The Anabaseis of the Kings of Makedonia

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

ΑΝΑΒΑΣΕΙΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ


Τhe Anabaseis of the Kings of Makedonia
by Centurio Nixalsverdrus






https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/3048/atriuminpella.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
Site of the Makedonian Capital today.


Χαιρετε! I'm currently one hundred years ahead in my campaign - but you should always watch history from a sufficiently big distance. Since my first report on the same subject was rather shortlived (I knew that and mentioned it right at the beginning), this one will be rather longlived - at least I hope so.

~
Each king in the list of Antigonid dynasts will be mentioned here, starting with the first, Antigonos II. Gonatas. Recent excavations at the site of the palace at Pella have revealed to historians an unprecedented insight into the politics of the Makedonian Empire, starting at 272 BC, the year 46 of the Makedonian calendar. I used my deep insights to present you a short summary of the lives and deeds of the βασιλεις [1] that shaped the world to their liking - the αναβασεις [2].


Table of Content

Anabasis Antigonou (283 – 246 BC)
Introduction – The Pyrrhic Incursion (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2151594&postcount=2)
Part 1 – The Chremonidean War (272 – 269 BC) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2160805&postcount=16)
Part 2 – The First Epeirote War (273 – 265 BC) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2175891&postcount=29)
Part 3 – The Kalabrian War (263 – 257 BC) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2183592&postcount=35)
Part 4 – Hegemony (256 – 246 BC) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2195433&postcount=43)

Anabasis Alkyoneos (246 – 230 BC)
Introduction – A Momentous Treaty (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2207125&postcount=53)
Part 1 – The Ptolemaic War: The Campaigns in Mikra Asia (243 – 236 BC) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2223369&postcount=69)
Part 2 – The Pontic and Kappadokian War (240 – 232 BC) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2265684&postcount=85)
Part 3 – The Ptolemaic War: The Campaigns in Syria (234 – 230 BC) (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2281062&postcount=94)

Anabasis Perseos (230 – 212 BC)
Introduction – Reforms and Revolts (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2321102&postcount=101)


~
Note that there will be some Greek expressions like [1] αναβασεις (the Anabaseis) or [2] βασιλεις (the kings) that will show in Greek letters. However, not every Greek word will be written in Greek, only some that would keep their Greek character albeit transscripted into English. This will mostly apply to epithets and unit names. In any case you'll find a footnote for each in the respective chapter. Also note that I will keep the Greek words in minuscules due to their appearance in the text. The contemporaries wrote exclusivly in capital letters.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Anabasis Antigonou (283 – 246 BC)


Introduction – The Pyrrhic Incursion

In 272 BC, Makedonia was still a young power. In fact, it again had yet to become something resembling a power. For the majority of its history, it had been a poor country. It is situated at the northern edge of the Greek peninsula, basically the land that lies above the Gulf of Thermai, which extends between the northern shores of Thessalia, the Makedonian lowland and the Chalkidike peninsula. The cities on the shores of the gulf were originally free πολεις (poleis, cities) that had been subjugated by the Makedonian kings not very long ago. The lands of Upper Makedonia, regions like Elymaia and Eordaia, Orestis and Lynkestis were more loyal to their respective nobles than to their king who always had to take into consideration the interests of these men.

Pella, the Makedonian Capital had been founded only 140 years ago at the end of the fifth century by King Archelaos I. The Greeks of the poleis to the south looked down upon the Makedones and called them βαρβαροι (barbaroi, barbarians), setting them on a level with Thracians or Illyrians. Despite their Greek tongue, the Makedones were for a long time denied participation at the Olympic Games in Elis. The motor of Greek culture were the poleis, and not the poor kingdom to the north. Makedonia’s importance was limited to being a producer of timber and pitch for a long time.


https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4805/dasmakedonischeknigreic.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
The Kingdom under Philippos II.

When Philippos II. and Alexandros III. Μεγας (Megas, the Great) reigned over Makedonia, the country saw its greatest extent. Philipp invented the famous phalanx and subjugated the southern Greeks and Thracians alike. Alexander took the stunning work of his father and made it into a masterpiece; his kingdom reached from the Adriatic in the west to the Oxos river in the east, to a country that Greeks had not even heard of before. However, as is well known in history, the empire soon crumbled upon the Great’s death and fell into inner feuding between his former generals. Makedonia itself had to stick to a well known role: that of a minor kingdom at the edge, be it the edge of the world or the edge of the civilisation of Hellas.

The present King of Makedonia, Antigonos II. Γονατας (Gonatas, "the Knock-Kneed"), was the son of Demetrios Πολιορκητης (Poliorketes, the Besieger), who in turn was the son of Antigonos Μονοφθαλμος (Monophthalmos, the One-Eyed). He claimed the title of Βασιλευς Μακεδονιας (Basileus Makedonias, King of Makedonia) in 283 BC, but it wasn’t until 276 BC that he could really take possession of the throne of the Kingdom. He was held captive by Pyrrhos of Epeiros, Lysimachos, Seleukos and Ptolemaios Κεραυνος (Keraunos, "Lightning") who was killed during the Celtic invasion in 279 BC. Antigonos fought off the Celts and defeated them two years later at Lysimachia, which earned him enough support to be acclaimed King by the Assembly of the Army.

Due to its geographic position, Makedonia was often subject to incursions from different people: Thracians, Illyrians, Greeks, Persians, recently Celts and, at the moment, Epeirotes. The Epeirote League, consisting of the three chief tribes of the region, the Chaionians, the Thesprotians and the Molossians, was presided by the Molossian King Pyrrhos. With an eventful past as Demetrios Poliorketes' general and hostage at Ptolemaios’ court, the Aiakides had become one of the most talented, admired and feared leaders of the time. He had campaigned against the Romans in Italy, and against the Carthaginians in Sicily. Pyrrhos decided the time was ripe to once again claim the throne of Makedonia for himself and crossed the sea to Hellas with 8000 foot and 500 horse. He defeated Antigonos and took possession of central Makedonia, leaving only the coastal cities to the Makedonian. Gallic mercenaries looted the Royal Tombs of the Argeades at Aigai, leaving the bones scattered about. Such insults were it that brought the Makedones up against Pyrrhos, giving Antigonos a breath to rally fresh troops in Greece.

Antigonos was soon joined by his brother Krateros. The combined force sailed north along the coast and disembarked in Thessalonike. In the meantime, Antigonos’ son and heir to the throne Alkyoneus had to defend Pella against an Epeirote attack. In the absence of the king, Pyrrhos had thought it wise to divide his forces, dispatching a smaller contingent, counting no more than 11,000 foot and 12 elephants, to attack the Capital of the Makedones. He intended a rush to take Pella by surprise, without wasting time on the construction of siege works, as it fitted the Epeirote’s character. But Alkyoneus proved himself an able leader: with over 3,500 ψιλοι (Psiloi, skirmishers of lower rank) from the Makedonian highland, he managed to kill the elephants from behind the walls, forcing the Epeirotes to retreat.


https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/5567/46pella02.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
The defence-works at Pella were in a bad state at that time.

Pleased by the good news from his son, Antigonos started to march his army westward. With him were 20,000 foot, including 9,600 φαλαγγιται (Phalangitai), and 2,000 horse. The army of Pyrrhos was outnumbered by 1:2, but Pyrrhos had another 12 elephants, a better trained phalanx, a regiment of υπασπισται (Hypaspistai), Cretan archers and Thracian πελτασται (Peltastai). The armies met on a plain near the city of Edessa in Bottia. Under heavy casualties, the Makedonian cavalry managed to bring down the elephants on the Epeirote right, whereas Pyrrhos wasted his life on the left wing. Stabbed by a σαρισα (Sarissa, an 18ft lance), the Molossian fell from his horse. Soon the morale of his troops sank and the whole army turned to flee the battle, followed and massacred by the victorious Makedones. That day Antigonos lost a third of his army, some 6,000 stayed on the field. The Epeirotes on the other hand lost their whole army, more than 10,000 men. Pyrrhos had made a strategic error which had cost him his and his soldiers’ lives. Towards the end of the year, Pyrrhos’ son Ptolemaios was caught and killed in Tymphaia. But the Aiakides were by no means defeated, and in the south another threat had already surged.


https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/1323/46edessa05.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
Antigonos at Edessa 272 BC.

[the man with no name]

Interesting. Make it less serious, that way more ppl. will like it. Its the same reason i don't like The Book of Kings, NOT ENOUGH HUMOUR.

[Vasiliyi]

I personally like it. its almost like reading a good history book. keep it up! ill be reading this one.

[I of the Storm]

I like it that way too. Nothing wrong with seriousness for me. Although I have slight doubts about the greek letters in the narrative text. Might be more of an obstacle for those who can read greek only with difficulty (like me). Anyway - good start. Keep it up.:2thumbsup:

[Maion Maroneios]

Excellent! Finally, the greatness of Makedonia shall shine again! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!

Maion

P.S.: Romaioi, tremble...

[satalexton]

I second that, ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!! =D
And... DEATH TO THE ROMAIOI!!!

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Interesting. Make it less serious, that way more ppl. will like it. Its the same reason i don't like The Book of Kings, NOT ENOUGH HUMOUR.

You know that there are ppl in this world that simply aren't funny right?

[satalexton]

it's called trolling, and they're -almost- as bad as being a romaioi, especially when they're trolling an AAR of Makedonia. ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!

[zooeyglass]

very good start - excellent attention to the greek and a confident style that i approve of. i look forward to more maps and tales of makedonian derring-do.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Nice start, Centurio! :2thumbsup:

[Dutchhoplite]

Looks interesting :)

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thank you very much for your support!! I'm really glad you like it. :yes: :yes: :yes:

There will be irony in the next update, in a few days problably, I promise. Also, wishes and constructive criticism are always welcome (praises of course too). :wink:

Big thanks to Maion, who provides me with Greek words and their exact spelling! Feel free to comment if you spot an error. :smiley:

[V.T. Marvin]

This looks really great!:applause::applause:(Added to my favourites:yes:)

I like your style and the screenshots. Hope you will have an epic fight and some occasional setbacks to spice things up :drama2:
I am looking forward for the next chapter:2thumbsup:

[Maion Maroneios]

DEATH TO THE ROMAIOI!!!
Of course, how could I forget! Btw, all readers of this AAR as well should join our Social Group, the Romaioiktonoi. We lack the necessary manpower to make any legal (*cough*) moves against the filthy barbaroi.

EDIT: Btw, I believe we should make this our moto. And I mean it's Greek form, so: THANATOS EIS ROMAIOYS!

Maion

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Part 1 – The Chremonidean War (272 – 269 BC)

Philippos had once defeated the southern Greeks at Chaironeia and forced them into a thinly disguised subjugation which was denominated “Corinthian League” by later historians. In 335 BC, as Alexander had followed his father on the throne of Makedonia, Thebai revolted and as a consequence was razed to the ground within 12 days. Since then, Greece was dominated by the northern kingdom, but it caused discontent within its leading class that dreamed of the old days of glorious poleis. The most prominent among these men was a man called Chremonides, an experienced and ambitious politician. Observing Makedonia being invaded by the armies of Pyrrhos and barely capable of defending itself, he thought his time had arrived.

To reach his aims, Chremonides knew he had to find allies who would share his cause. Sparte was a proud city, never having bowed to the northerners. Its military tradition was old, and although the Spartan forces did not resemble their glory of Thermopylai and Plataiai, Chremonides appreciated their worth very much. Rhodos on the other hand was rich, self-confident and, most importantly, its coffers were boasting with silver. Being located in an advantageous and trade-benefiting position, supported by a strong fleet, the Rhodians wanted to extend their power alike. Last, but surely not least, Ptolemaios II. Φιλαδελφος (Philadelphos, “who takes after his brother”) of Alexandria sought to weaken the Antigonids as well, seeing the Seleukid allies as rivals to his increasing power in the Aegean. He gladly donated the funds necessary to build up the needed forces.

Watching Antigonos sailing north, Chremonides signalled his Spartan allies the moment had come to execute his plan. Eudamidas Eurypontidos of Lakedaimonia assaulted the city of Korinthos with a vastly superior force of hoplites, including the famous Spartans. More than 12,000 were brought to attack the city, which was defended by only 6,000 poorly equipped militia hoplites. Alexandros, the governor of Korinthos, made a sally and managed to kill a good deal of the more lightly equipped enemies, but at the city centre, the defenders stood no chance against the Lakonian élite. When Alexandros arrived back at the αγορα (agora, an open place in the centre), it was too late: the defenders had fallen, and the Spartans brought Alexandros down, taking the city and the Peloponnesos.


https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/7168/46korinthi03.jpg (https://img518.imageshack.us/my.php?image=46korinthi03.jpg)
Alexandros sallies.

https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/4527/46korinthi06.jpg (https://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=46korinthi06.jpg)
At the agora.

Upon hearing the news that Makedonia now had lost all its southern holdings except for the cities of Euboia, Antigonos and Krateros were frozen. Not only had they lost Korinthos, but Krateros had lost his son. For the Greeks of the poleis the war might have been an act of self-defence, but for the Makedones it was rebellion. As news reached Makedonia that an Athenian force had put Demetrias, the city of Antigonos’ father under siege, it was decided that the threat had to be confronted immediately. Having raised new levies of Phalangitai, twenty-five thousand Makedones headed south. The small Athenian force lifted the siege and retreated to Attike. Antigonos rested the winter in Demetrias, and as soon as the roads permitted marching, he continued to Korinthos, taking the city by force. The defenders were few, not more than a thousand, but fought bravely until the end. Eudamidas himself was hit by a roof tile that a pro-Makedonian citizen had thrown onto the combatants from the top of his house.


https://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6914/47korinthii05.jpg (https://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=47korinthii05.jpg)
Street combat in Korinthos.

While action was taking place on the Peloponnesos, Areus, the King of Sparte, was campaigning on Kreta where he tried to hire mercenaries for his cause. His success was modest, and upon hearing the news of Eudamidas’ death, he set sail to Attike, disembarked and marched unto Korinthos. Antigonos and Krateros were not idle either and, having large numbers, not quality under their command, decided it would be best to search battle on the open field. The best option for this was a place near Aigosthena, on the isthmus between mainland Greece and the Pelopponesos.


https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5318/kartechremonidischerkri.png (https://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kartechremonidischerkri.png)
Makedonian campaigns in 271 BC.

The Makedones set up camp at the shoreline towards the Gulf of Korinthos. Areus, who was already credited with dementia due to his old age, decided it would be best to attack straight on. 12,000 Athenian troops were on their way to reinforce him, but Areus did not give in to his advisors, instead pointing out that “the glory had to belong to the Spartans,” and so his 12,000 mostly lighter troops, including Cretan archers, had to take on the Makedones on their own. The phalanx held the line as expected, but the Greek citizen militia hoplites on the right, towards the shore, were quickly brought into great danger. Seeing this, Krateros, “ο Παλαιμαχος” (o Palaimachos, “the Old Warhorse”) as he was called, lined up his εταιροι (Hetairoi) and λονχοφοροι (Lonchophoroi) on the beach and charged in thunderously, routing not only the Spartan left but the whole body of troops. The enemy inevitably ran for the hills, but very few could flee the unforgiving slashes of the Makedonian κοπεις (Kopeis, slashing swords). To Krateros’ great disappointment, Areus could not be found among the bodies. Only two days later, the Athenians arrived, but the account they gave of themselves was so poor that it suffices to say here that the battle was won, the Greek losses were overwhelming and the King of the Spartans remained missing. History would never reveal anything of him again.


https://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7638/47aigosthenai03.jpg (https://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=47aigosthenai03.jpg)
Krateros charges the Greek left flank.

https://img25.imageshack.us/img25/8596/47aigosthenai05.jpg (https://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=47aigosthenai05.jpg)
At the Gulf of Korinthos.

The day after, the weakened state of Chremonides’ alliance became obvious. Makedonian scouts reported no Greek forces for the whole of the Peloponnesos, and only few for Attike. Krateros wanted to march south to take revenge for his son, whereas Antigonos wanted to march east to take on Chremonides himself. In a bold decision, the King ordered the army to be divided: for himself, 5,500 Phalangitai, 2,400 Greek militia and the same number of Psiloi, plus an additional 850 Celtic mercenaries. Krateros would lead 6,100 Phalangitai, 1,200 σφενδωνεται (Sphendonetai), and 950 cavalry.

