View Full Version : The Line of Ptolemy
The Line of Ptolemaios
An EB Ahistorical Ptolemaioi AAR
Important Characters as of Spring 259 BCE
The Ptolemaic Line - The descendents of Ptolemy I Soter, the royal bloodline of the Ptolemaioi, true Makedons.
Ptolemaios II Philadelphos ~ Youngest son of Ptolemaios I Soter and ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom.
Meleagros ~ Middle son of Ptolemy I Soter, brother to Ptolemaios II.
Euergetes ~ Oldest son of Ptolemaios II Philadelphos and heir to the Throne of the Ptolemaic Kingdom.
Lysimachos~ Son of Ptolemaios II and brother to the heir apparent Euergetes
Berenike ~ Daughter of Ptolemaios II
Terpnos ~ Son of Meleagros
Eirene ~ Daughter of Ptolemaios I.
Lysandra ~ Daughter of Ptolemaios I.
Herib ~ Daughter of Meleagros. Born 271 BC
Thermouthis ~ Daughter of Ptolemaios II. Born 270 BC
Hermias ~ Son of Meleagros. Born 268 BC
Kallippos ~ Son of Meleagros. Born 266 BC
Tasion ~ Wife of Lysimachos
Eubiota ~ Daughter of Lysimachos and Tasion, born 263 BC.
Niko ~ Wife of Euergetes.
Charias ~ Son of Euergetes and Niko, born 261 BC.
The Kypriakos Family
Eunostos Kypriakos ~ Brother-in-law of Ptolemaios II and married to Eirene. Died Peacefully 271 BC
Philotera ~ Daughter of Eunostos and Eirene
The Thraikikos - True Makedons and have a strong claim to the throne of the Ptolemaic Kingdom should the Ptolemaic line be ended
Agathokles ~ Married to Lysandra, brother-in-law to Ptolemaios II. Died Peacefully 270 BC
Alexandros ~ Son of Agothokles and Lysandra
Leontiskaos ~ Son of Agothokles and Lysandra
Kleopatra ~ Daughter of Agathokles and Lysandra
Hedeia ~ Daughter of Leontiskas. Born 270 BC
Pothine ~ Daughter of Leontiskos. Born 266 BC
Nefertiti ~ Wife of Alexandros
Phanagoras ~ Son of Alexandros and Nefertiti, born 261 BC.
Tyrphanai ~ Daughter of Leontiskos, born 260 BC.
The Salaminios - Kyprios, have small claim to the throne in the event of the extinction of the Ptolemic Dynasty, due to Menelaos being married to a grand-daughter of Ptolemaios I.
Menelaos ~ Married to Philotera, son-in-law of Eunostos. Died Peacefully 271 BC.
Artakama ~ Daughter of Menelaos and Philotera
Ptolemais ~ Daughter of Menelaos and Philotera
The Soter - Aigyptios, married into the Salaminios family.
Karpion Soter ~ Married to Ptolemais, son-in-law of Menelaos. Dioiketes from 270 BC until his death in 261 BC.
Theoxena ~ Daughter of Karpion and Ptolemais, born 270.
Sophanes ~ Son of Karpion and Ptolemais, born 268 BC.
Diogenis ~ Daughter of Karpion and Ptolemais, born 266 BC.
Aristonike ~ Daughter of Karpion and Ptolemais, born 264 BC.
The Philoterios - Makedones, married into the Salaminios Family.
Sosandros Philoterios ~ Married to Artakama, son-in-law of Menelaos.
Stasikrates ~ Son of Sosandros and Artakama. Born 270
Teiseas ~ Son of Sosandros and Artakama, born 264.
Zenon ~ Son of Sosandris and Artakama, born 262.
Kleaineth ~ Daughter of Sosandros and Artakama, born 260 BC.
The Andriakeios- Married into the Ptolemaios family. Have reasonably strong claim to the throne.
Pyrrhos Andriakeios ~ Married to Berenike, son-in-law of Ptolemaios II .
Stratonike ~ Daughter of Pyrrhos and Berenike, born 262 BC.
Chairas ~ Son of Pyrrhos and Berenike, born 260 BC
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This post will be updated as new family members are born and old ones die. This is through my personal choice as I sometimes lose track of all the names in some of the lengthier AAR's.
The AAR itself will be told in the form of a history book. With occasional references from memoirs.
Although it is Ahistorical I will not be blitzing the map. I have made a few house rules to help me here:
~ No retraining of units (unless they have no chevrons of experience)
~ Captains cannot lead armies
Any and all comments will be greatly appreciated, as will CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, if you notice I have made a mistake with translations or the spelling of words don't hesitate to mention.
The first chapter will probably be up in the next few days.
Cheers, Roka
Chapter I ~The Best Laid Plans
In the 11th year of the reign of Ptolemaos II (272 BC), the Ptolemaioi were involved in the First Syrian War. Ptolemaios II, hoping to conquer the city of Damaskos starting building up a Royal Army. However the fates soon threw a spanner into the works.
In the winter of this year Diospolis-Magale (Thebes) was attacked by local dissidents, Ptolemaios sent word to his nephew Leontiskas Thraikikos in Pselkis to move to reinforce the embattled Meleagros. However Meleagros was impatient and decided to sally to meet the foe. Very little is known about the battle except that the Ptolemaic forces were victorious and that the Rebels were ruthlessly crushed.
Preparations for the march to Damskos continued undisturbed by the rebellion to the south and in the late autumn of 271 BC Ptolemaios led his army East out of Aigyptos expecting to be reinforcied in Ioudeia. He did not get far however as news soon reached him that the Kyrenaioi led by Philon have attacked the western border town of Paraitonion. Ptolemaios II ordered his troops to march towards Paratainon instead. Stopping off at Alexandria to be reinforced by a unit of Thureophoroi (Spearmen).
In the spring of 270 BC Philon of Kyrene succesfully attacks the Ptolemaic forces in Paraitonion. Very little is known about the battle except that the gates were apparently thrown open by collaborators and the garrison swiftly defeated. Philon is said to have shown mercy to the people of Paraitonion. By autumn Ptolemaios II was on the borders of Marmarike and encountered army of Philon. In late autumn a relatively large battle was fought and, as a member of the Pezhetairoi Phillipos wrote, Ptolemaios was victorious.
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"As the army approached Marmarike the scouts reported that an army of lesser numbers than ours was waiting in the hills. Ptolemaios immediately rode out on his horse to survey the enemy position by himself. He returned late at night and called the officers to his command tent. Early the next morning the battle plan was relayed to us, we would try and dislodge the enemy from the high ground using the Toxotoi, however if that was unsuccessful the army would meet them on the hill. Naturally the Pezhetairoi would bear the brunt of the fighting, attacking the enemy Phalangitai in the centre.
