The Gallic Expedition

The Gallic Expedition

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Ptolemy I, founder of the Ptolematic Empire

Byzacena, 232 BCE

As the ships approached the harbor town of Byzacena, Philadelphos could already see how the region had changed since he had conquered the area, so many years ago. The ruins of the old harbor town were nearby, which he had systematically sacked and burned back in the first African war. The new town, build by the Carthaginians after the war, also showed signs of its past. Much of the western part of the harbor showed a definite Carthaginian architecture. Here the signs of war are faint indeed: Philadelphos' son was certainly more lenient on the traitorous Carthaginians than Philadelphos. Pity the Macedonians had killed him; he would have made a great king. In the eastern, newer, sections of the town, Greek architecture reigned. The town had certainly grown since its capture in the third African war. Legally, the region was ruled by a local government allied with Alexandria. None but the densest really believed it. Even the local government contained numerous Hellenes from Sicilia. The port itself was the personal property of the King, and contained significant numbers of military colonists from Macedonia, Hellas, and Galatia.

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Philadelphos Ptolemaios

Philadelphos was here to see the younger son of his own dead son. Pumiathon had the makings of a great leader. Philadelphos knew. Philadelphos was the greatest leader since Alexander himself, surpassing even his illustrious father. But Philadelphos was getting too old to lead the royal army. He could not risk dying mid-campaign and leave his army without a proper leader. Yet the situation in Gaul was critical. Philadelphos could not allow Carthage the wealth of that country to use against his people. The Iberian tribes, loyal allies to the Empire, have succumbed already. The Aedui could not stand on their own against both Carthage and the invaders from the north. Yet Alexandria was not at war with Carthage. It was into this delicate situation Pumiathon was to be thrust into. The king sincerely hoped his grandson could handle it.

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"The situation in Gaul was critical"

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Pumiathon Ptolemaios

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So this is my first AAR. As you can probably tell by now, I will be following the story of Pumiathon of the Ptolematic Empire, leader of the Ptolematic Royal Army, in his quest to assist his allies in Gaul against the Casse and Averni, and through that, indirectly aiding them against Carthage. I am going to try to do this without sending any reinforcements, to make it somewhat challanging.

I had the idea for this AAR rather late in this game to spice it up a bit for myself (I am playing on M/M for realism in diplomacy and battle, but as the Ptolematic Empire it is really easy). Feel free to point out any inconsistencies, historical errors, or constructive criticism on my writing.

:egypt:

Sounds very nice :2thumbsup:
Keep it up :P

That's an odd-looking map you have, are you using BI?

I hope your expedition goes well, it's an interesting premise.

Oooh, I'm gonna enjoy this. Interesting strategic situation.

One question - isn't that the Casse in north-east Gaul? How did they get there, ie. what exe do you use? And did you help them in any way, like giving them money through the console cheat, for example? I'm asking, because they're usually annoyingly passive in my games, and even if they conquer the Isles, they never build any ships to get to the continent.

Yep, it's the Casse. I'm using the Alex.exe. I didn't actually do anything to get the Casse to invade the mainland, they just started around 240BCE and have a couple full stacks wandering about now. I once had the Casse conquer (or bribe, I couldn't tell) a city in Belgae with the vanilla .exe, but they didn't do anything on the mainland afterwards, so this is going the be the first time I ever fought an powerful Casse.:2thumbsup:

Go Ptolmies!! Damn this brings back memories of my Ptolemaic aar. Ptolemaic troops are awesome to fight with...Love the Galatians!

Nice start, but where are the Germans?

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According to the notes of Pumiathon; autumn 232 BCE
The voyage to Gaul was uneventful. We sailed from Byzacana northwards, stopping briefly on Sicilia and Sardin for supplies. The view of the coast was quite enjoyable, as was the smell and feel of the sea air. After reaching the southern coast of Gaul, in a place know as Greseoallra and setting up a camp on the coast, I sent forth an envoy to the main city of the region, known as Messilia. Though Hellenic in origin, the place is now ruled by the southern coalition of Gallic tribes, which appears to be guided by the exiled leadership of the Averni, a tribe conquered by our Gallic allies. The diplomat demanded the city surrender to our glorious forces. The Averni, of course, refused our demands, so we marched North along the coast until we reached the city. I ordered the troops to surround the city and construct fortifications, so as to starve out the city. The Gauls have not real navy to speak of, so our fleet should easily be able to block any travel by sea or importing of food.



The siege goes well. I think the Gauls are beginning to get desperate. The men's morale is high; they love me. It seems I am a natural born leader. Perhaps one day, I will be remembered as greater that Phiadelphos, or even Alexandros himself. Perhaps one day I will even be King...


According to the diary of Prochorus, Pumiathon's second in command
The troops think the king had gone mad. Philadelphos had been acting strangely in his older years, yet he still lead them to victory after victory and the Kingdom thrived. But this? To send the royal army under an unexperienced young man into unknown lands is insanity.
Though a good speaker, Pumiathon's actions have upset many of the troops. Before departing for Gaul, he loaded his flagship with every luxury good imaginable. His insulting and self-centered demeanor has lead to some of his officers questioning his ability to lead.
And yet he was selected by the great King himself. Not a man in this great force doubt the King. If it is the King's decree that Pumiathon shall lead us to victory, every man will follow Pumiathon. Philadelphos is wise, and while we may not understand his reasons yet, not a man doubts that the King thought carefully about Pumiathon's leadership and decided it was for the best. Perhaps he will prove our fears wrong.



Disaster! The foolish Pumiathon let a Gallic envoy into his tent, unguarded, and was stabbed to death before help could arrive. The assassin was cut down by pursuing soldier, but our situation is not helped. The army is in chaos. Some have advocated abandoning the siege and returning to Africa, but we have our mission. I have sent word to the King of the fate of his grandson.

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"Disaster!"


Journal of Aristomenes Ptolemaios
The death of my cousin Pumiathon came to me as quite a shock. I remember growing up together in Alexandria. I hadn't seen him in years. Yet I could not help but be happy, for his mistake was my opportunity. I could not understand why I was not sent for the expedition initially. I had more experience than Pumiathon, and was more intelligent. It is only now that I see why: the gods interviened on my behalf, for otherwise it would be my body being sailed back to Alexandria for burial. Philadelphos has already sent word that I am to sail, to lead the army, immediately.

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Aristomenes Ptolemaios, conquerer of Macedonia

The siege efforts of Pumiathon were seriously lacking. During his siege, Gauls had managed to sneak through gaps in his lines and bring food and supplies to the trapped city. The state of the siege is dreadful, for the chaos of Pumiathon's death allowed even more materials to enter the city. I have tightened the noose of the siege around the city. It will not last long now.



Massilia has surrendered! The Gauls have been expelled from the city. The city has regained it's independence and has signed an alliance with Alexandria. They have also agreed to allow us to use their city as a base with which to wage our wars to assist the Aedui. As soon as spring begins, the army shall march west, to further confront the Averni

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"Massilia has surrendered!"

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@ Chirurgeon - Thank you very much! :laugh4: I definitely agree with you about Ptolemaic troops, especially the Galatians. Though I prefer other faction's strategic situation, I just love the Ptolemaic troops so much. :yes:

@ Irishmafia2020 - First, my EB is edited significantly. One thing I edited was army speeds. I made troops and fleets move much farther per turn on the campaign map. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that this allowed the AI Eleutheroi (spelling?) generals to move outside of their cities. One of these armies destroyed the Sweboz in my game.

Pardon the lack of battle so far. The Averni just won't attack me. But they have a full stack to the West, so hopefully the next update will be more interesting.