Krateros immediately left for the south, and was ambushed near the small city of Lyrkaia by ten thousand lightly armed Lakonians. Krateros ordered his more heavily armed soldiers into the woods, thus avoiding the deadly bullets of the slingers, where they managed to whittle the enemy down in melee. A few weeks later, Krateros found Sparte defended only by Peltastai and a detachment of not more than 120 of the famous σπαρτιαται οπλιται (Spartiatai Hoplitai). Without any further problems, he entered the little, ill-fortified city and easily dealt with its few defenders. Driven by his thirst for revenge and his hatred of everything Spartan, Krateros ordered the population to be massacred. Nevertheless he took advantage of the Spartan society and ordered only the ομοιοι (Homoioi, Spartans by blood) to be slaughtered – a wise move that granted the overwhelming support of the Lakonian populace.

To the north, as his brother was slaughtering the Lakedaimonians, Antigonos had reached the region of Acharnai in Attike, as he was suddenly confronted by a light Greek force, numbering some 8,000 foot, of whom no more than 2,500 were hoplites. The terrain was favourable and the attack of the Hellenes easily repelled. Antigonos though gave chase to catch Chremonides, but he was protected by his bodyguards, and so the Athenian managed to save his life and flee. Antigonos laid siege to the city. After a year of war in the south, the army spent the winter in front of the famous polis.


https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/2170/47acharnaii01.jpg (https://img518.imageshack.us/my.php?image=47acharnaii01.jpg)
At Acharnai.

https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3816/47acharnaii03.jpg (https://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=47acharnaii03.jpg)
Antigonos and Chremonides.

When spring hit, the King was soon informed of a new Epeirote incursion into Makedonia. Antigonos left for the north, and the siege of Athenai was continued by the troops of Krateros under General Hesperos. Krateros himself was busy setting up Makedonian order for Lakonia. However, as soon as the King had left the theatre, a noble called Chaireias of Thasos landed with 3,200 hoplites and 3,000 light horse on the shores of Attike to relieve Chremonides. Hesperos had only 7,200 levied Makedones at his disposal against the élite of Chaireias’ and Chremonides’ hand-picked guards and decided to position his phalanx on a steep hillside near the city. His Sphendonetai took care of the enemy’s ιππακοντισται (Hippakontistai); the superior force of Makedonian and Thessalian heavy cavalry reigned the field unchallenged, slaughtering the enemy skirmishers. Under great losses, the phalanx could fight off the attack of the Greek επικλετοι οπλιται (Epikletoi Hoplitai, the “Chosen Hoplites”). Eventually their morale broke and the northerners chased them back to the city. This time neither Chremonides nor Chaireias could be protected by their bodyguards: both stayed on the field.


https://img25.imageshack.us/img25/2575/48athen04.jpg (https://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=48athen04.jpg)
At Athenai.

Although their leader had fallen, the polis resisted further and levied new troops in the Iphikratean style. The city continued under siege, but the league that Chremonides had formed had ceased to exist. Almost two years later, in the winter of 269 BC, the Athenians made their last sally. Those among the rich citizens that had supported the league and survived where sold into slavery. Euchrous of Mytilene, at the time commander of the Makedonian forces in Attike, did not dare to touch the ακροπολις (Akropolis, the hill-city) though and left the city intact. Five years later, Alkyoneus captured Rhodos and destroyed the κολοσσος (Kolossos), visible sign of Makedonian humiliation. The resistance that Chremonides had formed ended all dreams of Greek independence for fifty years to come.


https://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6566/48koinonhellenonzerstrt.jpg (https://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=48koinonhellenonzerstrt.jpg)

[the man with no name]

You know that there are ppl in this world that simply aren't funny right?

I guess your right. i'm just used to funny AAR's

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Dammit!!
Why is it that the little guys NEVER win?

[the man with no name]

Dammit!!
Why is it that the little guys NEVER win?

Exactly.

[Potocello]

Oh how dare you kill the KH! They are the only real Greeks, Makedonian barbaroi get out of Greece

Sorry Maion, it needed to be said :help:

Anyway, nice AAR it's a good read :2thumbsup:

[satalexton]

*impales Potocello with a plasma sarrisa*

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Good chapter. Good to see united under strong leadership.

I was sad Alexandros died. He was important in my game/AAR.

[Maion Maroneios]

Oh how dare you kill the KH! They are the only real Greeks, Makedonian barbaroi get out of Greece

Sorry Maion, it needed to be said :help:

Anyway, nice AAR it's a good read :2thumbsup:
You are a filthy barbaros blasphemer! Us, Makedones, sons of the Dorieis of which the Lakedaimonioi hail from, being called barbaroi? :2thumbsup:

Btw, excellent update Centurio :wink:

Maion

[Potocello]

You are a filthy barbaros blasphemer! Us, Makedones, sons of the Dorieis of which the Lakedaimonioi hail from, being called barbaroi? :2thumbsup:

Btw, excellent update Centurio :wink:

Maion

heh heh heh :whip:

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thanks everyone!


Good chapter. Good to see united under strong leadership.

I was sad Alexandros died. He was important in my game/AAR.
I was sad too since his name was Alexandros. I fear that this won't be the last disappointment about characters that played an important role in the parallel universe of the Antigonids. :no: :laugh4:

[waydog98]

i agree with maion and saxalton macedon the truely greatest kingdom and nice aar

[Africanvs]

Nice AAR, keep it up! :)

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thanks for your comments, the next chapter is underway.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Part 2 – The First Epeirote War (273 – 265 BC)

When word reached Antigonos that the Epeirotes had invaded Makedonia once more, he left the siege of Athenai to his loyal officer Hesperos, again opting for the route via the Gulf of Thermai. That would have narrowly proved fatal: opposite of Pydna the fleet was attacked by pirates far superior to the Makedones, albeit only in numbers. Antigonos’ sailors were almost at the point of ignoring all order and fleeing when they saw them, but the King gave an encouraging speech and managed to turn the tide. Some vessels and soldiers were lost, but the bulk of the troops reached Thessalonike in safety. Rumours circulated that the pirates were sent by Ptolemaios of Alexandria; but, like always when the Ptolemaioi were involved, nothing could be proved.

In Makedonia, Alkyoneus had already assembled another two regiments of Phalangitai. Antigonos and the heir to the throne joined and marched westward, past Edessa into Eordaia. Near the town of Bokeria, the army met the forces of Kyniskos Kartonos, a general of the Aiakides from Taras. He had 16,000 under his command, of whom were 1,800 προδρομοι (Prodromoi), and another thousand of the feared Illyrian cavalry. The Makedones had only 150 loyal retainers on horseback, but 18,000 infantry. At first the Epeirotes were greeted by the Makedonian Sphendonetai with a hail of lead. Kartonos started a diversionary attack on the phalanx when the Illyrians attacked the weak Makedonian left. Antigonos and Alkyoneus charged them and, although outnumbered, managed to chase them off the field. The whole Epeirote army lost the faith in victory and routed. The Makedones gave chase and managed to kill Kyniskos.


https://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4853/48bokeria03.jpg (https://img21.imageshack.us/my.php?image=48bokeria03.jpg)
Kyniskos Kartonos at Bokeria.

https://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7034/48bokeria06.jpg (https://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=48bokeria06.jpg)
Antigonos charges the Illyrian Cavalry.

In winter camp, Antigonos decided that, after two decisive victories, the time was right to offer the Epeirotes a peace treaty. Ambassadors were sent over the mountainside, but returned with a rejection. Having still forces at his disposal, Helenos Aiakides, Pyrrhos’ son and new leader of the Epeirote League, aimed to revenge his brother and father. Alkyoneus returned to Pella and sent his father new recruits to replenish his ranks.

When spring arrived, the Makedones continued their march through the wilderness when they were suddenly ambushed by an enemy force near Argos Orestikon. On a steep slope, covered with thick wood, the Makedones ran into Gallic mercenaries and Greek ιππεις (Hippeis), but mostly skirmishers, perfectly fitted for combat in rugged terrain, more than 7,000 ακοντισται (Akontistai) on foot and 2,000 mounted. Especially the phalanx, that couldn’t act cohesively, and the militia hoplites suffered horrible casualties. In the end though, the Makedones managed to slaughter the foe in the forests. Many of the Psiloi fled into the thicket and were never seen again.


https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7281/49argosorestikon04.jpg (https://img14.imageshack.us/my.php?image=49argosorestikon04.jpg)
Epeirote levy in the wilderness of Orestis.

https://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7004/49argosorestikon07.jpg (https://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=49argosorestikon07.jpg)
The phalanx sustained heavy casualties.

Now aware of the tactics that the new king of the Molossians preferred to employ, Antigonos ordered extreme caution during the march through the Balkans. After a month in the wilderness, the Makedones rejoiced when they arrived on an open plain near the shores of the Ionian Sea. To their north lay the town of Epidamnos, from where the Epeirotes used to control the southern part of Illyria. Outside the city was Helenos with more than 6,000 levied Illyrians. Antigonos immidiately attacked and routed the small force, but Helenos managed to escape to Epidamnos. When the citizens saw Antigonos’ army, they promptly surrendered the city to him. In the modest palace, the young king was found dead. Disappointed by the cowardice of his underlings, he had ended his life with his own sword.

While King Antigonos campaigned in Illyria Hellenike to get rid of a smaller army loyal to the Molossians, Prince Alkyoneus in Makedonia managed to obtain a peace treaty with the Getic Confederacy to the north. The Getai lived north of the Istros River (the Danube), even north of the Traikians with whom they were closely related by culture and language. It was in Makedonias best interest. The Getai were a rising power, their King had only recently subjugated the tribes to the west, and within the next 15 years, the relations between Makedonia and the Getic Confederation would grow into a strong alliance. So content upon hearing the good news, Antigonos congratulated his son to his success and sent another diplomatic envoy to the Epeirote League, thinking he could take advantage of the uncertainty that reigned with regards to the leadership of the League.


https://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2431/karteersterepeirotische.png (https://img21.imageshack.us/my.php?image=karteersterepeirotische.png)
A map of Antigonos' campaigns during the First Epeirote War.

As the Epeirotes did not answer, Antigonos' officers wanted the King to exert more pressure on the enemy and march south, to Ambrakia. But the King was reluctant. He was totally content with the direction the things had taken. Athenai had fallen, the Greeks were garrisoned and ruled by loyal puppets, and he had just conquered an access to the Ionian Sea for his kingdom. Why wasting more efforts on the Epeirotes? When word reached Antigonos that they were assembling an army though, he regretfully gave in and ordered the invasion of Epeiros proper.

After having been reinforced by Alkyoneus, Antigonos met his enemies in 267 BC, the 17th year of his reign. A Tarantine called Antinous Kestrideus had been appointed Στρατηγος Αυτοκρατωρ (Strategos Autokrator, Commander-in-Chief) by the representatives of the Epeirote tribes. In the summer heat, the armies met only a short distance west of Dodona, the site of the famous Oracle of Zeus. The two armies numbered both roughly 20,000. On the Makedonian side, 13,000 Phalangitai, 3,600 militia hoplites and 3,200 Psiloi. The only cavalry of the Makedones consisted of the 150 Hetairoi of Antigonos and Alkyoneus. On the Epeirote side, only a small phalanx, almost 5,000 poorly equipped hoplites, 2,000 Gallic mercenaries and 1,600 Θορακιται (Thorakitai). The cavalry was the pride of their army, 1,000 Prodromoi and even 1,000 of the élite εταιροι ασπιδοφοροι (Hetairoi Aspidophoroi), completed by numerous Psiloi, both on foot and horse.

The terrain at Dodona was uneven, a lot of wood covered the ground. Antigonos arrayed his troops in a long line on a gently rising open slope. The Makedones could not see the enemy, which terrified them greatly. Then suddenly, the Epeirote cavalry broke through. The light Hetairoi started to pelt the left flank with javelins, thus making the Makedones suffer great casualties before their own cavalry managed to drive them off the field. As Antigonos was chasing the Aspidophoroi, the heavy Epeirote Thorakitai made use of his absence and attacked the weakened left, whereas the Gallic mercenaries threw themselves against the Sarissai of the Phalanx. Soon the Epeirote commander and his own Molossian retainers entered the clearing and routed the Makedonian left, bringing the entire Phalanx into great danger. At this moment, Antigonos arrived back from his chase. Although already greatly tired, he charged the enemy in the back. Now under pressure himself, Antinous gave signal for retreat. The Makedones wanted to follow them, but their king wisely made them hold their ground instead, rightfully fearing the dangers of uncontrolled combat in the wood.


https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/3173/51dodonai03.jpg (https://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=51dodonai03.jpg)
Hetairoi Aspidophoroi at Dodona.

https://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4348/51dodonai05.jpg (https://img21.imageshack.us/my.php?image=51dodonai05.jpg)
The main battle line.

The next day, the Epeirotes would have regained their order and made a second attack. They did not change their tactics though, and the fight developed in the same manner as seen before. The Thorakitai attacked the Makedonian left flank, and the Molossian retainers charged in. The Makedonian cavalry attacked the enemy force from behind, managing to kill the Epeirote Strategos. The whole army broke, and this time Antigonos could not prevent his troops from giving chase. The bulk of the Epeirote troops were slaughtered in the wood, the rest deserted and was never seen again. The day cost 4,000 Makedones their lives, but on the enemy’s side the casualties numbered over 20,000.


https://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1817/51dodonaii05.jpg (https://img21.imageshack.us/my.php?image=51dodonaii05.jpg)
Antinous Kestrideus leads his men into battle.

https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1779/51dodonaii04.jpg (https://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=51dodonaii04.jpg)
The Epeirote infantry routs.

One week later, Antigonos and Alkyoneus entered the city of Ambrakia without any further resistance. The remainder of the Epeirote leading class, mainly the rest of the Aiakid dynasty and their most influential generals, had hastily left Greece for Italy or had already been there, occupied with their other war against the rising city of Roma. From their stronghold in Taras, the Aiakides managed to continue the war against the Antigonids at sea. Their fleet even managed to beat the Makedonian one before it was finally beaten in 265 BC near the mouth of the Ambrakian Gulf.

This marked the final end of the First Epeirote war. It had lasted for eight years of bitter fighting. It was started by Pyrrhos when the height of his power had already passed, and its outcome decided the fate of Epeiros. It was now under Makedonian control; Antigonos installed the same type of administration in the west as he did in the south, an indirect rule via loyal local rulers, backed up by a strong Makedonian garrison. Even with the Ptolemaioi, who were occupied with their own war against the Seleukidai, a peace treaty could be achieved. All of a sudden, the Makedonian Kingdom was the hegemonial power in Greece once more, a position lost since the days of Demetrios Poliorketes.

[Maion Maroneios]

Excellent, as always. By the way, the little "treat" for the viewers we've discussed is underway. It took me a lot longer to finish, since RL (University, mostly) is costing me WAY too much time...

Maion

[satalexton]

JOY!!! Let there be peace under Makedonian rule!!!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Good chapter. Good beginning for a powerful empire.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thanks for commenting. :bow: The next chapter will cover the Kalabrian War.

[Africanvs]

Nice work, enjoying this so far. Great pictures!

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Part 3 – The Kalabrian War (263 – 257 BC)

The Second Epeirote War (263 – 259 BC)
In the same year the Epeirotes signed the final peace treaty, an alliance with the thriving power of Roma was achieved. The belligerent inhabitants of the central Italian city had had their share of problems with the Aiakid ambitions as well. Pyrrhos had campaigned against them, but failed to bring them to his knees at Asculum. The Romans had ambitions in Sicily, and therefore agreed to a peace treaty with the Aiakides. As their efforts on the island proved to be leading nowhere, the Romans shifted their attention to the Greeks in the south of their peninsula again.