By afternoon we had marched to within sight of the enemy and it was apparent to all but the fools in the army that Philon had chosen his ground extremely well. His army was drawn up on the steepest hill in the area. The Toxotoi advanced to pepper the enemy Phalanx with arrows, however the stubborn enemy would not move, so the Basileus sent the Machimoi Hippeis out to the left preparing for a flanking maneuver whilst the main body of infantry advanced towards the waiting enemy lines. The enemy waited unmoving as we slowly ascended the hill. Philon however was a crafty general and all of a sudden the air was filled with javelins as Akontistatai rushed from the midst of the Phalanx firing two volleys at us before retreating to the safety of the rear once more.
A typical battle ensued with the an almighty crash as the two armies collided, slowly grinding each other down. At the time i was wondering were the Hippeis were, but i found out later that they were involved in a desperate fight with the enemy general and his bodyguard of Machimoi on the flank. Up and down the line the battle seemed to be going badly until Ptolemaios himself drove Philon from the field and was able to flank the enemy Phalanx. Rolling up the line from their right flank whilst the Machimoi chased down any fleeing enemies. Only Philon and his bodyguard were able to escape the battle.
Soon after the battle word reached us that Ptolemaios II has another child, a girl named Thermouthis."
Although the testimony of one man is always subject to bias, his account fo the battle seems plausible as Ptolemaios was forced to halt his advance and await reinforcement from his 16 year old son Euergetes in the Spring. In the summer Ptolemaios besieges Paraitonion and offers the unconditional surrender of Philon in exchange for the lives of him and his men. A single javelin launched over the towns walls is the only answer. By the time autumn arrives Paraitonion is back in Ptolemaic hands. Ptolemaios III wrote about the battle later:
"It was to be my first battle and also the first time I killed a man. The plan was simple, the Thureophoroi were to batter down the gates and proceed to the centre of the town, killing anyone who resisted. Mean while me and my father would follow close behind at the head of the cavalry.
I will admit to feeling nervous as the gates opened with a crash and I am ashamed to say I let out a sigh of relief when the gap was not filled with screaming enemies. The Thureophoroi quickly advanced into the town but met no resistance until they reached the main square.
My father led his cavlary force round to flank the enemy whilst I charged straight towards the enemy general, who was already engaged with the Thureophoroi. The noise was deafening as we clashed with the embattled Machimoi Hippeis. I killed the first man I encountered with a thrust of my Xyston to the chest, my teachers would have been proud. Soon after I entered the fray my father attacked the enemy from the rear bringing the battle to a close as the enemy were slaughtered. Philon refused to surrender and instead of allowing himself to be captured threw himself onto the spears of the Thureophoroi."
After the battle Ptolemaios sent an emmisary to the Kyrenaioi, offering a ceasefire in exchange for gold. They quickly accepted and Ptolemaios II went about rebuilding the town of Paraitonion. It is wondered whether Ptolemaios would have attacked the Kyrenaioi anyway as it is believed that he did not fully believe his Karthadastim allies and wanted a buffer state between them and he.
Other events in the Ptolemaic kingdom in this time:~
Eunostos Kypriakos dies in the Spring of 271
Herib, daughter of Meleagros is born in Autumn 271
In the winter, Karpion Soter marries Ptolemais, daughter of Menelaos and Philotera. However Menelaos dies mere weeks after the wedding of his daughter.
In the Spring of 270 BC, Sosandros Philoterios marries Menelaos' other daughter Artakama.
The town of Side manages to repel an attack by the Arche Seleukeia in the Autumn of this year.
As winter descends on the land, Agathokles Thraikikos dies around the same time his first grandchild Hedeia is born to his son Leontiskos. Stasikrates Philoterios is also born. As is Theoxena, daughter of the newly appointed Dioiketes (Minister of Finacne) Karpion Soter.
In the new year, Euergetes oldest son of Ptolemaios II comes of age and immediately joins his father on campaign before returning to Alexandria for further education after the battle for Paraitonion.
Admiral Naukrates defeats a Seleukid fleet off the coast of Iuodeia and proceeds to blocakde Antiochus in the summer of 269. Trade rights are also agreed with the Sabeans around this time.
As the trees shed their leaves a Hellen named Erasiphon Sebennytios marries Kleopatra.
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Sorry for the lack of screenshots, the next chapters will be full of them, I promise.
First post has been edited.
Vasiliyi
08-02-2009, 19:47
Good start, your battle descriptions are well written. Ill be following this one.
Horatius Flaccus
08-03-2009, 11:44
Indeed a good start! Nice to see that you picked up my idea.
Some more screenshots would be appreciated, though.
Indeed a good start! Nice to see that you picked up my idea.
Some more screenshots would be appreciated, though.
yeah i've got a few screenshots sorted for the next chapter
i was pressing the wrong button to take screenies :oops:
johnhughthom
08-03-2009, 20:50
i was pressing the wrong button to take screenies :oops:
Just remember to turn anti-aliasing off if you are just using the printscreen button. Good luck with the AAR.:2thumbsup:
Chapter II
The Road to Damaskos?
268 BC – 264 BC
In the 15th year since Ptolemaios II Philadelphos came to the throne of Aigyptos, the First Syrian War, was yet to really kick off. Only one land battle had been fought directly between the Ptolemaioi and their Seleukid rivals (near Side in 270 BC) with the Ptolemaic force victorious against a numerically superior foe. It is widely believed however that the attack on Paraitonion by the Kyrenaioi was financed by Antiochos I, but since there was no Seleukid forces in the battle it cannot be counted as a battle in the war.
Around the same time that Meleagros' second son, Hermias, was born the Karthadastim attacked Kyrene. An enraged Philadelphos sent an emissary to the Karthadastim force attacking the city threatening them with war if they did not return to their own lands. The emissary returned to Alexandria with a guarantee that as long as Ptolemaios counted the Kyrenaioi a friend they would not attack. Things seemed to go back to normal between the two African super-powers however, with retrospect, relations were strained from this point onwards.
In the winter of 268, Admiral Naukrates surprised a group of particularly troublesome pirates in the North Sea and completely decimated their fleet. Taking the leader captive to be drowned in the Nile.
The year of 268 BC was a quiet year for the period with Ptolemaios delaying his renewed campaign to Damaskos in light of recent developments with the Karthadastim.
After making sure that his ultimatum was accepted he resumed his journey to Damaskos this time using his naval superiority of the region to transport his army to Ioudeia where it would be reinforced by 8000 local spearmen. Philadelpos was finally able to besiege Damaskos in the Spring of 266 BC almost five years after he first began his march to the Seleukid town. His second son Lysimachos comes of age around this time and begins further education in Alexandria.
