now lies wide open for Timon Arrhidaeos. The Seleucids have foolishly neglected to build any walls around the city. There is no lengthy siege, no time for Seleucid reinforcements to come to the rescue. Timon's forces march into the city and crush its garrison with ease. The narrow streets see some tough fighting though, and more men are lost than in the previous year's battles combined.


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    Member Member Folgore's Avatar
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    261 BCE, spring

    Authorised by the Pharaoh himself to leave the recently conquered town of Palmyra and to take all available forces to race to the defence of Antiocheia, Timon Arrhidaeos had set out to stop Sarpedon Syriakos and Milesion Syriakon from taking over the city. It is a long distance from Palmyra to Antiocheia however and the arid terrain is rough and inhospitable. As Timon arrived at the city, the enemy had already taken it.

    Not deterred by this setback, Timon seized upon the situation that now presented itself. Milesion had set out from the city with nothing but his personal guard at his side, apparently unaware Timon had been marching in his direction as fast as he could. Hoping to lure Sarpedon from the city, taking on his troops in the open, Timon ambushed the unsuspecting troops of Milesios.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    When Milesios found out what was happening around him, it had already been too late. He had been outflanked and surrounded from all sides by Ptolemaic horsemen. Chaos ensued and Milesios was cut down with his men. Our valiant troops suffer no casualties and Milesios' severed head is presented to our men. They cheer. The Galatians so loud and fearfully, the levy spearmen next to them are shocked into silence.


    Milesios and his men are completely surrounded


    Milesios is killed


    See any dead Ptolemaic horsemen? Me neither

    Looking at the battle from Antiocheia's walls, Sarpedon had watched with horror as Milesios' severed head was held up for our troops to cheer at. In a fit of rage, he assembled his men and charged out of the city gates. The battle lines are drawn. Timon's army stands on a slight slope, spearmen in the middle, Galatians covering the left flank and the slingers at the back. He keeps his cavalry in reserve. Sarpedon's army has the archers at the front, cavalry at the right and his spearmen in the centre.


    Timon Arrhidaeos' army


    Sarpedon Syriakos' army

    In a tactically questionable move, Sarpedon sends his archers in first to absorb the Ptolemaic javelins. His brave men comply and absorb the javelins well, most of them die before they are able to let loose their arrows.


    Javelins rain down on Sarpedon's archers

    As both lines meet, Sarpedon sends in his cavalry. His horsemen are much heavier than the Ptolemaic horsemen and as long as they are not pinned down, Timon has to keep his light cavalry a safe distance away. Sarpedon sends his horsemen to attack the Ptolemaic flank where it seems weakest. Only a handful of men guard the left. But these are no ordinary men, they are the pride of Galatia. Mercenary warriors that live for battle. They are expensive, but they do not run. Even as Sarpedon's entire cavalry forces charges into their rank, they don't give away an inch.


    Buttnaked, the Galatians hold off Sarpdon's cavalry - three times their number

    On the right flank the battle also rages intensely. Timon's Jewish spearmen are veterans from five major battles. Well experienced and with complete confidence in their commander, they bravely hold the line.


    The Jewish spearmen hold the line

    With the enemy cavalry now embroiled in a hopeless melee, Timon can send in his cavalry. As he charges past the enemy flank, Sarpedon and his guard break off the fight with the Galatians and charge towards Timon. But his men are tired, wounded and outnumbered. Seeing every single one of his loyal guardsmen slaughtered around him, Sarpedon finally attempt to retreat. His horse is exhausted and Sarpedon's heavy armour wears him down. Our light horsemen have no trouble catching up with him and knocking him off his horse. One thrust of the spear and the battle is over. As soon as Sarpedon's death spreads through the enemy ranks, his men run for the hills. They do not get far.


    Sarpedon's men are cut down


    As is Sarpedon himself

    With the Seleucid army utterly destroyed, Timon makes his triumphant entry into the city of Antiocheia, liberating it from its one month period of Seleucid rule.