In 264 BC, the Makedonian heir to the throne Alkyoneus set sail for Rhodos and captured the island, a cunning deed that brought him the title Νικησας Ροδου (Nikesas Rhodou), but deprived of the Ptolemaic allies, the island had become an easy prey for the Makedones. The treaty with the Pharaoh of Alexandria had brought the Antigonids nominal control over every island in the Aigaion, but to make it reality, Alkyoneus had to go to Kreta and subjugate the inhabitants. At the same time, roughly two years after the First Epeirote War had ended, the Aiakides sent out a fleet with an army to Aitolia. Undoubtedly, their intention was to regain a foothold on mainland Greece. The συνεδριον (Synedrion) of the Aitolians, after a long and heated debate, asked Antigonos for help. They didn’t trust the northerner very much, but feared the Epeirote forces too much to venture the stand on their own.


https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/2196/54kolossvonrhodoszerstr.jpg (https://img216.imageshack.us/my.php?image=54kolossvonrhodoszerstr.jpg)
The Kolossos of Rhodos, visible sign of Makedonian humiliation, was torn down.

The Aitolians were by no means weak. Often had they taken up arms against Makedonia. Nevertheless Antigonos prepared his army once again and marched south, fearing the efforts of the last war could have been made in vain. And indeed, when he arrived in Aitolia, news reached him that the Aiakid forces had abandoned their siege of Thermon and were instead marching towards Ambrakia! Now angered, the King decided that the time had come to teach the Aiakides a lesson once more. North of Ambrakia, the two armies confronted each other. The Epeirotes brought Tarantine horse and Samnite élite infantry to the field and loudly chanted for liberation of their homeland, something Antigonos could not permit to be heard. Not much is left to us from the battle itself, but the losses were quite high, especially the phalanx and the ιππεις θεσσαλικοι (Hippeis Thessalikoi) suffered greatly, but in the end the enemy was expelled from Greek soil.


https://img242.imageshack.us/img242/7643/55dodona01.jpg (https://img242.imageshack.us/my.php?image=55dodona01.jpg)
Tarantine Cavalry near Ambrakia.

The King was content with this achievement and didn’t want to engage in a war in Italia, especially since the Aiakid dynasts were again at war with the Senate of Roma. Contrary to Pyrrhos, Antigonos was a careful diplomat and knew that interference in the Roman sphere of influence could only be detrimental to the new alliance. Furthermore, his loyal Strategos Euchrous of Mytilene was campaigning in Thraikia to bring the lands of the Dardanoi under control, a region directly bordering the Makedonian homeland. As Alkyoneus had just starved out Kydonia, the chief city of the Kretans, word came that the Epeirotes had taken Arpoi, a rural town on the Italian peninsula, and control of Apulia now lay in their hands as well.

Alkyoneus decided to take the war to the Aiakides. Not caring for his father’s policies, he sought further glory and wanted to add a new outpost to the Makedonian Kingdom. With 12,000 Phalangitai, 3,200 well equipped Hoplitai, 4,200 Psiloi and 700 Hippakontistai, he sailed to Kalabria and disembarked at Brentesion at the very edge of the Peninsula. When the Molossian king Alexandros in Taras heard of the invasion, he called for his trusted General Antikras Tiaios and the troops under his command. The Epeirote had 1,000 Hippeis, 4,600 Hoplitai, 3,000 Phalangitai, 1,600 each of Θουρεοφοροι (Thureophoroi) and Peltastai, 2,000 Ligurians and almost 5,000 Bruttian infantry under his command.

When the day of battle had arrived, the armies met each other on a plain a day’s journey east of Taras. Alkyoneus deployed his troops on a slightly rising slope and the Epeirotes attacked: the phalanx at the centre, the Bruttians at the Makedonian right and the Hoplites at the left. The Greek cavalry made a charge but was beaten by the Prince’s own guard. In the meantime, Alexandros and his Strategos circumvented around the right flank and threatened the Makedones from behind. The Hippakontistai countered the attack but were inferior to the heavy Molossian guard, who dealt them heavy casualties. Just in time, Alkyoneus managed to reach the fight, decide it and kill Alexandros. The Epeirotes were broken and turned to flee to Taras, but were cut down mercilessly by the Makedones. More than 22,000 Epeirote casualties stood against only 2,000 Makedonian dead. The victory was so overwhelming that even Antigonos could not deny his son the deserved praise.


https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/3742/58taras01.jpg (https://img523.imageshack.us/my.php?image=58taras01.jpg)
Before the battle.


https://img18.imageshack.us/img18/7149/58taras05.jpg (https://img18.imageshack.us/my.php?image=58taras05.jpg)
The Bruttians attack the Makedonian right wing.


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Cavalry melee.


https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4263/58taras06.jpg (https://img17.imageshack.us/my.php?image=58taras06.jpg)
Alkyoneus' Hetairoi charge the Bruttian infantry.

The next day, Alkyoneus reached Taras. Kalabria was now firmly under Makedonian control, but the populace was unhappy with their new overlords. The city was prosperous despite the ongoing wars, and so the Prince decided to relocate over 70,000 Italiotai to Makedonia to colonise her scorched earth. The final end of the Epeirote state had come. It was said there was still an Aiakid prince in Arpoi, but his loyal retainers kept his existence secret for the moment. The Senate of Roma shifted his attention again to Sicily for a short time, where small skirmishes between Romans and Carthaginians took place. The Italiotai made a proposal: If Roma would grant them protection instead of fighting them, they would obey loyally to Roma, govern themselves in the Roman way, pay tribute and provide troops for the war against the Carthaginians. Since the Senatores thought the Aiakid dynasty to be extinct and the foe defeated, they agreed and made the Italiotai their protectorate, similar to the other socii of Italia.

The First Roman War (259 – 257 BC)
Alkyoneus knew very well that his hands were tied. Any further pursue of power on the peninsula would lead to a war with Roma, and that was something that neither he nor his father wanted. Antigonos had agreed to the alliance to grant the Kingdom a stable and prosperous future instead of being torn apart by rivalling powers. Nevertheless, Alkyoneus wanted to secure his Italian foothold. The diplomat Quintus Caecilius Metellus was not only a leading figure within Roman nobility, but also at the negotiations with the Italiotai. His premature death would be a severe ordeal for the relations between the Romans and the Italian Greeks.


Excerpt from Quintus Fabius Pictor: Historia Romana, liber XVII:
“Q. Caecilius Metellus was guest in the house of Antikras Tiaeus, Legatus Legionis Apuliae and former Strategus of the King from Epirus, who had fallen in the great battle of Tarentum. They had just laid down for dinner, when suddenly a servant came into the hall and warned Caecilius not to drink from the Falernian wine that his host had just served him. Outraged, Antikras asked how he would dare to insult him in such a way, but the servant explained that it was the Macedonian Prince Alkyoneus that tried to poison his guest. Having heard that, Antikras demanded the servant to prove his claims. In worry for the future of his people, the servant drank Caecilius’ cup of wine and died immediately. Now convinced by the selfless deed, Caecilius headed for the city and convinced his fellow Senatores of a war against the Macedonians.”

And so came it that in 258 BC, the Romans attacked Taras with a weak force, but failed in their attempt to drive the Makedones into the sea. Antigonos, who was outraged at his son’s imprudence, ordered Alkyoneus back to Greece. The Aitolians had broken the alliance with Makedonia, and the Prince’s army was needed to take care of them. However, Alkyoneus ordered four regiments of militia hoplites to be levied, 6,400 men who were ordered to shield the Makedonian retreat. The next year, the Legatus Legionis Titus Cornelius Scipio attacked Taras with a legion and a large number of allied light troops. The defenders were all but slaughtered, and Taras fell. Immediately afterwards, the Romans sent an envoy to Pella and sued for peace, a proposal that Antigonos gladly agreed to. In 256 BC, the alliance with Roma was finally re-established, albeit against the strong resistance of the gens Caecilii Metelli.


https://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8386/61taras02.jpg (https://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=61taras02.jpg)
Romans conquering Taras.

So ended the Kalabrian War, which was actually comprised of two. A clash with the powerful Romans was largely avoided, but to the price that western expansion was halted. In the following six decades, no Makedonian soldier would set his foot on Italian soil. From now on, the Basileis of Makedonia would shift their attention towards the north and, first of all, the east.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Nice chapter.

I see you tore down the Colossus. I thought of doing that in my campaign, but figured what the gods had done was enough (the earthquake). Besides I don't like tearing down buildings I can't rebuild. :sweatdrop:

I was wondering. This is an old campaign, right? How do you remember what you did and when for something you played so long ago? I have trouble remembering the details of some battles in my AAR that I played a month passed.

[Maion Maroneios]

Excellent chapter, I actually felt my hair stand on their end when I read about the fate of the Makedonian-controlled polis of Taras (Tarentum, ha!).

Maion

[Africanvs]

Great last chapter :)

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Glad to hear you like it! :smiley:


Excellent chapter, I actually felt my hair stand on their end when I read about the fate of the Makedonian-controlled polis of Taras (Tarentum, ha!).
There will be revenge, my friend. This consciousness surely helps you to bear the unbearable. The Italiotai are the real scum. :no: Becoming Romans for the sole laughable purpose of surviving, ha! Good that true Makedones rule Hellas now.


I see you tore down the Colossus. I thought of doing that in my campaign, but figured what the gods had done was enough (the earthquake). Besides I don't like tearing down buildings I can't rebuild. :sweatdrop:
I don't like either, but what had to be done, had to be done.


I was wondering. This is an old campaign, right? How do you remember what you did and when for something you played so long ago? I have trouble remembering the details of some battles in my AAR that I played a month passed.
Well, at first I make a note for every battle and what I did with the town in case of a conquest (population displaced or enslaved / massacred, usually followed by the reason, for example was Lilybaion reacently sacked because the inhabitants threw stones on the Makedones (Apeleutheroi from the walls)). Then I take screenshots pre-battle and post-battle and mostly midst-battle :grin: as well, and also of important buildings and events. Then, when I'm really clueless what to do, I go through the notes and screenshots and write down what happened in that particular year. Much much later, I print this and write my chapter. I like the historical overview I get this way. I can decide which battle is important or not and what leads to which.

[SwissBarbar]

Nice chapter :2thumbsup:

[ROFLMAO]

Nice!

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thanks.

I have added a Table of Content to my post #1, so that you can click there on the respective chapters and directly jump in medias res.

The next chapter will cover the late period of Antigonos Gonatas' rule and the campaigns in Thraikia.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Part 4 – Hegemony (256 – 246 BC)

In 257 BC, Alkyoneus had sailed to Aitolia and put the city of Thermon under siege. His army’s morale was low. The soldiers felt that the retreat from Italia was dishonouring. They didn’t understand why Alkyoneus, who had won such a tremendous victory with them, now simply withdrew from Italia. If they were able to crash the army of the mighty King of the Aiakides, why should they run away from those barbarian Romaioi? To make it worse, the Aitolians blocked the mountain passes in Alkyoneus’ back, all supply had to be shipped from Epidamnos. When autumn hit, another bad news reached the army: the Makedonian fleet was sunk by pirates! Mutiny was in the air. The Prince had to react, and so he ordered to storm the city. The walls were easily torn down, and immediately the Makedones flooded into the city. Massacre ensued, and out of the eleven thousand Aitolians who defended the polis, not a single one survived. Although the Makedones had lost almost three thousand, the victory tasted sweet and gave the soldiers back their self-confidence – and the belief in their leader.


https://img26.imageshack.us/img26/8798/62thermon01.jpg (https://img26.imageshack.us/my.php?image=62thermon01.jpg)
Tarantine Cavalry at Thermon.


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The Makedones brake through.


https://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8937/62thermon06.jpg (https://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=62thermon06.jpg)
Alkyoneus enters the city.

The Thraikian Conquests
Already some years earlier, when the Prince campaigned in Megale Hellas, the King’s loyal Strategos Euchrous of Mytilene had led a campaign against the Dardanoi that inhabited the north of Makedonia. Often had they committed raids into the Kingdom, and frequently alongside other Thraikian people. But now the tides of war had changed: Makedonia was now at peace with the mighty Confederacy of the Getai, and both sides had an interest to grow it into an alliance. The Thraikians on the southern side of the great river had fallen between two stools.


https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/2394/kartethrakischefeldzge.png (https://img16.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kartethrakischefeldzge.png)
The campaigns of Alkyoneus, Euchrous and Perseus 256 - 246 BC.

Having taken Serdike, the chief city of the Dardanoi, Euchrous led a campaign against the Keltoi, who called themselves Odrysai and lived to the east of the Dardanoi, and laid siege to their capital Tylis. When winter approached, the army was beginning to run low on supplies. The sparsely populated country didn’t reward the foraging parties of the Makedones much food, and a supply train could not be maintained through the wilderness. Euchrous decided that Tylis had to be taken before the first snow would fall and let the settlement be stormed. The Odrysai, themselves for the greater part foreigners in their country, fought bravely, but in the end could not hinder the Makedones on their way to victory. Unlike the country of the Dardanoi, which was incorporated into the Makedonian homeland, the Odrysai were allowed to continue their existence as a state. Euchrous appointed a particularly willing man of the local aristocracy King of the Odrysai – a decision right after King Antigonos’ own taste. In the future, the Odrysai would send their most fearsome and capable warriors to the kings of Makedonia and fight decisive battles in all parts of the known world.


https://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6966/58serdike01.jpg (https://img26.imageshack.us/my.php?image=58serdike01.jpg)
Makedones at Serdike.


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Hoplites hold their ground against the Thraikians.


https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/788/62tylis01.jpg (https://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=62tylis01.jpg)
Toxotai Kretikoi at Tylis.


https://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8791/62tylis04.jpg (https://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=62tylis04.jpg)
Thraikian Riders attack the phalanx.

When Alkyoneus left Thermon, he also appointed a local noble to preside over the Aitolian League. But unlike the Odrysai, the Aitolians were forced into the Συμμαχια Ελληνων (Symmachia Hellenon, the Hellenic League), an alliance created by Antigonos. The King believed that it was best to leave the government of subjugated peoples – especially if they were civilised like the Greeks – to these. Furthermore, it brought the advantage of not having to establish a Makedonian administration. On the other hand, the garrison that was left in Thermon was prone to create an anti-Makedonian atmosphere among the populace. Nevertheless, the Hellenic League seemed like the perfect way to force the Greeks under Makedonian sway without having to invest too much in the country, especially since the Kingdom’s coffers were empty. Veterans of Alkyoneus’ recent campaigns found a new home in κατοικιαι (Katoikiai), ready to draw their sword any time when needed and cut down everybody who would dare to call for Aitolia’s liberty.

The next logical steps in Antigonos’ policy of expansion lay on opposite sides of the Balkan peninsula: to the west, the farther Illyria, and to the east, Lower Thraikia and the city that controlled the Thraikian Bosphoros: Byzantion. Euchrous marched west with his 26,000 men, among these almost 6,000 Illyrians and 3,000 τοξοται κρητικοι (Toxotai Kretikoi), the archers of great renown from the island of Krete. Alkyoneus marched east and, after replenishing his troops in Makedonia, laid siege to the famous polis of Byzantion. Both Strategoi completed their tasks in 252 BC after having starved out the respective populations. Byzantion was too important to allow it self governance, since Makedonia and Greece as a whole depended greatly on the grain that used to be shipped through the narrows that were controlled by the city. Illyria, on the other hand, was poor and primitive. The locals could not be trusted to set up the extensive mining business that the King planned to run. For these reasons Satraps were appointed for Lower Thraikia and Illyria, trusted members of the Royal Family.

Aitolian Problems, the Death of a Prince and the Rise of Another
Alkyoneus had a younger brother called Demetrios, and Antigonos loved him dearly, especially since Alkyoneus disappointed the father in Italia. Demetrios was the first prince of the Royal House of the Argeades who underwent the famous αγωγη (Agoge, the Upbringing) of Sparte. Krateros, Antigonos brother who had already passed in 259 BC, had not slaughtered all of the Spartans. There were still men of the original population left that had sworn loyalty to the Argeades and promised to teach and instruct every Makedonian prince who wished so in the Spartan way of life and combat. It is easy to imagine that no prince at all wished to do so, but over the time it became a tradition to send the young princes to Sparte. The Agoge later became enriched with studies at an Akademia, and famous scholars from all over the Greek world came to Lakonia for teaching. Less and less harsh became the instructions, and more and more emphasis was put on the more academic virtues, but until then it was still a long way by 256 BC. That year, Demetrios was the first Makedonian prince to complete the traditional Spartan Agoge.