For a full year Ptolemaios camped outside Damaskos unwilling to assault the walls yet unable to draw the garrison out from behind them. The only time Philadelphos left the countryside surrounding Damaskos was in the autumn of that first year when he attended his son Lysimachos' wedding.
By the following Spring the Ptolemaic army was getting restless and Ptolemaios new he would either have to attack soon or else lift the siege and return to Ioudeia. This decision was made for him when his scouts reported a large army almost over 20,000 strong coming to relieve Damaskos. Including the army inside the city which numbered 14,000 he would be outnumbered by 2-1. With another army marching from Antiocheia towards Sidon battling a numerically superior force then marching to fight another army would not be a good strategy. He lifted the siege on Damaskos and marched north to engage the army to the north of Sidon. Surprisingly neither the relief force led by Seron Themisoniou Phrygikou nor the garrison of Damaskos pursued. Once again Phillipos, member of the Pezheiteroi, provides the most credible account of the battle:
“As we marched towards the enemy, Ptolemaios noticed an ideal position to take, close to Mount Lebanon. To engage us the enemy would have to travel up a slight slope with almost no cover, it was also ideal as there was forested areas to the right of our position which we could hide our reserves in.
The next day the army awoke to the news that the enemy would reach us by afternoon. This gave us plenty of time to prepare. The plan was simple let the enemy march in the open ground while our Toxotoi rained arrows upon them, then allow them to exhaust themselves on the points of our Sarissas.
Around midday a rumor spread around the camp that our reinforcements from Sidon would not arrive in time. The Ioudaioi Taxeis, mostly inexperienced men seemed to take this news as a bad omen, but luckily they had very little to ponder this and let their imaginations run wild as the enemy emerged from the forest at the foot of the hill we were positioned on, in the typical style, all the Phalangitai in the There was also a unit of Prodromoi on our left flank, with 800 Ioudaioi Taxeis and 1600 Thureophoroi in the woods on our right. All too soon the enemy came within range of the Toxotoi and the air was filled with burning arrows.
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In the centre of the enemy line was a unit of Argyraspides. We may outnumber them but the enemy army's core was made up of these elites. Ptolemaios must have noticed them too for the order was given to direct all fire upon these men. The enemy advanced under fire from our archers who inflicted minimal damage. The Ioudaioi Taxeis in the first line were ordered to fire upon the enemy as soon as they came within range. The man to my left Alexios had disclosed to me at the camp fire the night before that he had some doubt about the loyalty of the Ioudaioi as the enemy had a few thousand of their countrymen in it. His fears were for naught however as a hail of javelins slammed into the enemy Ioudaioi Taxeis.
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The enemy general ordered his army to halt just out of reach of our Sarissas, it would seem they were going to try and tease us down the slope. They launched volley after volley at our line but still we stood fast. The man in front of me whose name, to my eternal shame, I cannot recall was hit in the chest by a javelin. Without hesitation I stepped into the space once occupied by him, as he was dragged to the back of the Phalanx.
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Seeing that we would not give up the high ground without a fight the enemy advanced once again. My unit and the unit to our left would attempt to halt the enemy Argyraspides, no easy task. The battle in the centre was even for the next few hours until the unthinkable happened. The Argyraspides fearing being flanked broke. Seemingly without shame they turned their banks on our phalanx and ran back the way they came. Leaving their leader alone, surrounded and outnumbered.
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The battle soon drew to a close. Fugitives from the enemy army being hunted down well into the night. The battle was a great victory by anyone's standards, hardly any of the Greeks on our side died, the Ioudaioi Taxeis bearing the brunt of the casualties. These men fought well in this battle. For barbaroi.”
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With this victory Ptolemaios II had a clear road to Antiocheia, which was left virtually undefended. Many of its garrison lying dead in the hills of Phoenicia. Ptolemaios immediately moved his army towards the western capital of the Arche Seluekia, arriving at the beginning of winter.
Time line of this period:
268 BC
Summer ~ Hermias Ptolemaios, son of Meleagros Ptolemaios is born.
Autumn ~ Kyrene attacked by an army of Karthadastim
~ Sophanes Soter, son of Karpion Soter is born
Winter ~ Admiral Naukrates defeats pirates in the Red Sea
267 BC
Summer ~ Eirene, sister of Ptolemaios II dies
~ Ptolemaios resumes his planned invasion of Damaskos
266 BC
Spring ~ Lysimachos Ptolemaios, son of Ptolemaios II comes of age.
~ Ptolemaios II besieges Damaskos
Summer ~ Pothine, daughter of Leontiskos is born.
~ Kallippos, 3rd son of Meleagros is born
Autumn ~ Lysimachos marries Tasion
~ Deogenis daughter of Karpion Soter born
265 BC
Spring ~ Ptolemaios retreats before a numerically superior Seleukid army, led by Seron Themisoniou Phrygikou.
Summer ~ Philadelphos moves his army north to counter a Seleukid army marching south from
Antiocheia
~ Ptolemaios II defeats a Seleukid army in Phoenicia
Winter ~ Ptolemaios II besieges Antiocheia.
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The Known World at the end of 265 BC
Horatius Flaccus
08-04-2009, 09:21
Great! I really like the screenshots you have used!
Great! I really like the screenshots you have used!
Thanks, I'm pretty pleased with the quality of them as well.
I take a ton of screenshots during battles and a lot don't make the cut so to speak, not necessarily since they aren't good enough but often they don't fit into the narrative.
There won't be an update of this for a week at least as I have exams this week and next week. Just taking a little break from studying just now.
The pace at which the first two chapters were fired out is probably because I really hate studying and it was a welcome alternative.
Vasiliyi
08-06-2009, 08:36
Excellent work Roka. Your screenshots are good, aswell as your narrative of the battles.
I also like the way things are listed in chronological order, as its short enough to read but infromative.
Let us hope that you won't study much. :clown:
Excellent work Roka. Your screenshots are good, aswell as your narrative of the battles.
I also like the way things are listed in chronological order, as its short enough to read but infromative.
Let us hope that you won't study much. :clown:
the next chapter will be up in a few hours time
thought my exam was today but it's actually saturday, that's right, saturday :no:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
08-06-2009, 21:35
I've been lurking this thread since you started. There hasn't been a Ptolemaic AAR since Chirgeon's. But, I just wanted to stop by and say good start. I'm interested to see this progress.
Skullheadhq
08-09-2009, 11:55
Ah, I was planning on a Ptollie AAR as well, in the viewpoint of the pharao's sister-wife, but you beated me, so I guess I've to find another faction, maybe I'll do Sauromatae or Rhomaioi. Well if you need some help with greek words, you can always PM me. Good luck with this AAR, I hope it will be as good (or better) then Chiurgeon's. And you already have a good start.