    Last edited by Folgore; 08-18-2011 at 16:46.

  18. #18
    Member Member Folgore's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    261 BCE, autumn

    A small Seleucid unit under the command of Ammonios Dahaikos attempted to use the Ptolemaic road in northern Syria to cross over to Edessa. Timon Arrhidaeos gathered a small portion of his army to stop the Seleucid trespassers. Atop a hill, the Seleucid army had drawn up in battle formation, but as Timon's army advanced towards it, they decided it would be better not to attempt to hold their ground and fled the battlefield. Chasing Ammonios from Syria, Timon claims another victory.


  19. #19
    Member Member Folgore's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    261 BCE, winter

    In the autumn of 261 BCE, the Seleucid high command had sent a small mercenary unit under the command of strategos Euphorion Abaiou Arabikou to guard the mountain passes leading into Anatolia from Ptolemaic Kilikia. Controlling these passes allowed them to bring up armies from their central Anatolian holdings right on top of Antiocheia and despite the horrific loss of the 3rd Battle of Syria in the spring of the same year, they were still determined to recapture the city that holds the name of their basileos. Timon Arrhidaeos had set out to keep the city safely in the hands of his basileos Ptolemy however and this small army represented a much larger threat from the north. Having chased a small Seleucid army out of Syria a few months earlier, he expected this army would be chased away too, but the Seleucid commander Euphorion trusted the experience of his mercenaries and his advantageous position. But as the battle commenced, Euphorion quickly found the numerical superiority of Timon's army meant that he was forced on the defence and Timon outmanoeuvred him rapidly. Euphorion made one last daring attempt to change the tide of the battle by attacking Timon's archers, but they held their ground and Euphorion was surrounded and killed. With their general dead, the mercenaries had lost their chance of getting paid as well and routed immediately. Most were captured before the day was done.


  20. #20
    Member Member Folgore's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    260 BCE, summer

    Having defeated the Seleucid invasion of Syria, Timon Arrhidaeos was determined to get the initiative back and immediately moved east towards Edessa. As he laid siege to the city, the Seleucids immediately sent in an army to relieve the siege. Although the numbers were roughly equal, the Seleucid troops had better armour and equipment. Unfortunately for them, they timed their assaults poorly, leaving Timon to fight two battles against two small armies, rather than one battle against one big army. Without much trouble, the Seleucid forces were swept aside, leaving Timon free to enter Edessa unopposed.


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    Member Member Folgore's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    259 BCE, spring

    Taking a brake from conquering the Seleucid Empire, Timon Arrhidaeos and his army remained in the recently conquered town of Edessa whiile they set up government and waited for a proper garrison to be levied. The Seleucids could not afford to sit still however. Appalled by the lack of resistance from Edessa's population, the Seleucids had hired a band of brigands to impersonate Timon Arrhidaeos and terrorise the Assyrian countryside. Timon could not allow this "captain Arrihidaios" (he could not even spell it right) to carry on dragging his good name through the mud, so he immediately attacked the brigand. Making good use of the high ground, his own slingers and archers could hit the enemy archers, but they could not hit them in turn. Struck down by arrows and stones, the brigand's body was found among the dead and his severed head was left to decorate Edessa's main gate. With Edessa secure and the countryside free of brigands, Timon continued on his way east.


  22. #22
    Member Member Folgore's Avatar
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    Default Re: Battle Reports

    259 BCE, winter

    Striking deep into the heart of the Seleucid empire, Timon Arrhidaeos laid siege to Seleuceia in the autumn of 259 BCE. Not expecting an attack here, the city's garrison was light. In the short battle that followed the taking down of the walls, the Seleucid soldiers fought bravely - among them their famed 'silver shields'. Every man fought to the death without exception. No doubt they assumed to executed anyway after being captured, so rather than dying prisoners, they died like men. The civilian population of Seleuceia would not have this luxury. After the battle, nearly the entire population was sold into slavery.


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