After staying some years in Athenai for further studies at the famous Akademia, the young prince was entrusted with the difficult task of commanding the garrison of Thermon. To be the garrison commander in a garrisoned state meant to be the unofficial ruler of the state, since the local, official ruler had to carefully ask the garrison commander, as the official representative of the King of Makedonia, what wishes the King in Pella might have. The garrison in Thermon only consisted of a regiment (roughly 1,600 men) of militia hoplites. Demetrios had just begun to grow into his new task when a man called Thalysios of Ithaka assembled a force of brigands and attacked the city. To his men, criminals mostly, he talked of loot and riches, but to the populace he talked of liberation from Makedonian yoke. He had 5,800 men under his command, a thousand Greek riders amongst them. When he attacked, Demetrios ordered his Hoplitai to block the road to the agora of the city. They killed almost 4,000, but in the end they were overwhelmed by the great odds. Demetrios fell as the last of his men on the agora, and Thalysios proclaimed himself King of Aitolia.


https://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5682/66thermon01.jpg (https://img10.imageshack.us/my.php?image=66thermon01.jpg)
The Makedonian garrison fights vigorously.


https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9508/66thermon04.jpg (https://img16.imageshack.us/my.php?image=66thermon04.jpg)
Demetrios, surrounded by the foe.


Upon hearing the news, Antigonos fell into an unprecedented rage. Usually known for his calm character, his family and underlings feared for the King’s health. Demetrios had to be avenged, and the King wanted his grandson Perseus to venture the honourable deed. Perseus had underwent the same Agoge as Demetrios had, and Perseus too studied at the Akademia at Athenai, a good deal of time alongside Demetrios who was only a few years older. When news reached him of his uncle’s death, he was not only sad but at the same time felt that the fate of being the Κλερονομος Βασιλειου (Kleronomos Basileiou, the inheritor to kingship) was now inevitable. After a brief period of shock, Perseus was eager to recommend himself as a great leader, and headed for Thermon. With 5,000 men under his banner, the odds were now in favour of the Makedones. After a brief siege, Perseus entered the city and slaughtered the brigands. Thalysios was killed. His head was cut off and first skewered onto a δορυ (Dory, an infantry spear) and showed publicly in Thermon, then sent to Pella.

Encouraged by Thalysios’ venture, a man called Philisstes had gathered men himself and controlled the Pindos Range between Aitolia and Epeiros. With 4,000 militia hoplites, 1,200 Sphendonetai and 1,000 Illyrian Riders, Perseus marched up the mountain range. Philisstes awaited him, together with almost ten thousand brigands who wore the simple, but sturdy gear of militia hoplites. Instinctively, Perseus lined up his soldiers on an open slope. Philisstes, who had many experiences as a robber, but none as a general, ordered his men to charge the Makedonian line. Perseus’ slingers started their hail of lead, and a great deal of Philisstes’ men lay dead on the ground before they even reached the Makedonian line. Though having numerical superiority on their side, the brigands had to fight uphill and were already tired and lost morale quickly. Perseus and the Illyrians circled around the flanks of his line and charged in at the back of the robbers. That was the moment the battle was won. Perseus shouted the order to slaughter anybody moving, and his soldiers obeyed their lord. Soon the bodies of 9,500 men lay scattered about the hillside. All at once, Perseus had made himself a name as a great general, to the extent that some made fun of him, calling him Αλεξανδρος Βεληνεκους Πινδου – “Alexandros of the Pindos Range”.


https://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1434/68pindosgebirge01.jpg (https://img26.imageshack.us/my.php?image=68pindosgebirge01.jpg)
The Makedones line up at the hillside.


https://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9246/68pindosgebirge03.jpg (https://img21.imageshack.us/my.php?image=68pindosgebirge03.jpg)
The brigands charge Perseus' line.


https://img26.imageshack.us/img26/5418/68pindosgebirge05.jpg (https://img26.imageshack.us/my.php?image=68pindosgebirge05.jpg)
The line is held.


https://img530.imageshack.us/img530/4127/68pindosgebirge06.jpg (https://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=68pindosgebirge06.jpg)
The battle is won.

Perseus now had tasted the sweetness of victory and fame. In 249 BC, Euchrous of Mytilene died in Dalminion, having only half completed the works on the new Makedonian administration. Perseus rode north and, with Antigonos’ consent, took over the command of Euchrous’ forces. With over thirty thousand, among them 1,700 horse, the largest Makedonian army in the reign of Antigonos, Perseus marched northward and put Singidunum under siege, the chief city of the Celtic Skordiskoi, situated at the confluence of Istros and Savus. When scouts reported that the defenders were already weakened by frequent attacks by forces of the Getai, Perseus ordered the oppidum to be stormed. The Skordiskoi fought bravely, and each thousand Phalangitai and Illyrian Thureophoroi fell, but at the end, the Prince obtained another great victory. The Skordiskoi were granted to keep their state institutions, and an influential nobleman was chosen to start a new Skordiskian dynasty in a strong alliance with Makedonia. Lesser tribes of the Skordiskoi even had their home turf on the northern shores of the great river, and Perseus was the first Makedon ever to set foot on these lands.


https://img530.imageshack.us/img530/3003/69singidunum01.jpg (https://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=69singidunum01.jpg)
The Makedones fight Skordiskian nobles in Singidunum.


https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6987/69singidunum02.jpg (https://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=69singidunum02.jpg)
Fire rains upon the Skordiskoi.


https://img24.imageshack.us/img24/3313/69singidunum04.jpg (https://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=69singidunum04.jpg)
Bastarnoi cut down the Skordiskoi.

But there was still a Thraikian region left that was neither part of the dominion of the Getai nor of that of the Makedones: Upper Thraikia, the land that extended between the Haimos Mountains and the Istros, inhabited by the fearsome Triballoi. With that region under control, Perseus would set up the great river as a border between the world of the Greeks and that of the Getai, with the exception of the region around the mouth of the river that was already subject to the Getic king. Two years after the conquest of Singidunum, Perseus marched his army east and took Naissos, the capital of the Triballoi by force and repeated what had already proved to be an effective strategy. The Triballoi and the other tribes became a kingdom allied to Makedonia.

Mikra Asia: New Horizons
Around 250 BC, Antigonos had reached the age of 70 and was by every means an old man. The death of his son had struck him severely, and although one of his mistresses gave birth to another son, Leon, he would never recover from the loss of Demetrios. The country though had recovered much, although great parts of Makedonia were still depopulated. As soon as Byzantion was taken, a royal road was ordered to be build, from the city straight along the coast to Pella, and even further to Ambrakia were a naval harbour was to be built, almost as great as the giant shipyards in Rhodos, necessary to construct the vessels needed to guarantee θαλασσοκρατια (Thalassokratia, the reign over the seas), at least for the Aigaion.

Around the same time, the problems of the Seleukid allies in the region increased. Having been at war with the Ptolemaioi for a long time, the Seleukids had problems to hold all their possessions in the far west of their empire. The Bithynioi had been forced under the Basileus’ yoke again recently, but the troops needed to keep the inhabitants obeying were needed to ward off the troops of the Pharaoh. Ennomos of Pergamon was a persistent threat to the Seleukides’ western holdings around Sardis. Realising this, King Antigonos sent an envoy to King Antiochos. His treasury was bursting, and so he gave Antiochos 500 Talents of silver [30,000 Mnai] and further promised to release the Seleukides from the burden to keep Bithynia and the Kingdom of Pergamon in check: the territories would be administered from Pella, not from Seleukeia any more. Antiochos was not totally content with this proposal since it meant he had to give up claims on those two satrapies for the time being. But after all, the decision was a fairly easy one. The war against Ptolemaios was not going to his pleasure. Syria was in Ptolemaic hands since more than a decade and a half. In fact, Antiochos thought the proposal a good opportunity to tie Antigonos stronger to him and even to lure him back into the war with the Ptolemaioi. For the moment, he accepted the treaty.

And so, the first possession in Asia came into the hands of the Makedones. Alkyoneus crossed the Bosphoros and started to set up Makedonian administration for Bithynia. Antigonos in Pella ordered twelve thousand πεζεταιροι (Pezhetairoi) to be levied. The first time since anybody could remember, the Makedonian phalanx should be made up of more than humble φαλαγγιται δευτεροι (Phalangitai Deuteroi), equipped with a strong Thraikian cap and a bronze shield. The deepened mining operations in Makedonia easily provided the funds for the new army. Alkyoneus, with more than 24,000 foot and 4,000 horse, headed for Pergamon and put Ennomos’ residence under siege.

But at home in Pella, dark clouds were gathering. Antigonos’ health state worsened every day. His mental functions were suffering. The King’s increasing religiosity was beginning to have an influence on his decisions. He ordered a temple to Zeus to be built in Pella, claiming to have witnessed a sign from the god in his sleep. In winter, the old King suffered from pneumonia. One day in 246 BC, the 38th year of his reign, he did not wake up again. Antigonos Επανιδρυτης [1] was dead.

[1] Epanidrytes, the Re-founder.


https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/8545/72pelladiestadt03.jpg (https://img16.imageshack.us/my.php?image=72pelladiestadt03.jpg)
Pella in 246 BC, at the death of Antigonos II. Epanidrytes.

[Africanvs]

What a great chapter! I love the way you work the greek in with the rest. It's not too much but just enough to give it that something extra. I love the way that Greek font looks as well. It makes me want to learn to read and write it. You really have the names of everything down as well. I try but it is difficult for me to use the proper words for everything. I usually end up saying king instead of Basileu, Aegean instead of Aigeoi (or whatever it is).

I can't believe Demetrios died in such an inglorious way, killed in battle yes, but by a pitiful band of rebel scum. Excellent chapter Centurio!

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

NOOOOO!!! Demetrios!!!

At least your Antigonos II lived longer than mine.

A good read. Time to head eastward!

[Maion Maroneios]

Excellent read, a little sad to see Demetrios die. The pic showing the moment before his death has a certain element that makes it looks very dramatic, and at the same time epic as hell. So a balloon for that: :balloon2:

Maion

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

What a great chapter! I love the way you work the greek in with the rest. It's not too much but just enough to give it that something extra. I love the way that Greek font looks as well. It makes me want to learn to read and write it. You really have the names of everything down as well. I try but it is difficult for me to use the proper words for everything. I usually end up saying king instead of Basileu, Aegean instead of Aigeoi (or whatever it is).

I can't believe Demetrios died in such an inglorious way, killed in battle yes, but by a pitiful band of rebel scum. Excellent chapter Centurio!
:bow: Thank you very much. Yes, I think I have found a good way of adding a little flavour to it, but not inundating or disrupting the text too much. But Maion is the one who provides me with the correct words!


NOOOOO!!! Demetrios!!!

At least your Antigonos II lived longer than mine.

A good read. Time to head eastward!
Thank you too. No Megas Demetrios... no Demetreia... no Demetrids... :shrug:

Back in 0.81 I had Alkyoneus killed in Naissos. So Demetrios became King. I didn't like him very much, he had some pretty dark traits. Perseus was a complete moron that could not be trusted to do anything more than administering Thermon... But in the current campaign, I have been incredibly lucky (besides Demetrios and Alexandros, of course). Perseus is a pretty good general, and he will have a son called Antiochos which will be an even better general...


Excellent read, a little sad to see Demetrios die. The pic showing the moment before his death has a certain element that makes it looks very dramatic, and at the same time epic as hell. So a balloon for that: :balloon2:

Maion
Thank you too. :smiley:

Have a balloon for your translations: :balloon3:

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Thank you too. No Megas Demetrios... no Demetreia... no Demetrids... :shrug:

Back in 0.81 I had Alkyoneus killed in Naissos. So Demetrios became King. I didn't like him very much, he had some pretty dark traits. Perseus was a complete moron that could not be trusted to do anything more than administering Thermon... But in the current campaign, I have been incredibly lucky (besides Demetrios and Alexandros, of course). Perseus is a pretty good general, and he will have a son called Antiochos which will be an even better general...
In my AAR campaign Megas Demetrios II surpassed even Megas Alexandros III because his empire stood. I grew so attached to him that it is a shame to see him die even if it is completely different character (different starting traits). Too bad after he died, his line was filled with failures.

Since Alexandros died off in your campaign too, there will be no family line that leads to my Pyrrhic Dynasty that replace the Demetriids. :embarassed:

In my AAR campaign Perseus was average but did a couple important acts. His first act was to push the border up to the Istros (Danube), so I found it interesting that you did the same with him in your AAR. Perseus was also the one who took away southern Hellas' autonomy (Type4s -> Type2s). Neither he nor his brother had any sons so the line of Alkyoneus ended early. It will be interesting to see where the line of Alyoneus takes Makedonia in your AAR! :2thumbsup:

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

In my AAR campaign Megas Demetrios II surpassed even Megas Alexandros III because his empire stood.
That's Antiochos in my campaign.


Perseus was also the one who took away southern Hellas' autonomy (Type4s -> Type2s).
Exactly the same! 219 - 217 there was a rebellion, and Perseus ordered Satrapies to be installed there (though he didn't put down the rebellion personally).

[Maion Maroneios]

Thank you too. :smiley:

Have a balloon for your translations: :balloon3:
Thanks dude! I HAS BALLOOON! :tongue:

Maion

[Hax]

Brilliant read. Poor Demetrios, he was a good guy.

This is really, really good stuff, I hope to see more of it. Let's compare our Anabaseis!

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Brilliant read. Poor Demetrios, he was a good guy.

This is really, really good stuff, I hope to see more of it. Let's compare our Anabaseis!
Haha, thank you very much!

Expect the next chapter for the weekend. It will cover Alkyoneus' initial time as Basileus and will feature the most elaborate map ever made by man (at least for an AAR).

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Anabasis Alkyoneos (246 – 230 BC)


Introduction – A Momentous Treaty

In the winter of 246 BC, Alkyoneus was campaigning in Mysia. He had set up camp within sight of the palace of Pergamon, the residence of the thriving Attalid rulers of the old and beautiful polis, when one day a messenger arrived. The following passage gives a good account on how it most likely happened, although the author might have exaggerated a bit.


Excerpt from Phylarchos of Athenai: Historiai, Book 12:
(16) The brave but unhappy Alkyoneus was in a melancholic mood when he laid siege to Pergamon. He felt this not to be his war. After all wasn’t it Antiochos who wanted to see the polis fall? On behalf of his old father, whom he hoped to follow soon on the throne in Pella, he fought this war instead of fighting his own. Against the polis of the twin wolves he wanted to march, that was his urge and that was what burnt in his heart. (17) Then one cold day a messenger arrived: “What dost thou want, herald?” the Prince asked. “Ο Βασιλευ,” responded he. “It is your father that hath died. I bow before you, Basileus Makedonias, and present you the compliments of the noble Synedrioi of Lower and Upper Makedonia.” (18) Upon hearing the news, Alkyoneus’ officers gathered at the King’s tent. “All hail to the Basileus! All hail Makedonia!” shouted they, and upon hearing the shouting, the Pezhetairoi and all the other soldiers gathered at the camp’s agora. Alkyoneus left his tent and mounted a wooden stand to address his troops: “Φιλοι! Εταιροι! Πολεμισται! [1] I stand before you as your Basileus. My father Antigonos hath died, and a greater Herakles hath yet to follow. But I shall continue my father’s work. Tomorrow, with daylight’s advent, we will storm the city of the Attalides!” And the soldiers greeted their king’s bravery with cheering and chanting, not knowing how many lives the day would cost.

[1] Friends! Companions! Warriors!
In traditional Makedonia, the question of royal succession was often solved with violence, and not seldom with civil war. The Diadochoi serve as a prime example. Alkyoneus knew this too, and his decision to storm Pergamon is best understood bearing this in mind. From a pure military point of view, his decision is bravado at best, but politically, it makes perfect sense. Underlining his newly gained kingship with a victory, and coming home ahead of twenty thousand loyal soldiers would leave no room for questions about Antigonos’ succession. However, the King’s decision would cost 5,000 Greeks and Makedones their lives, among them 3,000 Pezhetairoi at the least.