-Skullheadhq
Chapter III
The Peak of the First Syrian War
264 – 262 BC
As the 19th year of his reign began, Ptolemaios II was encamped in the countryside surrounding Antiocheia. The citizens repeatedly refused Ptolemaios' demands for their surrender, trusting in the reinforcement armies that they had been promised would arrive in the summer. The approach of these armies was also known to Philadelphos however and not wanting to face an attack from two fronts decided to take Antiocheia by force. In early spring he ordered his men to attack. Vastly outnumbered the beleaguered defenders fought bravely until the walls were taken and they were driven back to the centre of the city. Ptolemaios again offered mercy in exchange for the surrender of all Seleukid forces in the city. The Seleukid commander, a man named Kendebaios refused this surrender outright. Ptolemaios was enraged he ordered all forces into the city and prepared to wipe the garrison out, promising to kill every man bearing arms against him. The attack never proceeded however as the remaining Seleukid soldiers threw down their weapons and forcefully restrained their commander. Ptolemaios again showed mercy to the people and even to the soldiers, promising them their freedom once all Seleukid forces in Syria had been dealt with.
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Whilst his father was fighting in Syria, Euergetes arrived in the city of Sidon, ready to take
up the governorship of Phoenicia. He had finished his studies the previous year and his father had entrusted him with this province which bordered the Seleukid region of Koile-Syria. This would be the first of many test Ptolemaios laid down for his sons to decide who would become the ruler of his Kingdom after his death.
As the season changed, Seron Themisoniou Phrygikou arrived at Antiocheia to find it under the control of the Ptolemaioi. As he moved to besiege the gates opened and Ptolemios' army started marshalling. It is widely believed that the presence of a second Seleukid army marching from the north greatly influenced Ptoleamaios' decision to sally. A citizen of Antiocheia recorded the battle.
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“My name is Simon. I am Ioudaioi. I moved to this city a year ago seeking to increase my family's fortune in the great market of Antiocheia. Since I came here however the city has been twice besieged by the two sides fighting in this war. It matters little to me who rules the city. Although this Ptolemaios seems to be a fair man and has even promised us a local ruler. The word in the market this morning was that the Seleukid general was enraged by how the city capitulated to Ptolemaios' army.
Today there was a great battle in the plain outside the city, most of the citzens, including myself, took to the walls to spectate. We were soon joined by some soldiers bearing bows however as Ptolemaios moved his army through the great gates of the city.
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I was unimpressed by how long it took this Ptolemaios to organise his army into something resembling a battle line. I was formerly a mercenary in the city of Halikanarssos so I know a little about battle. Fortunately for the king however his enemy was hesitant to attack his disorganised army in the shadow of the walls. Eventually the line was formed and the army advanced to the waiting Seleukid line.
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As the distance between the two armies closed the Toxotai on the walls fired volley after volley. Soon the armies were staring at each other from just out of javelin range. The Seleukid general sent his cavalry to attack the Ioudaioi on the right flank. Whilst the centre came under missile attack.
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My countrymen held fast however and soon the cavalry was driven off. Soon they were subjected to attack from units of other Ioudaioi and Pantodapoi as Phrygikou desperately tried to break through the line. He sent more and more units into the fray trying to find a weakspot, all they find however was death as the Ioudaioi showed their worth.
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With his right flank engaged, Ptoleamaios ordered his left and centre to engage the rest of the enemy line.
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The battle was a stalemate for the next hour or so, until Ptolemaios himself was able to flank the enemy army, driving off Phrygikou and the rest of his cavalry then charging into the rear of the Seleukid phalanx. Soon the entire army was in full rout.”
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With this victory Ptolemaios proved that he was as able a general as his father before him. Following the battle he exited the city and marched his army to the north. Leaving a man from the local nobility as ruler in his stead. This man, Antigenes Kleopatrites, would be the semi-autonomous ruler of Syria.
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For the rest of the year Ptolemaios guarded the main road to Antiocheia, a bridge over the Euphrates to the north. No attack came however as the Seleukid forces obviously made wary by the victory outside Antiocheia earlier in the year. During this time Ptolemaios' army was reinforced. Some Toxotai Kretikoi (Kretan archers) were also recruited. These men were renowned for their abilities and highly sought after by all the major Mediterranien powers.
As the 20th year of Ptolemaios II Philadelphos dawned, his first grand-child was born. A girl by the name of Eubiota. Her father Lysimachos was still in Alexandria finishing his education at this time. Berenike, daughter of Philadelphos also married a man named Pyrrhos Andriakeios. However not all was good news for Ptolemaios in this year. A Seleukid army had managed to sneak by his force during the night and was now approaching Koile-Syria. Ptolemaios moved to engage this army. Phillipos once again told his experiences of the battle.
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“We were camped to the north of Antiocheia guarding the river crossing when worded reached us that there was a Seleukid force to the south-east. Soon we were in pursuit of this army, the Basileus driving us hard as we tried to make up the ground the enemy had gained on us during the night. Realising we would catch them the enemy general turned to fight. He must have been confident in his numerical superiority, but we were being led by a great general. On the eve of the battle, Ptolemaios' son-in-law joined our force at the head of 1000 Prodromoi.
The next day battle was joined. Our force waited patiently on the enemy to advance but they seemed content to wait for us at the extreme range of our Toxotai.
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After a few volleys the order to advance was sounded, the terrain made it difficult for us to keep a cohesive formation. The enemy were obviously eager to die however as they too advanced. Trying to probe our line for weakness. Battle was joined on our left and in the centre. Two things made me think the enemy general was a fool. Firstly he had left the majority of his army in reserve and secondly he had strayed to within range of our Toxotai. Volley after volley rained down around him, slaying many of his bodyguard and wounding him.
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In the centre the fighting was fairly routine and the enemy were soon retreating. However on the left the enemy were proving to be a tougher. Amongst those fighting against our forces here were a contingent of men fighting in the old Hoplitai style. They were holding back the Ioudaioi with ease until the Galatikoi flanked them and drove them from the field.
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With this initial encounter resolved we once again advanced on the enemy. This time the enemy general ordered his full force to face us and our full line was engaged in fighting. On our left our Galaikoi came up against some of their own kind.
http://i30.tinypic.com/2nly2s6.jpg
The fighting was hard in the centre as were up against enemy Phalangitai. But on the left the fight was going much better. The Galakitoi were able to drive their foe away then they started moving towards the centre ready to flank the Babylonian Spearmen who were causing our Thureophoroi such a problem. As this was happening the Gallic mercenaries fighting our forces on the right were also driven away, allowing Pyrrhos to lead his cavalry round to the flank of the enemy formation in an attempt to bring the enemy cavalry into a fight. They never took the bait however, instead choosing to commit all forces to the fight in the centre, including their cavalry.
https://i25.tinypic.com/29ppykw.jpg
This charge caused us minor problems but soon it was halted and Pyrrhos began moving his cavalry into the centre to flank the enemy phalanx. But he was halted by the enemies Gallic cavalry
http://i31.tinypic.com/16k58iw.jpg
With the majority of his force retreating the enemy general fled the field. Pursued by Pyrrhos and his cavalry. The enemy camp was captured after the battle and Ptolemaios shared the spoils with the men. He is known to be a generous man.
https://i28.tinypic.com/294gy6q.jpg
With all Seleukid forces in Syria defeated, Ptolemaios was able to free the prisoners in Antiocheia as promised, he also returns the army to its previous position, guarding the river crossing to the north of the city.
Timeline of this period:
264 BC
Spring ~ Aristonike, 3rd daughter of Karpion Soter is born.
~ Euergetes moves to Sidon
~ Antiocheia surrenders to Ptolemaios II
Summer ~ Ptolemaios defeats Seron Thermisoniou Phrygikou outside Antiocheia
Winter ~ Teiseas Philoterias is born.
~ Antigenes Kleopatrites named ruler of Syria.
263 BC
Spring ~ Alexandros Thraikikos marries Nefertiti
~ Eubiota, daughter of Lysimachos born.
Summer ~ Pyrrhos Andriakeios marries Berenike.
~ Ptolemaios II defeats a Seleukid force led by Hermokrates Iopoleod Syriakes.
Winter ~ Euergetes marries Niko.
The known world 262 BC:
http://i30.tinypic.com/91cn0k.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry about the delay guys
Molinaargh
08-13-2009, 02:29
Well done, I'm liking it!
Horatius Flaccus
08-14-2009, 19:30
Fantastic update, can't wait for the next one!
Vasiliyi
08-14-2009, 19:31
Nice work. I meant to comment earlier, but I forgot. I find a ptolemic aar is a refreshing poinyt of view, as I've never really played as them, (I play AS instead). Anyways, I hope you update soon.
johnhughthom
08-14-2009, 22:10
Sorry about the delay guys
I don't think anybody minds a delay when the updates are so good. That looks like a well organised AS army you came up against, which .exe are you using? Any formation mods?
Well done, I'm liking it!
Thanks, I'm really enjoying the campaign myself, never played as the Ptolies before.
Fantastic update, can't wait for the next one!
I'm not sure when the next update will be, the domestic football season starts tomorrow so I imagine i'll be pretty drunk this time tomorrow.
Nice work. I meant to comment earlier, but I forgot. I find a ptolemic aar is a refreshing poinyt of view, as I've never really played as them, (I play AS instead). Anyways, I hope you update soon.
Yeah, i usually play as AS or Makedonia myself. Never played the Ptolies before starting this AAR, but the tactics etc. are pretty similar so the learning curve wasn't too steep.
I don't think anybody minds a delay when the updates are so good. That looks like a well organised AS army you came up against, which .exe are you using? Any formation mods?
I'm using Alex.exe and i'm also using the mini-mod pack, i'm pretty sure there's a formations mod in that.
@ everyone, thanks for the comments, they are all appreciated
Hi everyone, sorry for the long period of inactivity, RL has thrown a couple of spanners into the works and lately have found it hard to motivate myself to do anything nevermind update my AAR.
After a few weeks and copious amounts of alcohol I will be continuing this at some point over the next few days.
Thanks for reading, Roka.
Horatius Flaccus
09-23-2009, 15:57
Take your time, but please continue this!
Chapter IV
The End of the First Syrian War
262-260 BC
As the 21st year of Ptolemaios II's reign begins (262 BC) the Basileus/Pharaoh is preparing his army to march on Damaskos for the 3rd time, hoping to finally bring it under his control. His daughter Berenike, wife of his trusted general Pyrrhos Andriakeios, gave birth to a girl named Stratonike. According to popular belief the invasion of Koile-Syria was delayed for a year so that Pyrrhos could spend time with his first-born child. The rest of the year was spent in Syria with occasional raids being launched into the neighbouring Seleukid province.
As his 22nd year as Basileus began Ptolemaios was ready to march on Damaskos for the third and final time. However a spanner was thrown in the works once again when Karpion Soter, governor of Alexandreia and Dioiketes of the Ptolemaic Kingdom died. This left Philadelphos with a difficult decision to make. Should he appoint another man as governor of Alexandreia which would also mean he would be practically running the kingdom? Or should he appoint another man as leader of the expedition to Damaskos? Eventually he decided that his son Lysimachos should govern Alexandreia, also making him the Satrap of Aigyptoiu. With this obstacle overcame the invasion of Koile-Syria could commence.
Ptolemaios marched his army into Koile-Syria in late autumn, but was unable to draw the Seleukid forces into battle until winter when he faced the combined armies of Seron Thermisonou Pheygikou and Kallimandros Kybiosaktes. A Ptolemaic soldier known only as Patrokles recorded the battle. This account was found in the great library of Alexandreia.
https://i37.tinypic.com/28ltkrm.jpg
“We awoke on the morning of the battle to find the ground was covered in snow. The snow reminded me of when my father used to take my up into the mountains hunting when I was a youth. If he could see me now, riding in the Prodromoi of Ptolemaios II. The order to advance was given and the whole army moved as one.
https://i34.tinypic.com/fqfx1.jpg
According to Pyrrhos the hammer and anvil tactics of Megos Alexandros would be used in this battle. The line had only advanced a short distance when the army under the command of the general called Phyrgikou advanced down the slop to meet us. Evidently there had been some sort of disagreement between the two enemy commanders as the other army held its position.
https://i36.tinypic.com/1z39v6u.jpg
Once their comrades started dying however they had no choice but to come to the rescue. With both enemy armies attacking our line the battle became viscous. We waited for the better part of an hour as the fight carried on ahead of us. Eventually Pyrrhos raised his sword and ordered us to ride to the extreme right of the enemy line and turn it's flank. We chased away the enemy Sphendonetai and lined up to charge into the rear of the enemy line. Seeing the danger the enemy general known as Kallimandros led his cavalry up the slope against us hoping to pin us long enough for the rest of the Seleukid cavalry to engage us. His plan backfired however as he was pierced by the lance of one of my comrades in the Prodromoi in the initial stages of the fight. Unfortunately the man who killed him was cut down shortly afterwards.
https://i38.tinypic.com/30a87c2.jpg
https://i37.tinypic.com/x3eec0.jpg
With one of their leaders dead and cavalry harassing their rear the enemy army decided to flee. Unfortunately we were unable to run down the other leader of the enemy force and rumour has it he is seeking refuge in the hills around Damaskos. With no armies left in our way and the garrison of Damaskos scattered around the countryside we entered the city the next day and were greeted as liberators.”
https://i36.tinypic.com/kd9zds.jpg
https://i35.tinypic.com/2r4j5ah.jpg
With Damaskos finally under his control Ptolemaios decided to seek an end to hostilities with the Arche Seleukia. With Ptolemaios almost completely cutting him off from the Mediterranean the Seleukid king agreed and in the summer of 260 BC the First Syrian War ended. With the increased territories gained in this time and also the trade that would now flow between Ptolemaic and Seleukid lands the Ptolemaioi flourished at this time.