Alkyoneus’ plan was it to attack the city from two sides. One half of the Pezhetairoi, assisted by Thureophoroi, would attack the northern gate, whereas the other half would attack the western gate above the sea, within line of sight to the Makedonian island-stronghold of Lesbos. They were supported by ιππεις ταραντινοι (Hippeis Tarantinoi) with their javelins and Hoplitai. The Makedones at the northern gate were confronted by militia hoplites and εκδρομοι οπλιται (Ekdromoi Hoplitai). The ones at the western gate also had to fight these light hoplites, but additionally Thraikioi Peltastai that Ennomos had hired. The Thraikioi, as mercenaries in general, did not have to expect any mercy from the victors and fought determined. So many Pezhetairoi, who could only use their swords against the falxes, were killed, that Alkyoneus sent the Greek Hoplites in. Only through overwhelming odds did they manage to win against the Thraikioi.


https://img19.imageshack.us/img19/792/72pergamon03.jpg (https://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=72pergamon03.jpg)
The Greek Hoplites march unto Pergamon, the Makedonian fleet in the background.


https://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4734/72pergamon05.jpg (https://img10.imageshack.us/my.php?image=72pergamon05.jpg)
The Tarantine Cavalry supports the assault with javelins.


https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/7118/72pergamon06.jpg (https://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=72pergamon06.jpg)
In the north, the hoplites are no match for the Makedones.


https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/360/72pergamon04.jpg (https://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=72pergamon04.jpg)
At the western gate, the Pergamenoi put up fierce resistance.

However, it should get even worse when the Makedones had once overcome the initial resistance at the gates and advanced into the streets. Mercenary Phalangitai and Ennomos’ experienced personal cavalry managed to attack the phalanx at their vulnerable flanks and kill many. Eventually Ennomos’ horse was stabbed. The τυραννος (tyrannos, the tyrant) fell to the ground, where a Makedon took care of him and cut off his head. By midday, the battle was over. Seven thousand Makedones and Greeks were laying in the streets of Pergamon, and five thousand would not recover from their wounds. Alkyoneus had his triumph.


https://img24.imageshack.us/img24/6834/72pergamon08.jpg (https://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=72pergamon08.jpg)
The phalanx advances towards the agora.


https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1876/72pergamon10.jpg (https://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=72pergamon10.jpg)
Many good Makedones meet their ancestors this day.

As soon as the favourable winds of spring blew, Alkyoneus set sail for Thessalonike, accompanied by a good deal of his army. Cheered by the masses, they marched into the Makedonian capital Pella. All members of the Argeades and all the nobles from all parts of the country gathered and honoured Alkyoneus. The last respects were paid to Antigonos, whose cremated remains rested in a golden λαρναξ (larnax, a small sarcophagus) proudly bearing the Vergina Sun. Then he was brought to Aigai, the old capital of Makedonia, most holy site and spiritual centre of the country, where he was finally buried in a traditional Makedonian tumulus, just beside Philippos’ one. Back in Pella, the Κοινον Μακεδονων (Koinon Makedonon, the general assembly) was held and Alkyoneus formally acclaimed as Basileus Makedonias.

Though Phylarchos states that Alkyoneus heart longed for revenge against the Romans, the historical evidence can neither support nor deny this. The assembly had not yet parted again when an envoy of Antiochos reached Pella. They too honoured the new King, but now urged for more direct support against Ptolemaios. Alkyoneus lamely responded that he would need a land border with the holdings of the Pharaoh in Asia to act effectively. The Seleukides instead offered free access to Lydia. Phrygia was unfortunately under the control of the Kingdom of Pontos that had increased his might at the expense of Antiochos and the Galatians. Their standing army threatened the lands of the Seleukides from the north. Alkyoneus knew this well and offered his allies a deal: he would go to war against Ptolemaios and against the Pontikoi and relieve Antiochos from the pressure of two fronts. Additionally, he would support him with more than 800 Talents of silver [50,000 Mnai or 21 tons]. In return, the Seleukides would cede Lydia and its capital Sardis to the Antigonids. Further, every territory acquired by the Makedones would stay in their hands – nothing would be returned to Antiochos.

It is not known to us what the King in Seleukeia actually thought of that proposal, whether he really accepted it, or whether he planned to strike back once the tides of war would have turned in his favour once more. One could well see Alkyoneus’ proposal as blackmailing, but in the end Antiochos accepted the proposal. His coffers were empty. His troops were fighting Parthoi, Pontikoi and Ptolemaioi alike, whereas the satrapies on the far banks of the Oxos river were either separating or being overrun by steppe peoples. After a brief year in Makedonia, Alkyoneus returned to Mikra Asia with fresh troops and set up administration for Lydia as a Makedonian satrapy.


https://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2016/kartemakedonienpolitisc.png (https://img18.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kartemakedonienpolitisc.png)
A map of the Central Mediterranean in 244 BC. Capital letters indicate independant subjects. B. = Basileion (Kingdom).

In the end of 244 BC, Alkyoneus had already recruited two ταξεις (taxeis, regiments) of militia hoplites in the city. Additionally, twelve thousand former slaves and other urban rabble were at his disposal. They were useful in keeping the population in check and should soon be replaced by real soldiers. The King’s son and inheritor Perseus was only a week’s journey north with fresh forces, among them γαλαθραικες (Galathraikes) and κελτοελληνικοι οπλιται (Keltohellenikoi Hoplitai), recruited amongst the recently subdued peoples of eastern Thraikia. The allied general Alexandros Syriakos, the former Seleukid governor of Sardis, had set up camp just a few miles south of the city – with 6,600 Gallic and Hellenic mercenaries under his command – when he was attacked by a 25,000 strong army of the Ptolemaioi.

The enemy had recognised the good opportunity. His troops consisted of more than 17,000 Phalangitai, κληρουχοι (Klerouchoi) mostly, but also Pezhetairoi and the élite κληρουχικων αγημα (Klerouchikon Agema). They were supplemented by Galatian mercenaries, Toxotai and troops native to Karia which were called Uazali. Alkyoneus was first reluctant to enter the fight, since his troops were so humble, but he surely couldn’t afford not to. The urban rabble occupied the Egyptian élite for a while, whereas Alkyoneus and his σωματοφυλακες (Somatophylakes, the bodyguards) proved their bravery and managed to kill many of the lower ranked enemies. He brought more than 15,000 to the field, but only 4,000 returned to Sardis. From Alexandros’ 6,500, few more than 500 survived. But although the Ptolemaioi could hold the field and win the battle, in truth they were the losers. Only 13,000 troops were left, and laying siege to Sardis was rendered impossible. So began the Ptolemaic War, and it should last for 29 years.


https://img25.imageshack.us/img25/34/74sardis03.jpg (https://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=74sardis03.jpg)

Alkyoneus charges the Karians near Sardis.


https://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3535/74sardis04.jpg (https://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=74sardis04.jpg)
The Uazali are given no quarter.


https://img18.imageshack.us/img18/8000/74sardis06.jpg (https://img18.imageshack.us/my.php?image=74sardis06.jpg)
Alkyoneus and Alexandros fight Galatian mercenaries from two sides.

[Maion Maroneios]

Beautiful chapter! I really liked the map too :wink:

Maion

[satalexton]

one glimpse at the map...ALL HAIL MAKEDONIAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Nice chapter. That's an amazing map.
A new king but how long will he rule? He doesn't seem to be THE main character...
:egypt:

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thank you for commenting, my most thruthful followers! :bow:

I worked myself into GIMP specifically to be able to create maps like that.

Phylarchos of Athenai (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phylarchus) and also Q. Fabius Pictor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quintus_Fabius_Pictor) are both historical persons. I just hope they don't bother me "abusing" them for my AAR.

Yes, Alkyoneus is not really standing out. How did you know?

[penguinking]

Great update! What a beautiful map.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Ever seen this? I didn't know even that it existed!

Warning, you can see the world in 168 BC below.
https://img231.imageshack.us/img231/8122/ebdoruachilleos.jpg (https://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ebdoruachilleos.jpg)

That's my Basileus there btw.

[Vasiliyi]

Very cool aar. Your mans are very interesting. Its like reading a history book with pictures. (my favorite type of books). Oh, and no I have never seen that. Very cool find. :2thumbsup:

[satalexton]

You really ought to check out wt i posted here:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/group.php?groupid=62&gmid=9384#gmessage9384
The Perfect Anthem for Gloious Makedonia!!!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!

[Maion Maroneios]

You really ought to check out wt i posted here:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/group.php?groupid=62&gmid=9384#gmessage9384
The Perfect Anthem for Gloious Makedonia!!!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!
Dude, you're crazy :dizzy2::smash::clown:

EDIT: Don't get me wrong, that's a good thing :yes:

Maion

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Really cool satalexton!

I'm glad you like it, Vasiliyi. I was really surprised about the Doru Achilleos, though others don't seem to be.

The next chapter will cover the campaign in Lydia against the Ptolemies. It will arrive ca. week-mid to week-end.

[Maion Maroneios]

Really cool satalexton!

I'm glad you like it, Vasiliyi. I was really surprised about the Doru Achilleos, though others don't seem to be.

The next chapter will cover the campaign in Lydia against the Ptolemies. It will arrive ca. week-mid to week-end.
Oh yes, the dory! Completely forgot about it :juggle2: How did you get it, anyway?

Maion

[satalexton]

Immortal beacon shows the way
Step forth, seek glory!
Hoist your swords high into the clouds
Hail MAKEDONIA!!!!

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/3/4/6/3/2/webimg/135343167_o.jpg

Perhaps a MV should be made with that music :clown:

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Oh yes, the dory! Completely forgot about it :juggle2: How did you get it, anyway?

Maion
I just discovered it when I looked at my Basileus. I think it was triggered by conquering Side. Though another Basileus had conquered it before, and I didn't notice anything. I think it makes for a great roleplay opportunity and I should remember to pass it over before he dies...

I felt a bit insulted though about the comment. My men are comparable to those of Alexandros, oh yes they are...

[Maion Maroneios]

I just discovered it when I looked at my Basileus. I think it was triggered by conquering Side. Though another Basileus had conquered it before, and I didn't notice anything. I think it makes for a great roleplay opportunity and I should remember to pass it over before he dies...

I felt a bit insulted though about the comment. My men are comparable to those of Alexandros, oh yes they are...
Side, eh? That's awesome, I've never actually been that far in my Makedonian campaigns :sweatdrop: Always somehting popping up, like a new version of EB, or some new modding idea of mine that I wanted to be implemented, thus forcing me to start a new campaign :beam:

Maion

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Side, eh? That's awesome, I've never actually been that far in my Makedonian campaigns :sweatdrop: Always somehting popping up, like a new version of EB, or some new modding idea of mine that I wanted to be implemented, thus forcing me to start a new campaign :beam:

Maion
That's funny! I play this campaign since summer 2008 and I gave a f*** about EB 1.2 coming out. And I'll certainly give a f*** on the outcome of EB II as well.

Whoa, that reads as if I would give a f*** on EB, which is quite ridiculous given the amount of time I invest into it... :grin:

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Part 1 – The Ptolemaic War: The Campaigns in Mikra Asia (243 – 236 BC)

The Campaign of King Alkyoneus
The war that should play such an important role in the process of transforming the kingdom of the Antigonids into an empire had begun with the attack of the forces of Ptolemaios on Seleukid mercenaries near Sardis. After the first battle, which could be denominated both a tactical defeat and a strategic victory, the Makedonian King Alkyoneus was confident. He had the supreme military power, enough money and could concentrate his resources solely on a single front. His younger cousin Neikarchos had arrived with additional levy Phalangitai that were keeping the enemy from attacking Sardis. Alkyoneus took his army and marched eastward towards the Ptolemaic holdings along the southern coast of Mikra Asia.

Near the town of Eumenia in eastern Lydia, Alkyoneus met the army of General Epigenes that remained after his Pyrrhic victory of the previous year. He had still 12,000 Phalangitai under his command, but this time they stood absolutely no chance against the 31,000 Makedones. The King’s Galathraikes and Keltohellenikoi Hoplitai did a good job at cutting down the enemy in the dense forest that surrounded the ruins of an old estate. After this victory the road to Side was open, and Alkyoneus was unchallenged when he took possession of the chief city of Pamphylia.


https://img2.imageshack.us/img2/7590/75eumenia03.jpg (https://img2.imageshack.us/my.php?image=75eumenia03.jpg)
Galathraikes charge in at Eumenia.

https://img402.imageshack.us/img402/628/75eumenia04.jpg (https://img402.imageshack.us/my.php?image=75eumenia04.jpg)
The Ptolemaic élite is cornered by Makedonian light troops.
However, Side was a populous city and difficult to control. Furthermore, the King’s supply lines were unsafe because of another Ptolemaic army controlling the area between Sardis and Side. It was the best decision to hire some mercenaries and leave the control of the city to these. Alkyoneus was warned by his advisors though: the mercenaries were enough in number to challenge the Makedonian rule for the region, but at the same time not numerous enough to keep the population in check, let alone the Ptolemaioi. But the King’s decision stood, and a better one was not at hand.

Alkyoneus decided it was best to march back west on the road along the coast – and not on the one through the mountainside – because he planned to finish off the Karian power in Halikarnassos. The marching was difficult and slow, because neither the Ptolemaioi nor the Karioi had taken care of the roads, spending their money elsewhere. When the army finally reached Karia, word came from Lydia that the enemy army was intending to lay siege to Sardis; and furthermore had the inhabitants of Side overthrown and killed the mercenary garrison and committed themselves under the yoke of the Ptolemaioi again. These were two bad news at the same time, and Alkyoneus’ men were hungry. The King decided to confront the enemy immediately.

The battle of Sardis took place on a rugged plain, partly covered in wood. Alkyoneus’ 29,000 reached from the east, whereas Neikarchos’ 19,000 entered the field from the direction of the city. The 17,000 troops of Kallikles Philopator were trapped in the middle. Although especially Neikarchos sustained heavy casualties due to his unorganised advance through the woods, the battle was easily won by the Makedones, and Kallikles forced to retreat eastward.


https://img403.imageshack.us/img403/1135/77sardis02.jpg (https://img403.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77sardis02.jpg)
The Basileus bravely joines his men in the fray at Sardis.
The dead were barely cremated when news reached the King of a great victory at sea: near the shores of Krete, the new Makedonian fleet of πεντερεις (Pentereis, vessels with five rows of oars) had defeated a Ptolemaic fleet. Alkyoneus knew all too well how important the seas were. His march along the coast of Pamphylia and Karia would have been endlessly easier had he been supported by a fleet. The Makedonian ship-building program had just begun, and at the shipyards of Rhodos were laid down the keels of more than hundred and fifty vessels, τετρερεις (Tetrereis, with four rows of oars) mostly. The next year, another two great victories were achieved near Rhodos itself and in some distance off the Lykian coast. The Pharaoh of Alexandria must have been shocked, since he was used to θαλασσοκρατια (Thalassokratia, the rule over the seas) for decades. Since the fall of Antiocheia more than twenty years ago, this was the first time that his might at sea was contested.


https://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8899/karteptolemerfeldzgealk.png (https://img87.imageshack.us/my.php?image=karteptolemerfeldzgealk.png)
The Ptolemaic War in its initial stage.
Encouraged by these successes, Alkyoneus marched south unto the polis of Halikarnassos. At home in Makedonia, veteran Pezhetairoi had been re-enlisted as αργυρασπιδες (Argyraspides), and πελτασται μακεδονικοι (Peltastai Makedonikoi) had been recruited among the most able of young noblemen of the country, and now 2,400 of each joined the King on his campaign. After a brief siege, Alkyoneus did as he had done at Pergamon, and ordered to storm the city. This time, however, the resistance was less and the Makedonian troops were better fitted for an assault on a polis. The Keltohellenikoi, the Galathraikes and, most of all, the Peltastai Makedonikoi excelled at slaughtering the light Karian troops.


https://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3305/78halikarnassos02.jpg (https://img402.imageshack.us/my.php?image=78halikarnassos02.jpg)
Toxotai Kretikoi support the Peltastai Makedonikoi with arrows on fire.

https://img408.imageshack.us/img408/9150/78halikarnassos04.jpg (https://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=78halikarnassos04.jpg)
The first defenders of Halikarnassos turn to flee.

https://img410.imageshack.us/img410/5706/78halikarnassos05.jpg (https://img410.imageshack.us/my.php?image=78halikarnassos05.jpg)
The ferryman's guests.
After the fall of Halikarnassos, Alkyoneus must have had enough of the bloodshed. He decided to spend his energy in the future on directing the war and administering his kingdom from Pella. His son Perseus had already proved to be an able commander and was eager to lead the troops against the Ptolemaioi. As a strategic making safe against the Romaioi, an alliance was formed with the Lusitanioi, a warlike people that inhabited the lands to the far west of the Μεσογειος (Mesogaios, the Mediterranean Sea). For the same reason, an envoy was sent to the far off people of the Kingdom of Saba in southern Arabia. For the obscene sum of 3700 Talents [221.000 Mnai or 100 tons of silver], the Sabaioi were willing to aid Alkyoneus against the Ptolemaioi. However, it should take two years until some action was really taking place, and there were more than a few voices that doubted the King’s mental abilities.