Timeline of this Period~
262 BC
Spring
Zenon Philoterios born
Stratonike, daughter of Pyrrhos born.
261 BC
Spring
Karpion Soter passes away
Charias Ptoleamaios, son of Euergetes is born.
Summer/Autumn
Ptoleamios once again marches on Damaskos.
Winter
Ptolemaios II defeats the combined armies of Seron Thermisonou Phrygikou and Kallimandros Kybiosaktes.
The people of Damaskos welcome Ptolemaios' army into the city
Phanagoras Thraikikos, son of Alexandros born.
260 BC
Summer
Chairas Andriakeios is born
First Syrian War ends
Autumn
Kleaineth, daughter of Sosandros born
Tyrphania, daughter of Leontiskos born
The known world at the end of 260 BC
https://i33.tinypic.com/9sxrhw.jpg
Horatius Flaccus
10-21-2009, 21:45
Nice! I like it.:2thumbsup:
Nice! I like it.:2thumbsup:
thanks, the next update will be another short-ish one up in the next few days
IrishHitman
10-22-2009, 09:44
Did I see classical hoplites in phalanx formation?
Did I see classical hoplites in phalanx formation?
http://i30.tinypic.com/r25bm0.jpg
this screeny here?
after a long EB absence i will be continuing this AAR, expect a new chapter sometime in the next week.
however i fear that I have lost the notes i took between my last update and the current game date....
i'll just give a brief overview of this period if that is the case
Horatius Flaccus
01-19-2010, 19:26
I'm looking forward to it. :2thumbsup:
Here's the situation, I am missing notes for the first two years after the last update. However I have been able to figure out who was born in this period by checking ages against the current date. I then have a period between 257 and 255 were I have notes but no screenshots, so the next chapter will be shorter as I can't use the screenshots to flesh it out a bit, sorry.
Anyway, next chapter will be up tonight at some point.
Chapter V
The “Peace” Years
259-255 BC
After 23 years of being a Basileus/general Ptolemaios II, decided to pass chief control of his armies to his son-in-law Pyrrhos. It is commonly believed that a combination of pressure from his daughter and a genuine respect for his son-in-law contributed greatly to this decision. Upon taking control of the principal army of the Ptolemaioi Pyrrhos started recruiting great numbers of Galatians having been impressed by their skill, courage and ferocity in previous battles. This would have varied consequences in later years as the armies began to rely on steadily decreasing numbers of Jews for their auxiliary troops.
Staying in the area of Ioudaia while he recruited his army Pyrrhos drew up plans for an invasion of the region of Sinai. The region was depicted as a centre for both banditry and piracy and this was used as the reason for the invasion. However many philosophers argued the point that a discovery of copper had recently been made in the region and that the local king was unwilling to trade with Ptolemaios.
In this period many building projects were completed including mines in Kilikia and a river port a short distance from the town of Pselkis in the province of Triakontaschoinos.
In the spring of 256 BC Pyrrhos crossed the border between Ioudaia and Sinai at the head of his new-look army. Advancing on Petra the seat of power of Hayu, King of the Maranitoe, Pyrrhos ordered his army to surround the town and dig in for a long siege, despite the fact that the town was unfortified. After a failed attempt to break the siege Hayu also settled in for the long haul. The siege continued for over a year until in the summer of 255 BC a decisivie battle was fought. An unknown historian said this of the battle:
“The army of Ptolemaios, under the command of his son-in-law Pyrrhos lined up in the plain before the town. The Maranitoe King formed his men up facing the invaders. Many of his men were levied and had little experience of warfare whereas the army of Pyrrhos was made of a semi-professional core of Phalangitai, supported by wild Galatikoi. The majority of his army were veterans of the war against the Seleukid King.
Hayu was said to have been a learned man and he had studied the campaigns of Alexandros. Therefore he realised that the key to defeating the hammer and anvil tactics used by Alexandros and his Diodachoi was to turn the hammer whilst smashing the anvil. He tried to tie down the flanks of Pyrrhos' army while breaking through the centre.
After a brief exchange of missile fire the main battle lines clashed. In the centre of Pyrrhos' line the bulk of the Maranitoe infantry attacked while a smaller force under Hayu's son attacked the left. Hayu himself led his cavalry and the smallest of his three infantry groups towards the left flank. The battle remained at a stalemate for a long time as the Maranitoe cavalry were able to inflict terrible losses on the Ioudaioi fighting there. Seeing the danger of the fighting in the centre Pyrrhos had previously moved infantry from his left flank to reinforce the centre and had ordered his Prodromoi to the left. Outnumbered by the enemy his cavalry were driven back and would have been crushed had it not been for a brave charge by the general into the flanks of the engaged Maranitoe cavalry, locking horns with and defeating Hayu in single combat.
Seeing their king die the Maranitoe closest to were he fell threw down their weapons. Soon this gesture was repeated all across the battlefield and only small pockets of fighting remained, the largest of these centring around the son of Hayu and his bodyguards, however he was struck down and the remainder of his bodyguard also surrendered.”
With Petra now in Ptolemaic hands work was began to extract the mineral resources of the region to increase the wealth of the Ptolemaioi.
Timeline of this Period:~
259 BC
Philista, daughter of Alexandros Thraikikos born.
Skyllinos, son of Euergetes born
258 BC
Terpnos Ptolemaios, son of Meleagros travels to Alexandria to study
257 BC
Summer
Philotera, widow of Menelaos Salaminios dies
Autumn
Mines completed in Kilikia
Winter
River port opened in Triakontaschanos
256 BC
Pyrrhos crosses into Sinai and besieges Petra
255 BC
Spring
A Hellen named Philanor Syrakousates becomes governor of Side
Summer
Pyrhos defeats Hayu and takes controls of Petra
http://i30.tinypic.com/r25bm0.jpg
this screeny here?
What in the world? I've never seen them that way before...
What in the world? I've never seen them that way before...
its the Phalanx mod, check it out
its the Phalanx mod, check it out
Why would you give them Phalanx mode...
Vasiliyi
01-27-2010, 06:54
Why would you give them Phalanx mode...
Because its his game and he wants them? :clown:
Anyways, ive been lurking here too. I like your progression Roka. Especially the linage you do of your family, I havent seen it before. Good to see that this AAR isnt dead. :2thumbsup:
Because its his game and he wants them? :clown:
Anyways, ive been lurking here too. I like your progression Roka. Especially the linage you do of your family, I havent seen it before. Good to see that this AAR isnt dead. :2thumbsup:
Well, no kidding, huh? I was just wondering of the logic behind it. AFAIK there are good reasons it wasn't made so in EB itself, right? :inquisitive:
Why would you give them Phalanx mode...
because otherwise they lose all cohesion when they engage an enemy, instead of the solid block of men that they should be, plus makes it harder defeat them
Because its his game and he wants them? :clown:
Anyways, ive been lurking here too. I like your progression Roka. Especially the linage you do of your family, I havent seen it before. Good to see that this AAR isnt dead. :2thumbsup:
thanks, i've got my next chapter on paper all that is left to do is to type it up, improve it and add in screenshots, maybe later tonight or early tomorrow
because otherwise they lose all cohesion when they engage an enemy, instead of the solid block of men that they should be, plus makes it harder defeat them
It's hard enough as is. Guard off, and attack is the way to go with hoplites as they are. Phalanx attribute will require guard on, phalanx on, and will be so slow, more of a liability than an asset.
See here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_9pUmVaDLY) as hoplites guard off attack and envelop (as that's what guard off results in) the Roman imperial center. Rome gets lucky here.
It's hard enough as is. Guard off, and attack is the way to go with hoplites as they are. Phalanx attribute will require guard on, phalanx on, and will be so slow, more of a liability than an asset.
See here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_9pUmVaDLY) as hoplites guard off attack and envelop (as that's what guard off results in) the Roman imperial center. Rome gets lucky here.
its not phalanx mode, they just form a phalanx automatically and march at their normal pace instead of marching with spears dragging in the ground they also form a solid block of men to fight the enemy AFAIK this is accurate with regards to hoplites
Chapter VI
The Second Syrian War (part I)
254-250 BC
The 28th year of Ptolemaios II reign was an unusually quiet year for the period. The only event of any real note in the realm of Ptolemaios was the birth of his son Lysimachos' daughter Nation.
The next year (253 BC) Terpnos, son of Meleagros and nephew of Ptolemaios II left Alexandria and joined the army of Pyrrhos. Also Ptolemaios gave his son Euergetes permission to recruit and equip an army. Euergetes would pioneer the use of the Thorakitai (a heavier variety of the Thureophoroi).
http://i45.tinypic.com/jaa0k0.jpg
His 30th year in power was anything but dull however. Following a border dispute with the city-state of Halikanarssos and the Ptolemaic state of Pamphylia, ruled by Philanor Syrakousates from his administrative capital of Side, Ptolemaios sent his brother Meleagros to negotiate. A month or so later a wicker basket containing the head of Meleagros was delivered to Philanor Syrakousates. Infuriated Ptolemaios ordered Pyrrhos to prepare an attack on Halikanarssos. Pyrrhos' army wintered in Pamphylia and was ready to invade as soon as the campaigning season began. Around this time also a peace conference was held in Side between Pyrrhos and representatives of the Makedon king.
Early the next year Pyrrhos invade Karia and after small skirmishes advanced on Halikanarssos. Realising that the enemy garrison was too vast and that an assault would be highly costly Pyrrhos settled down to besiege the city. Almost at the same time a Seleukid army marching south from Kappadokia surrounded Tarsos, Euergetes' base of operations. Euergetes had supplied his brother-in-law almost 4000 of his Thorakitai for the campaign to Halikanarssos and now he found himself surrounded by an army inferior in number but vastly superior in quality. A man of actions rather than words all his life Euergetes refused to be “caged like an animal” and almost immediately he attacked the Seleukid force winning a decisive victory. The first battle of the Second Syrian War was won by the Ptolemaioi.
http://i47.tinypic.com/2n19jec.jpg
With renewed hostilities between the Seleukids and the Ptolemaioi, Euergetes realised that he would have the opportunity to test his new army much sooner than he anticipated and ordered all his regiments to converge upon Antiocheia. His plans are hampered however when 5000 of his troops are ambushed by a Seleukid force nearly 4 times larger. Around half the Ptolemaioi troops perished in this battle before breaking through and reaching Antiocheia. As winter fell news reached Ptolemaios II that Damaskos was besieged by the Seleukids. He immediately sent a despatch to Pyrrhos in Karia ordering him to lift the siege of Halikanarssos and return to Syria.
http://i48.tinypic.com/bgr7a1.jpg
Spring of 250 BC saw Euergetes march south at the head of his newly formed army to face Seleukid forces in the south of Syria. Outnumbered and facing a very experienced opponent the new army of the Ptolemaioi were in for a baptism of fire.
http://i46.tinypic.com/20jlkx5.jpg
Writing later Ptolemaios III (Euergetes) recalled the battle.
“My army was lined up with the Phalangitai in the centre, the Thorakitai protecting their flanks with Ioudaioi Taxeis on the extreme left and right of the battle line. When peace negotiations were successful with the Basileus of Makedon my father had recruited 1000 Hippeis Thessalikoi these were then given to me for service in my army. I left these men concealed in the forest to the right of my army. However the enemy general ordered a probing attack on my right flank and I had to use them much sooner than I anticipated in order to prevent my flank being turned. Eventually this attack was dealt with and I reformed my battle line ready to engage the main enemy force.
http://i46.tinypic.com/2hezwch.jpg
Soon the two lines were in close combat and I had to move my Ioudaioi Taxeis from the left to reinforce the centre. I then moved my bodyguard regiment out to the left to compensate. The battle ground to a stalemate as phalanx fought phalanx and the new Thorakitai were giving a good account of themselves everywhere except on the left flank were they were yet to be engaged by an enemy.
http://i50.tinypic.com/68g9id.jpg
I received word that the enemy Strategos had attempted to turn the right flank of my army but had been stopped by a combination of the Hippeis Thessalikoi and the Asiatikoi Hippeis, however the commander of the Thessalikoi doubted he could hold much longer. Leaving a small contingent of cavalry on the left I raced across the battlefield hoping that I would arrive in time. Killing the enemy Strategos could knock the wind from the enemy army and dishearten them greatly. I arrived on the right flank to find my cavalry there close to breaking many of the Thessalikoi were dead or wounded and they were reforming while the Asiatikoi held the enemy. Spurring my mount on my regiment charged. With the added weight provided by my troops the enemy were being beaten back.
http://i50.tinypic.com/s1jlv4.jpg
The enemy Strategos was wounded and fled the scene. Giving the Asiatikoi orders to pursue him and the handful of bodyguards he had with him. They found him a few hours later sheltering in a farm to the south of the battlefield. They gave no quarter to him or his bodyguards as they avenged the men that had died in the ambush the previous year.
http://i49.tinypic.com/20af0ba.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/13zofio.jpg
As news of the withdrawal of the enemy Strategos spread, groups of Seleukid soldiers began to retreat, however the Phalangitai in the centre held firm. Eventually all but one group had fled and these men refused to surrender their arms. I ordered the Pezhetairoi to pin them while I led my cavalry round to the rear and charged. For the stubbornness they showed none were spared.”
http://i49.tinypic.com/2rf4yz8.jpg
Euergetes had just one the biggest battle of his life thus far yet he had little time to celebrate as he made towards Damaskos. His scouts began to run into refugees and the word was passed to Euergetes that the city had fallen. Not content with controlling the city the Seleukid general had let his men loot the city and many of the citizens had been expelled. Worse for Euergetes was the news that his close friend, Serapion Mariou Kypriakou had died in the fighting.
http://i47.tinypic.com/v6tern.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/jl09ro.jpg
Euergetes spent the rest of the year in Syria preparing for the invasion of Koile-Syria.