At Pella and Korinthos, schools were founded, and in the following year, a mining business was set up in Bithynia. In the parts of western Greece that belonged to the Symmachia Hellenon, the Hellenic League, Makedonian veterans settled down to further strengthen Makedonia’s grip on the region. In the Makedonian πατρις (Patris, the homeland; at this time consisting of Thessalia, Makedonia proper and the Dardanoia), land allotments were given to the poor. In Rhodos, a giant stone wall was built to protect the polis so important for Makedonia’s majesty, and both in Athenai and Sparte a great garrison fortress. Ambrakia was equipped with shipyards that could host even the mightiest of warships, and on Euboia, an expensive mercantile harbour was carved out of the rock. The last wounds of the dark years of civil war and foreign invasion were slowly healing, and prosperity reigned in the country.

The Campaign of Prince Perseus
Perseus was ambitious and immediately ordered the newly built fleet to anchor near Halikarnassos. The troops were loaded into the ships, and the Kleronomos Basileiou and Στρατηγος Αυτοκρατωρ Ασιας (Strategos Autokrator Asias, the commander-in-chief for Asia) sailed along the shoreline of Karia, Lykia and Pamphylia and disembarked east of Side, whereas the fleet blockaded the port of Attalia, which lay only a few miles west. He had just commenced the siege of Side, when Leonnatos of Gaza, an experienced commander that had fought with Kallikles at Sardis, came to relieve the city. The troops of the city itself, mostly unorganised bands of criminals, were commanded by Nikon, a distant relative of the Pharaoh. Together the Ptolemaic troops numbered 39,000, against ten thousand less Makedones. Perseus had to fight uphill partly, a circumstance that resulted in heavy casualties for the Antigonid phalanx – more than five thousand stayed on the field. Nevertheless, Perseus proved his abilities once more, and at the end of the day, only 1,500 Ptolemaic soldiers were still alive to flee into the mountainous hinterland. Both Leonnatos and Nikon fell, and so did the city of Side.


https://img142.imageshack.us/img142/3271/79side02.jpg (https://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=79side02.jpg)
The Makedones had to fight uphill at Side.

https://img144.imageshack.us/img144/346/79side04.jpg (https://img144.imageshack.us/my.php?image=79side04.jpg)
Leonnatos Gazaios searches the decision by commiting himself into the fray.

https://img87.imageshack.us/img87/693/79side05.jpg (https://img87.imageshack.us/my.php?image=79side05.jpg)
Nikon decides to flee the battle, but is chased by the Tarantinoi.
The next spring, Perseus took advantage of the good weather and sailed to the island of Kypros. The Ptolemaioi had been so confident in their naval strength that they had thought it completely unnecessary to organise any kind of defence for the island. Instead, they delivered the Makedonian fleet a battle at sea within sight of the island’s capital Salamis and lost. Perseus took the governor Eudamios Oxyrhynchios prisoner and set up the island’s administration as a σατραπεια μακεδονικη (Satrapeia Makedonike). At the same time the Pharaoh was losing ground in Mikra Asia, he was nearly unstoppable in the east. Ptolemaic troops meanwhile held control over the fertile lands of Mesopotamia, reducing the Seleukides only to the mutual mouth of the great rivers, Iran and a small strip inland of Mikra Asia, reaching from Sophene in the east over Kappadokia to Galatia.

The next year, after order seemed to be sufficiently stable on Kypros, Perseus returned to Asia. As soon as he had left, riots broke out in Salamis, but the Makedonian garrison was able to suppress the uprising. The Prince disembarked on the Kilikian coast a short distance west of Seleukeia on the Kalykadnos River. From the east, Isigonos Soknopaiou Nesou approached with 17,000 heavy infantry, of whom 5,000 consisted of the feared Klerouchikon Agema. Perseus’ army had been recently replenished with 2,400 ρομφαιαφοροι (Rhomphaiaphoroi) from Thraikia. Unlike at Side, the Makedones could fight downhill this time, and so it’s no great surprise that the battle was won by Perseus without much effort.


https://img402.imageshack.us/img402/5484/81seleukeia02.jpg (https://img402.imageshack.us/my.php?image=81seleukeia02.jpg)
Rhomphaiaphoroi and Peltastai eager to join the fight at Seleukeia.

https://img403.imageshack.us/img403/2344/81seleukeia03.jpg (https://img403.imageshack.us/my.php?image=81seleukeia03.jpg)
Galatian mercenaries charged by Hippeis Thessalikoi.
From a dynastic point of view, the year 237 BC was also significant: Perseus’ wife gave birth to her only son, and in reverence to Antiochos of Seleukeia, who had already passed and whom the Prince greatly adored, the child would bear the same name. Perseus’ other son, Euphamios, was not fully of royal blood, but instead the offspring of the Prince and one of his countless mistresses. Nevertheless Perseus was proud of 19-year-old Euphamios who was doing well at Sparte where he underwent the traditional Agoge. At the same time, Karenos, the Tyrannos of Lesbos, made his last breath, and riots broke out on the island. Heliodoros, a son of Kalos and cousin of Alkyoneus, marched into Mytilene and brought the rebellious elements to justice. The uprising was a perfect excuse for the King to transform the island from a close ally into a Satrapeia, and Lesbos would not remain the only case – Rhodos and Krete would soon follow.

Perseus continued his advance along the coastline of Kilikia until he reached the famous polis of Tarsos on the Kydnos River, that was occupied by Ptolemaios’ trusted Strategos Kallikles Philopator, whom the Makedones had already fought five years prior at Sardis. Kallikles had 34,000 troops under his command, including 8,500 Arabian light infantry and even 3,000 ιουδαιοι ταξεις (Ioudaioi Taxeis) from the lands around the ancient city of Hierosolyma. However, when Perseus’ 27,000 Makedones reached the gently falling slope to the west of Tarsos that comprised the field of battle, Kallikles had no more than 24,000 at his disposal. The rest of his troops was stuck east of the Saros River and could not reach the battle in time. It is questionable though if the additional ten thousand could have made any difference. Kallikles found his end in this battle, along with 20,000 of his soldiers, and the city fell. Perseus lost two thousand that day and another thousand a short time later, when he fought the rest of the Ptolemaic troops that had decided to defend the crossing over the Saros. After that battle, the enemy was expelled from Mikra Asia. So ended Perseus’ first campaign against the Ptolemaioi, and there was only one logical next step on the Prince’s agenda: Antiocheia. But fate had other things in mind with the Prince of the Argeades.


https://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6643/82tarsos05.jpg (https://img87.imageshack.us/my.php?image=82tarsos05.jpg)
At Tarsos.

https://img408.imageshack.us/img408/1636/82tarsos03.jpg (https://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=82tarsos03.jpg)
The Ptolemaic soldiers are cut down in the woods.

https://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7823/82saros03.jpg (https://img402.imageshack.us/my.php?image=82saros03.jpg)
At the River Saros.

[d'Arthez]

Awesome! Great pics and a very nice story line.

AARs like these are a great advertisement for EB!

[satalexton]

HOIST YOUR XIPHOS INTO THE CLOUDS!

HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!

[Maion Maroneios]

I bow to your excellency :bow:

Maion

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Good chapter. I love it when someone of the royal line gets a famous name.

It definately feels like your transforming from a kingdom to an empire. I will often quit a campaign when I get to that point, only roleplaying can perserve a campaign at that point.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thank you for following and commenting, my most noble followers. :bow:

Don't worry, making up all kind of roleplaying things is where I'm best at. I hope the next chapter won't take that long. In the meantime, you can guess what was my next victim (the first of only three cases where I opened the hostilities).

[Horatius Flaccus]

Great stuff!

I just read the whole thread, and I must say that your AAR has really impressed me. It is one of the best out there, only topped by MAA's. I was sad that Demetrios died, but this Antiochus you talk about, it seems he can maybe become a 'Megas'...

Anyhow, keep it up! I guess Pontus is up next on your list?

Oh and responding to your 168 BC map:
Civil war? Fantastic!

Is that Rome in Gaul?

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Great stuff!

I just read the whole thread, and I must say that your AAR has really impressed me. It is one of the best out there, only topped by MAA's. I was sad that Demetrios died, but this Antiochus you talk about, it seems he can maybe become a 'Megas'...

Anyhow, keep it up! I guess Pontus is up next on your list?

Oh and responding to your 168 BC map:
Civil war? Fantastic!

Is that Rome in Gaul?
:sweatdrop: :sweatdrop: :bow: :bow:

Thank you very much, posts like this one are it that keeps me making the efforts for this AAR!

The Spoilers contain the answers to the above questions. Don't read it when you don't want to know the future!

I could say that you're right on Pontos. Or maybe not.

Civil war? Fantastic! Yes. :smiley:

Is that Rome in Gaul? Yes. The Imperium Galloromanum. I enabled recruitment of "Marian" units for them, "Cohortes Galloromanae".

[Maion Maroneios]

Is there going to be an update in the future? Sure hope so :yes:

Maion

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

I think this is just too good to let it die. I already know what will be in the next chapter, and in the following one. Then the Anabasis of Alkyoneus will come to an end, followed by the Anabasis of ... which will *finally!* contain the first self made changes.

Thanks for the interest mate.

[NickTheGreek]

I agree Centurio, this is too good to be left for dead

[Maion Maroneios]

Yes! Glorious news indeed!

Maion

[Horatius Flaccus]

Great! I am really looking forward to the next one.

[Maion Maroneios]

:'-(

Maion

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Ah, the time passes...

I'll really see if I can write something this weekend.

[Maion Maroneios]

:-D

Maion

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Part 2 – The Pontic and Kappadokian War (240 – 232 BC)

The Pontic War (240 – 235 BC)
In 240 BC, after the fall of Halikarnassos, Alkyoneus abandoned the theatre and left the troops to his son and Kleronomos Basileion Perseus. It soon proved to be the case that the King’s absence had some disadvantages. In Sardis, two ambitious members of the Royal Family were plotting for their own benefit: to the east lay the city of Ipsos that was under control of the Kingdom of Pontos. The Pontikoi were centred around the polis of Amaseia farther to the northeast and had extended their power to the south, subduing the fearsome Galatians and depriving the Seleukides of their Satrapeia of Phrygia. But recently, Theodoros, the new Basileus of the Seleukides, had managed to turn the tides and conquered the Galatian capital Ankyra and the surrounding lands. Phrygia was only held by a small garrison isolated from the rest of the Pontic forces. Heragoras Thessalonikeus and Leonidos Phagreus knew the treaty between Alkyoneus and Antiochos that no land conquered by Makedonia would be ceded to the Arche Seleukeia, and so they thought it wise to mount an invasion on their own. Without a doubt, they hoped to amass wealth and gain personal recognition.

With an army of 24,000, mostly levied Phalangitai from Makedonia, they marched east unto Ipsos and conquered the city without much effort – the city was guarded by no more than three thousand led by a Pontic Satrap. Of course this ruthless act was condemned by some within the Hellenic world as barbarian and unworthy, but others didn’t view it that way. Makedonia was allied to the Seleukides, and Pontos was at war with them. Heragoras and Leonidos didn’t care anyway, they were way more concerned about the perception at home in Pella.


https://img195.imageshack.us/img195/6254/78ipsos02.jpg (https://img195.imageshack.us/i/78ipsos02.jpg/)
Sphendonetai at Ipsos.


https://img31.imageshack.us/img31/742/78ipsos03.jpg (https://img31.imageshack.us/i/78ipsos03.jpg/)
Street combat.


https://img36.imageshack.us/img36/2173/78ipsos04.jpg (https://img36.imageshack.us/i/78ipsos04.jpg/)
The Pontic bodyguards fight valiantly.



Indeed Alkyoneus was not very amused. But he was the Basileus, and letting his authority as Basileus be questioned by two of his underlings could turn out much more dangerous than a hastened war with Pontos. And as many people thought that Alkyoneus was the mind behind the invasion anyway – and what else could they have thought – Alkyoneus wasn’t left much to do than accepting the congratulations for his victory at Ipsos.

The Pontic reaction was odd: instead of calling up their troops and marching to retake the city, the King of Pontos, Arsames Kianos, and his brother and inheritor Mithridates moved to Bithynia, only accompanied by their personal entourage. It is not known to us what their intentions were. Some scholars believe they were on a mission for peace, having recognised Makedonia’s superior power. Others argue they would have been on a mission to stir up rebellion in Bithynia, since the inhabitants of this country didn’t feel so attached to the Makedones as they would later on. The only known fact to us is that they were catched and killed by Heragoras Thessalonikeus and his men. The reaction amongst the Hellenic world on this new incident was very harsh and it was mostly seen as dishonouring for Makedonia; the Pontic kingdom on the other hand meanwhile seems to have fallen into a stasis upon the loss of its two most important figures.

Alkyoneus though knew that this wouldn’t last forever, and ordered a second royal army to be levied. It was largely modelled after the other army operating under Perseus in Mikra Asia at the same time, but featured Αγριανικοι Πελεκουφοροι (Agrianikoi Pelekouphoroi), fierce axe-wielding warriors from the regions directly to the north of Makedonia. To command this army, a young nobleman from the royal family was sought and found: Menelas, a son of Kalos, a promising young man of fine blood, was entrusted with the honourable task.

In the last days of 236BC, it was the eleventh year in the reign of Alkyoneus, an envoy from the Euxine polis of Sinope arrived at the court at Pella. The Pontikoi had overcome their dynastic squabble and had seized the city. Although the Pontikoi were making great efforts to imitate the Hellene way of life, they were Easterners and deprived Sinope of her independence. The envoy had been sent to ask for military aid to liberate the city. For Alkyoneus it was the perfect excuse for launching a full scale invasion and promised to react. Makedonia could help a Greek polis against foreign oppression and at the same time bring a large part of Mikra Asia under its rule.

As soon as the rough seas of the Pontos Euxinos permitted, Menelas set sail towards the northern shores of Paphlagonia, disembarked west of the city – which was itself undefended since the Pontikoi had not thought the enemy would come by sea – and seized it, taking the Satrap Holophernes Herakleotes prisoner. For Sinope, Menelas appointed a pro-Makedonian member of the local nobility as Tyrannos, returning her “independence” to the city. The local populace thanked him with loyalty, keeping law and order on the streets for the moment and thus allowing Menelas to continue his march to the south, towards the Pontic capital of Amaseia.

Fall had already begun when the forces of the Makedones and the Pontikoi finally met. The Makedonian scouts had reported large Pontic forces camping on a plain north-east of Amaseia. It was a moist and foggy morning when both armies confronted each other, almost seventy thousand soldiers, of whom thirty eight thousand were under the command of the enemy. Their infantry mostly consisted of lower class phalanx and Thureophoroi, but most noteworthy among their troops was doubtlessly the Pontic cavalry wing: four thousand Kappadokians, one thousand Hellenes and, last but not least, a detachment of scythed chariots. Commander of the army was Nothos Kianos, a member of the royal family of Pontos, who had sworn bitter vengeance for the murdering of king and crown prince.


https://img150.imageshack.us/img150/8886/83amaseia01.jpg (https://img150.imageshack.us/i/83amaseia01.jpg/)
The battle lines at Amaseia.