Timeline of this Period:~
254 BC
Spring ~
Stasikrates Philpterios comes of age
Winter~
Nation, daughter of Lysimachos born
253 BC
Summer~
Terpnos joins Pyrrhos' army
Pyrrhos' army leaves Sinai
Winter~
Euergetes starts recruiting his army
252 BC
Spring~
Sophanes Soter and Hermias son of Meleagros come of age
Summer~
Meleagros killed in Halikanarssos
Peace Treaty signed with Makedon
Winter~
Pyrrhos' army arrives in Pamphylia and prepares to invade Karia
251 BC
Spring~
Tarsos attacked by Seleukid forces
Second Syrian War begins
Summer~
Euergetes defeats Seleukid army outside Tarsos
Autumn~
5000 men heading for Antiocheia are ambushed
Winter~
Damaskos besieged by Seleukid army under Aribazos Lampsakou Troikes
Pyrrhos recalled to Syria
250 BC
Spring~
Kalippos, son of Meleagros comes of age
Euergetes defeats large Seleukid army
Damaskos falls
Summer~
A syrian named Anthenor Theraios marries Hedeia
Vasiliyi
01-29-2010, 01:48
:2thumbsup: Good update, I like those quite times where you can rebuild and restore your kingdom.
johnhughthom
01-29-2010, 07:16
Nice, been waiting for you to update this. I remember in my one and only Ptolie campaign the Thorikatai became an integral part of my armies.
Nice, been waiting for you to update this. I remember in my one and only Ptolie campaign the Thorikatai became an integral part of my armies.
Aren't they just like TABs, even if not as strong? and theurophoroi are weaker thorakitai?
:2thumbsup: Good update, I like those quite times where you can rebuild and restore your kingdom.
yeah they are important to me as I don't want to blitz the map
Nice, been waiting for you to update this. I remember in my one and only Ptolie campaign the Thorikatai became an integral part of my armies.
I've been able to produce them ever since I took Antiocheia fairly early in my campaign but I was wanted to roleplay a sort of mini-reform with them and also with using Galatikoi instead of Ioudaioi
@ everyone thanks for reading and remember constructive criticism is more than welcome
after a long break from updating this AAR and indeed from playing EB altogether I intend to resume this.
however i have lost my notes for the years following my last update and will have to make it up pretty much as I type it.
cheers,
Roka
Unintended BM
06-03-2010, 19:15
I've seen many AARs on this site, and this is definitely one of them. Good work.
Chapter VII
The Second Syrian War (part II)
249-246 BC
The 33rd year of the reign of Ptolemaios II began with the birth of Charitime, the daughter of Erasiphon Sebennytios. In the early spring Euergetes invaded Koile-Syria and besieged Damaskos, the 4th time it had been put under siege in the past 20 years. With Euergetes campaigning in the Koile-Syria Pyrrhos moved his army to the eastern border of Syria.
Euergetes waited until the summer before launching an assault on Damaskos, however his forces were repelled and he retreated back into Syria. Despite retreating after suffering minimal casualties Euergetes gained the respect of many of his soldiers by using his personal bodyguard to cover the retreating Ptolemaioi army, also because he wasn't willing to sacrifice the lives of his men once he realised he couldn't take the town.
According to reports Pyrrhos Andriakeios confronted a large Seleukid army in Assyrie during the autumn months, defeating it before moving back to Syria.
Damaskos would stay in Seleukid hands until the spring of 247 BC when Pyrrhos defeated the armies led by Asklepiades Tambrakos Hyrkanikes and another officer known only as Apelles.
http://i48.tinypic.com/119vswm.jpg
After the battle Pyrrhos entered Damaskos as a conquering hero and liberator, however the reputation was soon to be sullied as a group of Galatian mercenaries under his command were to defile and loot the sacred city of Helios.
http://i48.tinypic.com/2utkwwi.jpg
Following the “attrocities” in Koile-Syria Pyrrhos was stripped of command of the 1st Ptolemaic Army and was summoned to Alexandria. His second in command Terpnos, son of Meleagros and therefore nephew of Ptolemaios II replaced him. With the 1st Army weakened following the succesful campaign to Damaskos, Terpnos spent the remainder of the year recruiting new soldiers.
In the spring of 246 BC Euergetes invaded Assyrie and quickly surrounded the town of Edessa. The city would hold out until the autumn when dwindling supplies forced Euergetes to order an assault, after over 6 months of siege the town fell with a whimper. Euergetes would establish Assyrie as a semi-autonomous allied state and would leave Edessa to the hands of it's governor, marshalling his forces for another offensive into Seleukid territory.
http://i50.tinypic.com/2hnnhpg.jpg
Timeline of this Period:~
249 BC
Spring ~
Charitime, daughter of Erasiphon Sebennytios born.
Epaphrodeitos Lissasos takes over governorship of Petra
Euergetes Continues invasion of Koile-Syria, besieging Damaskus.
Summer ~
Pyrrhos stations army to guard against any invasion of Syria
Euergetes launches ill-fated assault of Damaskos
Autumn ~
Lysandra, sister of Ptolemaios II dies
Pyrrhos defeats Seleukid army in Assyrie
248 BC
Spring ~
Teiseas Philoterios comes of age
Sosianax Andriakeios born
247 BC
Spring~
Leukos Sebennytios comes of age
Pyrrhos, defeats Seluekid forces in Koile-Syria and captures Damaskos
Summer ~
Terpnos Ptolemaios replaces Pyrrhos as commander of 1st Army
246 BC
Spring ~
Zenon Philoterios comes of age
Euergetes invades Assyrie and besieges Edessa
Summer ~
Minos Narmuthites restores damage done to Heliopolis
Autumn ~
Euergetes captures Edessa
Winter ~
Amiades, daughter of Stasikrates Philoterios born
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The next update will probably be up in the next few days, it'll be much longer than this one.
Cheers,
Roka
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