The troops were arrayed in a long line, with Galatian heavy spearmen and Thureophoroi guarding the flanks, whereas Menelas kept the Peltastai Makedonikoi and the Agrianians in reserve. Even before melee ensued, the Kappadokian cavalry attempted to flank the Makedones but was countered by the Thessalians who proved superior. On the Makedonian left, the scythed chariots cut through the ranks of the Galatians and the Thureophoroi, leaving countless warriors with severed limbs and causing great chaos and devastation among the soldiers. When the chariots turned around though to continue their butchering spree, many of the lighter troops managed to jump on and kill the drivers, causing the unit to run uncontrolled over the battlefield, massacring friend and foe alike. When finally the Pontic phalanx reached the Makedonian line, the Pontikoi had almost shot their last bolt. The light infantry and the heavy cavalry circled around the flanks now uncontested and finished off the enemy with a thundering charge. Broken, the Easterners turned to flee, chased and massacred by the Hellenes all the way to Amaseia, who captured the city and brought all but the remotest Pontic possessions under their sway, including the Royal Pontic Tombs above their capital.


https://img188.imageshack.us/img188/5606/83amaseia02.jpg (https://img188.imageshack.us/i/83amaseia02.jpg/)
The Kappadokians are countered by the Thessalians.


https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/2981/83amaseia04.jpg (https://img190.imageshack.us/i/83amaseia04.jpg/)
The Pontic chariots deal death and mutilation to the Makedones.


https://img196.imageshack.us/img196/8558/83amaseia05.jpg (https://img196.imageshack.us/i/83amaseia05.jpg/)
The phalanxes.

Three years later, Archilochos Thessalonikeus marched against Metrodoros Kianos, last remnant of the Pontic house who had retreated to north-western Kappadokia, and defeated him near Amastris. So ended both the Pontic state and the Pontic dynasty at the hands of the Makedones.


https://img195.imageshack.us/img195/4884/83pontoszerstrt.jpg (https://img195.imageshack.us/i/83pontoszerstrt.jpg/)


The Kappadokian War (235 – 232 BC)
The Kappadokian War is also called the First Seleukid War by historians. At the same time as Menelas was landing at Sinope, King Alkyoneus offered the Seleukides 500 Talents [30,000 Mnai] in exchange for handing over Galatia to his control, wisely anticipating the upcoming victory over the Pontikoi and seeking to establish a solid block of territory in western Mikra Asia. As stated earlier, the Seleukid King Antiochos had passed and was succeeded by Theodoros. Alkyoneus thought that Theodoros was of the same mind as Antiochos, but was unfortunately mistaken. Instead, Theodoros had ever since belonged to the faction at Antiochos’ court that perceived the Makedonian treatment and “offers” as dishonourable. He was determined to end this.

When the Makedonian envoys reached Theodoros, who was campaigning in Galatia after having led the conquest of the country, he seemingly agreed to the treaty and took the money he was offered. Immediately, a Makedonian “garrison” was formed in Ankyra, consisting of local city dwellers paid to be pro-Makedonian. Not much later, a detachment of several militia-regiments made their way to the city. When they crossed the border to Galatia, they were suddenly attacked by Theodoros. Although they managed to retreat, war was now at hand. The Seleukid king though was unsure what to do next. Two strong Makedonian armies where in Mikra Asia, one to the north and one to the south. Finally he abandoned Galatia and retreated eastward, setting up his camp near the town of Nyssa at the Halys, where he could easily defend at the river’s crossing.

When Prince Perseus, who had just conquered Tarsos, had secured law and order in the region, he immediately took care of the new threat to his north. The occasion was good since reasonable forces of the Pharaoh were not in sight. At Nyssa, Perseus met Theodoros and the expected battle took place. Alas, the Seleukid king had sent the bulk of his army to Mazaka further east – and Perseus was a far better general than Theodoros was. The Makedonian phalanx advanced over the bridge, occupying the enemy infantry, whereas Perseus led the cavalry through a ford half a mile upstream and attacked the Seleukides from behind. Theodoros gave chase and managed to escape to his army at Mazaka.


https://img195.imageshack.us/img195/6900/84nyssa01.jpg (https://img195.imageshack.us/i/84nyssa01.jpg/)
At the bridge over the Halys.


https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7811/84nyssa02.jpg (https://img190.imageshack.us/i/84nyssa02.jpg/)
The Makedonian cavalry crosses the ford.

Perseus crossed the Halys and followed his adversary eastward, where the main Seleukid army was stationed under the command of Theodoros’ brother and Strategos Alexandros. The enemy troops numbered thirty thousand. Most notably, albeit only few, were the 480 Persian kinsmen who presented a fearsome cavalry force. The battle itself was rather odd since the Seleukides descended upon the Makedones from a forested hill, so that neither of the contestants was able to form a proper battle line. Archers were nearly useless, instead the most gruesome of melee commenced. Two of Perseus’ taxeis of Pezhetairoi were hacked to pieces, leaving 300 alive from 2,400. But again, Perseus’ superior generalship tipped the balance. As Alexandros fell, the morale of the Seleukides was broken. Theodoros was unable to take over command and gave chase again. He ended the battle in the same way as he had already done shortly before and fled to his eastern possessions.


https://img31.imageshack.us/img31/5131/84mazaka01.jpg (https://img31.imageshack.us/i/84mazaka01.jpg/)
The Makedones advance at Mazaka, the Tauros Mountains in the background.


https://img268.imageshack.us/img268/871/84mazaka04.jpg (https://img268.imageshack.us/i/84mazaka04.jpg/)
The Makedonian Thureophoroi.


https://img188.imageshack.us/img188/2273/84mazaka06.jpg (https://img188.imageshack.us/i/84mazaka06.jpg/)
Charge of the Hetairoi.


https://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2998/84mazaka05.jpg (https://img150.imageshack.us/i/84mazaka05.jpg/)
The battleline cannot be maintained.

After the battle was over, thirty four thousand men lay dead on the ground, among them six thousand Makedones. Nevertheless, the road to Mazaka was open and Perseus took the city, ordering the relocation of many inhabitants in order to facilitate the control over the city. Although the battle of Mazaka was a complete blunder for the Seleukides, the following two years proved healthful and benefiting for them: the next year, they managed to obtain a peace treaty with the Ptolemaioi who were already in control of Mesopotamia; and in the following year, 232 BC, peace and even the old alliance with the Makedones could be restored.

[Horatius Flaccus]

Fantastic update! Some great screenshots! :2thumbsup:

A few pictures of the tactical map would appreciated though ~;)

[Maion Maroneios]

*explodes from overjoy*

:applause: :bow:

Maion

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Great update! Your Pontic War seemed to go well. At least you didn't loose a Basileus in the Battle of Amaseia, like I did. :wall:

Now time for war with a Seleukid-Ptolemaioi Alliance? How much territory do the two hold? Is the Arche Seleukiea down to just Iran & Armenia, having lost all territory in Mesopotamia?

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thank you for commenting. The next update will feature a map again. :beam:


Great update! Your Pontic War seemed to go well. At least you didn't loose a Basileus in the Battle of Amaseia, like I did. :wall:

Now time for war with a Seleukid-Ptolemaioi Alliance? How much territory do the two hold? Is the Arche Seleukiea down to just Iran & Armenia, having lost all territory in Mesopotamia?
No, since the alliance with the Seleukides had just been restored, expect to see more vices and blackmailing from Alkyoneus regarding his allies. He's really a bastard. :smash:

https://img29.imageshack.us/img29/4577/makedoniendieweltimjahr.jpg (https://img29.imageshack.us/i/makedoniendieweltimjahr.jpg/)

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

I've already got 2/3 to 3/4 of the next chapter done, I got a map and tons of great screenshots, but I'm going on vacation tuesday. I really think I'll get it done till then, otherwise you would have to wait until end of july... :sweatdrop:

[Horatius Flaccus]

Take your time, as long as this doesn't die.

[Maion Maroneios]

I've already got 2/3 to 3/4 of the next chapter done, I got a map and tons of great screenshots, but I'm going on vacation tuesday. I really think I'll get it done till then, otherwise you would have to wait until end of july... :sweatdrop:
No problem, mein freund (hope I got that right :beam:). We'll wait even when the world get destroyed on 2012 :laugh4:

Maion

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thanks for the confidence!


No problem, mein freund (hope I got that right :beam:)
Kein Problem, mein Freund.

Hopefully you'll start to learn German one day, then you can ask me stuff like I did all the time!

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Part 3 – The Ptolemaic War: The Campaigns in Syria (234 – 230 BC)

Whoever thought that the Ptolemaic War would soon come to an end in 234 BC after the Makedones had conquered southern Mikra Asia, Kypros and even the seas – he was astonishingly mistaken. The Pharaoh at Alexandreia did not think of giving in to the Makedones now that he had reached so much and had beaten back the Seleukides as far as the land between the twin rivers. The Makedones in Tarsos and Kappadokia posed a threat to Ptolemaios’ holdings that he could not tolerate. Every military move against the Seleukides by his side encompassed the danger of an attack on his own back by the Makedones. The Pharaoh was forced to react and asked for a peace treaty with the Seleukides to which these gladly agreed. Ptolemaios Ευεργετης (Euergetes, “the Benefactor”) travelled himself to Syria and took over command over his forces, determined to get rid of the Makedones.

On the other side of the Pyramos river, at Tarsos, the Makedonian prince Perseus thought the same. He had not advanced thus far just to make a halt before conquering Antiocheia, the city that his much adored Antiochos had once built, and that was since decades in the hands of the Ptolemaioi. The outbreak of the First Seleukid War must have come very unpleasant for Perseus, since it forced him to take care of the new threat and move north into Kappadokia, abandoning Tarsos and leaving command over the reserve contingents in the area to Heragoras Thessalonikeus, the man that had started the Pontic war on his own. Perseus was well aware of the insolence of his behaviour and did not trust him very much.


https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/3188/kartesyrischefeldzge.png (https://img238.imageshack.us/i/kartesyrischefeldzge.png/)
A map of the campaigns 235 - 230 BC.

Heragoras should soon live up to his fame. With a light force of less than ten thousand he marched south-east and crossed the Orontes. Camping only few miles northeast of Antiocheia, the city and former capital of Antiochos could be seen from the distance. But Heragoras not only showed insolence, but also instinct. Inside the city was Ptolemaios Euergetes with a small force, no more than five thousand. Apparently misjudging the Makedonian strength, Ptolemaios left the city, attacked Heragoras and promptly fell. Another attack by a relative of the Pharaoh called Zoalios could be repelled. The way to Antiocheia was open, and Heragoras marched into the polis, displacing many. The deported inhabitants subsequently caused riots in Tarsos and Side.


https://img41.imageshack.us/img41/15/84antiocheiai01.jpg
The battle line at Antiocheia.

https://img103.imageshack.us/img103/5393/84antiocheiaii02.jpg
Galathraikes charge in.

https://img43.imageshack.us/img43/5417/84antiocheiaii03.jpg
The battle is won.


Menelas’ Wilderness Campaign
In the meantime, Menelas, Strategos in Pontos and victor over the Pontikoi, had set up a proper Makedonian administration for the subdued country and marched south and then eastward into Kappadokia. He followed the Βεληνεκες Ταυρος (the Tauros Mountains) on their north side until he reached the old Οδος Βασιλικη Περσικη (Hodos Basilike Persike, the Persian Royal Road that was built by the Achaemenid dynasty that once ruled the country). At the city of Melitene, the road crosses the Ευφρατης Ποταμος (the Euphrat). Menelas though turned south and marched over the mountains until he reached Samosata, where he finally crossed the river, only a few hundred σταδια (stadia, one stadion being approx. 177,60m / 586ft in length) north of the Ptolemaic stronghold of Edessa. There, under the command of Lysimachos, another relative to the deceased Pharaoh, were campaigning forty two thousand men, among them Phalangitai mostly, both native and Makedonian, plus a notable contingent of eleven thousand lightly armed soldiers from Africa and Arabia.

From the battle itself not much is left to us. It must have been winter, and the battlefield was apparently heavily forested. The Ptolemaioi don’t seem to have been able to properly orchestrate their attack, whereas the Makedones had nothing more to do than wait and fight back until the attack was over. Seemingly losses of the Makedones did not supersede 10%, with 75% being the respective percentage for the enemy. Lysimachos himself fell, but lots of the troops made it back to Edessa, also because the increasingly deep snow would have hampered the Makedonian cavalry in their pursuit.


https://img36.imageshack.us/img36/6031/85samosata01.jpg
The mountainous landscape near Samosata was deeply covered with snow.

https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/6452/85samosata06.jpg
Lysimachos shows no cowardice.

As scouts reported that a strong Ptolemaic army under the command of Alexandros Thraikikos, a very influential general at Ptolemaios’ court and possible next Pharaoh, was on the march further to the south of the Euphrates in Syria, Menelas decided it would be best to confront the strongest force of the enemy directly. Instead of wasting time with laying siege to Edessa, he circumvented the city, crossed the river into Syria further downstream and headed south.

The two armies met roughly 500 stadia (ca. 90km) south of the lake that forms the knee of the great river. In a similar distance lay the city of Thapsakos on its southern bank. The only sign of human presence at the later battlefield was an old estate surrounded by wheat fields that the Ptolemaioi had destroyed in the course of their foraging actions. For that reason, the battle should later become known as the Battle of Σιτοπεδιον (Sitopedion - grain field).

Menelas commanded roughly twenty eight thousand, amongst them 3,000 cavalry, Thessalikoi and Thraikioi; 11,000 Phalangitai; 3,000 Agrianes; 3,200 Thureophoroi; 2,800 Galatikoi Kuarothoroi; 1,200 Peltastai Makedonikoi; 1,300 Thraikioi Peltastai and 3,000 Toxotai Kretikoi. Thirty three thousand were marching with Alexandros: among them 5,000 Thureophoroi and Keltohellenikoi; 6,500 Thorakitai; 2,000 Nubian Spearmen; 1,600 Peltastai; 1,200 Galatian Fanatics and finally, more than 14,000 Phalangitai, among them 4,800 belonging to the especially reliable Klerouchikon Agema. In fact, Menelas’ officers recommended to “better search for a fortified position or avoid the battle, since the gods’ goodwill cannot be at all times with the Makedones.”

But Menelas was the wrong character for a withdrawal. The careful advice of his officers is reported to have outraged him. When the Makedonian scouts reported to their Strategos – still on the march – that Alexandros’ troops were nearby and “of best confidence,” he ordered to march at a faster pace to reach the enemy the next day with sunrise, in order to avoid the scorching heat of the Syrian summer. However, when the Makedones reached the old estate, it must have been already around 11AM, and Menelas’ men had been marching the whole night without resting.

Opposite the little hill on which the estate lay and upon establishing a line of sight with the enemy, Menelas ordered his men into battle formation and to rush forward, since the Ptolemaioi were already rushing forward themselves in order to occupy the higher ground. Although being exhausted, the Makedones partially reached the high ground before the enemy, but on the right flank came only second to their adversaries. As a consequence, the Ptolemaioi concentrated their heaviest troops, notably the Klerouchikon Agema, on the spot and forced Menelas to counter these with his Peltastai Makedonikoi.


https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/5642/86weizenfelder01.jpg
The Makedones rush in at Sitopedion.


In the meantime, Alexandros’ phalanx concentrated on the right half of Menelas’ phalanx, using the higher ground to their advantage and bringing the Makedones into great danger. The Makedonian left wing was meanwhile occupied by diversionary attacks of Thureophoroi and Peltastai. Menelas ordered the Agrianes to circumvent the right flank and attack the Ptolemaic Thorakitai from the back, whereas the Kretans were told to greet the foe with arrows on fire. Alas, neither the attack from behind nor the hail of missiles could break the morale of the enemy.


https://img41.imageshack.us/img41/3707/86weizenfelder02.jpg
The Ptolemaic Peltastai occupy the Makedones.

https://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2267/86weizenfelder03.jpg
The lines at approximately midday.

https://img43.imageshack.us/img43/7083/86weizenfelder04.jpg
Under arrow fire.

https://img103.imageshack.us/img103/9240/86weizenfelder05.jpg
The troops of Alexandros are greeted with fire.

https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4751/86weizenfelder06.jpg
At the right flank.

https://img41.imageshack.us/img41/3278/86weizenfelder08.jpg
Agrianikoi Pelekouphoroi charge in.


While the Makedones enveloped the Ptolemaic left, the diversionary attacks on the Makedonian left continued, and Alexandros’ phalanx was winning over Menelas’ Argyraspides. At this time, Menelas was forced to stake everything on one card: he ordered the Pezhetairoi on the left to attack with their swords, backed up by the Kretans who had spent all their arrows. At the same time, he led the cavalry around the right flank and charged the Ptolemaioi into their back.


https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/3280/86weizenfelder12.jpg
Thessalians and Thraikians in melee.


On the Makedonian left, Menelas’ order proved to work: the Peltastai and Thureophoroi were routed and cut down; but on the right, the Ptolemaioi proved to be of great spirit. The Makedonian Thureophoroi and even the Argyraspides were sent routing, and the Hippeis Thessalikoi and the Thraikioi Prodromoi had lost nearly all their stamina under the unforgiving sun. Fortunately, a Συνταγμαρχος (Syntagmarchos) of the Pezhetairoi got aware of the situation on the other side of the battlefield. He left the chase after the enemy routers to the Kretans and ordered his men to crack down on the Ptolemaioi from the last open side and thus surround them. Seeing that they were surrounded, and further that they had been abandoned by their leader, the enemy soldiers finally lost their spirit and were cut to pieces.


https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/2040/86weizenfelder11.jpg
The Kretans pursue lighter Ptolemaic troops on the Makedonian left.

https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/2669/86weizenfelder14.jpg
No quarter is given to the enemy.

https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/1753/86weizenfelder16.jpg
The harvest of death.


And so, Menelas had won the battle by late afternoon. Not only the enemy got cut to pieces, but great parts of his own army as well. No unit that hadn’t lost at least a third of its men. The numbers are left to us: four thousand wounded and ten thousand dead for the Makedones, and nearly thirty three thousand losses for the troops of Alexandros. With the massacre at Sitopedion, the spine of the Ptolemaioi in Syria was broken. Effective defence of the possessions in Mesopotamia was rendered impossible – the Ptolemaioi had to concentrate on regrouping forces to ensure the protection of their domains further to the south. The fate of the defeated Alexandros has also come down to us: he had taken the opposite direction and was confronted and killed at a small Syrian town called Beroea. Around the Hellenic world, the news of the battle caught the attention of everyone. So far the war between the Makedones and the Pharaoh had been like a series of skirmishes in comparison to Sitopedion – but now everyone knew that the war was much more serious and bitter than ever thought.

Menelas gathered his troops and marched north, crossing the river again, this time at Nikephorion, pushing aside a Ptolemaic contingent under Leontiskos Thraikikos, a relative of the very Alexandros whom Menelas had just defeated. He marched further north unto Edessa, and to the southeast of the polis, at a town called Karrhai, finally won over Leontiskos and the garrison of Edessa. The hardships suffered by Menelas’ men were so dire that the Makedonian Strategos could not prevent them from sacking the city and killing many of her inhabitants. After so much blood had seeped into the Syrian grain fields, torrents of blood had to run down the streets of Edessa.


https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/4651/86nikephorion04.jpg
At Nikephorion ("the victory-bringing").

https://img103.imageshack.us/img103/442/87karrhai07.jpg
At Karrhai, or Carrhae as the Romans would have called it.

Perseus’ and Euphamios’ Levantine Campaigns
The same year Menelas was celebrating his successes in Assyria, Euphamios, the son of Perseus and his mistress, landed in Seleukeia Pieria together with Neikon Sepieus. With the consent of his father, he gathered a notable army numbering well over twenty thousand men. The soldiers where from almost all corners of the Royal Possessions. There were Keltohellenikoi and Galathraikes, five thousand Greeks fighting both in the traditional Hoplite and in the new Iphikratean style, six thousand Celts and the same number of natives to Karia called Uazali. The cavalry consisted of lightly armed Greeks and Celts.

Euphamios had been assigned the task of advancing south and breaking the Ptolemaic resistance in Phoinike, where a sizeable enemy force was stationed to defend the region. East of the Phoinikian city of Byblos, Euphamios and Neikon encountered the army of Protarchos Thraikikos and his brother Dyktis, further members of the influential family that was in command of the whole Ptolemaic Levant. Their army consisted of roughly ten thousand Phalangitai, among them the Klerouchon Agema. The rest of eighteen thousand was made up of mostly Arabian levies, but also heavy Galatian infantry and the pharaonic βασιλικων αγημα (Basilikon Agema, the Royal Guard).

The armies met on a plain along the road that traversed the country from Antiocheia in the north to Sidon and further to Hierosolyma. The heavy Somatophylakes of the Thraikikos brothers charged early in, putting the Uazali on the Makedonian flanks under pressure, whereas the Phalanx was slowly advancing over the field until it eventually reached the line of the Makedones. Since the troops of Euphamios were for a great part lighter than these of Protarchos, the battle soon evolved into a mess which made it almost impossible to tell the two sides apart. The Ptolemaic phalanx dealt heavy casualties to the mercenaries on the Antigonid side.


https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/4375/87byblos02.jpg
Greek mercenaries in Makedonian service at Byblos.

https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/1449/87byblos07.jpg
The Karioi counter the attack of the Ptolemaic cavalry.

https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/5198/87byblos08.jpg
Galathraikes fight against the Basilikon Agema of the Pharaohs.

https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/9508/87byblos09.jpg
The battle in an aereal view.


Euphamios intended to envelop the enemy, but that could only be partly achieved. Over the time, the heavy cavalry of the Thraikikos brothers was exhausted though, and Protarchos eventually fell. Euphamios and Neikon gathered their Somatophylakes, circled around the flanks and delivered a charge into the back of the enemy phalanx. Seeing this, Dyktis decided the battle was lost and turned around to flee, taking with him the rest of his army. The lighter armed mercenaries could run faster than the heavy troops of the Ptolemaioi and thus slaughtered a lot of them on their flight to the south. Casualties of the day might have numbered almost thirty five thousand, among them seven thousand on Makedonian side.


https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/1345/87byblos11.jpg
Euphamios charges into the back of the enemy.

https://img36.imageshack.us/img36/3209/87byblos13.jpg
The Makedones pursue the routing soldiers.

After the dead and wounded were taken care of, Euphamios continued his march but did not came far, only to the town of Berytos were his path was blocked by eight thousand Arabian levy skirmishers. Dyktis Thraikikos joined these troops in a futile intent to halt the Makedonian advance. This time he could not save his life. Only 2,500 made their way back to Sidon, and Euphamios could easily capture the city after a brief siege.

At the time Euphamios was making his way from Seleukeia Pieria towards Sidon, his father and heir to the trone Perseus was advancing on a parallel route southward. The natives were shown the new power in the region, and potential Ptolemaic rest troops could be mopped up. End point of Perseus march was Damaskos, a city so ancient as the Egyptian civilisation. The city was protected by Themistagoras Thraikikos and no more than six thousand men who were easily overcome by professional killers like Perseus’ Thraikioi Rhomphaiaphoroi.


https://img103.imageshack.us/img103/3879/88damaskos05.jpg
Thraikioi Rhomphaiaphoroi in Damaskos.


This way, the areas of Kappadokia and Greater Syria had come under Makedonian influence in less than five years. Hundreds of thousands had died in this process. Pontos did not exist any more, but the Ptolemaioi were still strong. Palmyra was under the Ptolemaic yoke, and strong forces were already making their way from the Neilos to the north.The natives of Phoinike and Syria reeked their chance to make use of the political and military upheaval and turn it to their favour. In this situation of utmost tension, a herald reached Perseus in Damaskos and brought news from Makedonia: King Alkyoneus, already widely appended with the epithet Ασιοκρατωρ (Asiokrator, ruler over Asia), was dead.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Gah! That took me two hours to post!

I'm going on vacations, all comments will be answered in two weeks!

[Maion Maroneios]

:applause: :bow:

Once again, astonishing work. Love some of the pictures as well. Also, I hope you enjoy your vacations!

Maion

P.S.: Alkyoneus died while conquering Asia in your campaign as well? What a coincidence :beam:

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Just read it. Another good chapter.

I like the picture of the Ptolemaic standard bearer running away through the fallen.

Time for the era of a new Basileus. :2thumbsup:

[Horatius Flaccus]

Excellent chapter!

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thank you everybody. Your comments keep me doing this work. :yes:


:applause: :bow:

Once again, astonishing work. Love some of the pictures as well. Also, I hope you enjoy your vacations!

Maion

P.S.: Alkyoneus died while conquering Asia in your campaign as well? What a coincidence :beam:
Thank you Maion, I did enjoy my vacations very much indeed. Ιβεριαι γυναι καλλωτεραι... You get what I mean. ;)

I thought I'll do the battle of Sitopedion a bit more detailed than else because of its importance. Also I remember it better than other battles. :beam: Alkyoneus died at home in Pella, but yes, his main feat was the conquest of Asia.


Just read it. Another good chapter.

I like the picture of the Ptolemaic standard bearer running away through the fallen.

Time for the era of a new Basileus. :2thumbsup:
Thank you and I'm glad you're still following my campaign. :yes: Perseus will be an... ah I won't tell what kind of Basileus he will be...


Excellent chapter!
Thank you very much. :bow:

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

It's not dead! :egypt:

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Anabasis Perseos (230 – 212 BC)


Introduction – Reforms and Revolts

The news of his newly acquired kingship reached Perseus in Damaskos, the Syrian city even ancient to the natives of Aigyptos. The new Basileus is reported to have received the message calmly. He knew the day would come, and a bit different to his father’s ascension to the throne, there was no need for a pithy sign of power. His abilities as a leader were the best within the royal house, and most likely even in the whole Hellenic world, since Pyrrhos the Epeirote had passed already 42 years ago. In fact, Perseus had awaited this moment since the news of Prince Demetrios’ death reached him at the Akademia of Athenai, in 252 BC. And his officers and soldiers were content because the lord they were serving had made a great step upwards, which meant a step upwards for them as well.

Nevertheless, Perseus was well aware of the nobles and their ambitions at home in Makedonia and knew that he had to abandon his campaign for the time being. The decision was necessary but not easy, since things were far from settled out in the Levant. The Phoinikes and the Syrians were not on very good terms with their Hellenic overlords, and the Ptolemaioi were still nowhere near defeated. Alas, Perseus knew that the key to a successful reign lay with these whom he wanted to follow him – the nobles in Makedonia proper – and made his journey back to Pella.

Before he left, Perseus did three things concerning the future of the region: first, he purchased the region of Sophene from the Seleukides for 500 Talents of silver; second, he signed a treaty of non-aggression with the Arabian Sabeans; and third, he handed over the command of his army to Archilochos Thessalonikeus, who immediately marched to Palmyra, confronted the Ptolemaic forces under Sesmas Thraikikos and took the city with average effort. The Palmyrenes though felt no affection towards the Hellenes and instead inclined heavily towards the distant kingdom of the Sabeans.

https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/9963/88palmyra01.jpg

Archilochos Thessalonikeus deploys his troops in the desert west of Palmyra.


https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/7056/88palmyra06.jpg
Unknown soldier wearing the Thureophoros-gear.


As soon as Perseus had left, things destabilised quickly. The troops that had garrisoned Koile Syria guarded the land called Tadmor, and the ones in Phoinike were not strong enough to prevent the natives from revolting. In a surprise coup, the Phoinikes threw the Makedones out and declared themselves allied to the Pharaoh. In Sophene, Koile Syria and Palmyra riots reigned the streets, turning law and public order into a farce. When little time later the tyrant of Krete exhaled his last breath, even the remote island was not safe from upheaval, and many thousand inhabitants found their death until Leon, last son of Antigonos II. Epanidrytes, landed on their shores and installed a satrapy. Finally, the city of Damaskos too got rid of her garrison and allied with Theodoros of the Seleukides.

So Perseus good start quickly turned into a nightmare. When he arrived in Pella, he was greeted by discontent peasants. The nobles of upper Makedonia had taken the opportunity that the vacuum provided to seize the peasants’ possessions and turn their fertile land into Κληροι (Kleroi), large domains that served no other purpose than to earn the aristocrats a luxurious living. The King was in a dilemma: The land-owning peasants made up the bulk of his Pezhetairoi, but on the other hand he needed the nobles’ support in the Κοινον Μακεδονων (the Koinon Makedonon, the General Assembly of the Makedones). Perseus needed the formal acclamation at home as much as that of the army, so he saw himself unable to do anything against the land robbery.

The fact that Damaskos searched the protection of the Seleukides had two consequences: first, a war with the Seleukides; and second, the break-up of the alliances with the Sabeans and the Romans who had been both allied to King Theodoros. Perseus immediately sent envoys to address the first and most important consequence. At first to the Armenians, whom he paid 2,000 Talents of silver [120,000 Mnai or 54 tons] to wage war against the Seleukides; and second to Theodoros, who happily agreed to give back Damaskos, since he was not interested in getting involved in Syrian affairs when he had to repel an Armenian invasion at the same time!

In Tadmor, the natives finally managed to throw Archilochos and his army out and declared themselves part of the “Sabean League of Arabia”. The Palmyrenes could summon 24,000 men that were armed with clubs, stones and all kind of household interior they could steel from their previous owners. Archilochos could regroup his army within a day, surrounded the unwalled city and let his soldiers loose. What followed was the bloodiest day in the history of Palmyra so far: the Makedones killed every man able to hold a stick, looted, raped and pillaged everyone and everything.

https://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4079/89palmyra04.jpg

The Thraikians take revenge.



To appease the populace, Perseus issued some changes in government: the Epeirotes, who had never sought liberty or unrest, were tied closer to the Makedonian state. As a reward for their loyalty, he declared the petty kingdoms of the Epeirote and Illyrian tribes part of the Makedonian fatherland. The Epeirotes were content, for they were granted full citizen rights, but the Makedonian nobles were not, for they feared the competition. Palmyra was allowed to exist as a client kingdom, and Koile Syria was granted the same government as it was within the Seleukid Empire. To the elders of Damaskos it was not important if they lived in a Σατραπεια Ημιαυτονομος (a semi-autonomous Satrapy) within the empire of Pella or that of Sousa. When it turned out that the Sabeans weren’t interested in Palmyra at all but happy to revert to peaceful terms with Makedonia, Perseus was able to breathe freely for the first time since more than a year.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Nice chapter. Time to solidify power and pass reforms. Seems to be the beginning of a very interesting period in your alternate history.

[Chaotix]

Great AAR, Centurio! :2thumbsup:

Just read the whole thing from start to finish.

Do you think you can post another one of those blown-up maps that shows the state of the Makedonian kingdom and its protectorates with the next update?

[Vasiliyi]

Nice work, Just read the last couple of chapters. Im really enjoying the maps of troop movements. Its really entertaining. I also liked all the turmoil in the Levant that you've had. Looking forward to more. :book:

[satalexton]

Brilliant, Strength and Truth to Father Makedonia!!!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thank you very much for following. Your comments are very much appreciated. :bow:


Do you think you can post another one of those blown-up maps that shows the state of the Makedonian kingdom and its protectorates with the next update?
I wanted to include a map, but I decided to delay it for the next chapter, since it will show the state of the kingdom in one or two years. I think the next update will probably have to feature two maps then. :sweatdrop:

[Skullheadhq]

Don't let this die, Centurio, I enjoyed it.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thank you for you interest (and patience), atm it's the amount of maps I'd have to draw and not so much the text. In any case, you can't expect more than one map per update. :sweatdrop: :shame:

[Christianus]

Waiting for the domination to spread:p

[Hippotoxōtœ]

Centurio,

Where do you get those fabulous campaign relief maps, if you don't mind sharing?? I'd really
like to have the basic relief maps for my project.

Michael

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

I feel so humbled that ppl still think about the Anabaseis. Thank you and I really want to add a few more chapters, but it's a lot of work and I have like ten things on my agenda atm.

The relief maps are from http://www.maps-for-free.com/. I brighten them up a bit and often combine several maps for the optimum result.

[Hippotoxōtœ]

Thanks Centurio,


Those maps are exactly what I have been looking for and finally found.

And this is one amazing and idea-inspiring thread..


Michael C

[Horatius Flaccus]

It would be great to see another chapter, but RL always goes first!

[Brave Brave Sir Robin]

Any chance you will continue this? This was the first AAR I actually found myself getting into.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thank you for your interest in my story. I don't know if I will continue, since it's a hell lot of work to do. But personally I feel still attached to my campaign, despite having abandoned it for some time now. And also I'm writing a book atm...

[paullus]

Hey, just read through some of your last posts. I like the style and it looks like Sitopedion was one heck of a battle!

[Poulp']

Great AAR, I love those maps.
thanks for the link, I'll be sure to use them.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thank you.

Yes, Sitiopedion was extremely tense.