From the Ionian to the Indos: A Seleukid AAR

I'd better get this started. So this is my Seleukid AAR, not really the kind of immersive storytelling some people round here are really good at, but more of a reporting style. Played on rtw.exe, campaign difficulty is medium since hard or very hard would have this ending up in unrealistic thousand battles per turn parties. I'm not claiming this is gonna be realistic either, but at least it feels like it is.

Note that I'm not going to follow the woeful tides of history here, as that would have me ending up pretty dead, and more importantly, would require massive AI guidance. Instead I'll rely on Parthian strength, an early Tigranes, or who knows even some weird consul from the west to challenge my recreation of Alexandros' realm.

And yes, we're blue.

1. Our strategos needs an army

When the mists of time lift, we find ourselves in Syria, 272 BC.

https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/...yria272tm7.jpg

Half a century after Alexandros' premature death, his lands are fragmented and none of the remaining diadochi is powerful enough to hold sway over the others. In Pella, the grandson of Antigonus Monophthalmus is kept busy by Gauls and Epeirotes, while in the south his power is being contested by the Chremonidean League. From Alexandreia, Ptolemaios' son reigns over the Neilos valley, and seems content to assert his control over the seas and ports of the eastern Mediterranean. Only those under the banner of Seleukos can pride themselves on their imperial possessions, the vast wealth of Asia, Syria, Mesopotamia, Persis and Baktra, all accumulated under the crown of Antiochos I.

https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/...tiochosqb6.jpg

In his tenth year of power, he has already lost supremacy over many peoples his father had united, such as the unruly Persian dynasties in northern Kappadokia, the Bithynians, the lands immediately west of the Indos, and the Pergamenes, who recently established themselves as a new power in the Aegean. In the east, nomads that go by the name of Pahlava have been making incursions into Astauene and Margiana, and the satrap of Baktria has been making numerous complains about the lack of Seleukid efforts to protect the local Greek communities.

But Antiochos' attention currently lies elsewhere, for even though the heart of the empire was in Babylon, its life-blood runs through Syria, and Ptolemaic rule over Phoinike and Ioudaia cannot be tolerated. If Antiochos allowed Ptolemaios to regain control over Syria Koile and perhaps even Antiocheia, the plains between Syria and Seleukeia would fall to him, as might even Seleukeia itself.

For this very reason, the basileus has sent over one of his most promising strategoi, Alexandros, to Syria, where he is assembling a Greek army. Syria is to be consolidated and the narrow land routes towards Aigyptos should be under Seleukid control.

Upon his arrival in Antiocheia in early 271 BC, Alexandros assumed control of an army comprising 10,000 phalangitai and 5,600 light infantry. Not being impressed by the men, he sent his forces into the rebellious province of Tadmor under command of Nikarchos, in order to assess their valour. Alexandros remained in Antiocheia to continue organizing his campaign.

https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/...lmyra01uz8.jpg

The odds were firmly in our favour, but the brave Palmyrenoi didn't accept a peaceful settlement, so battle was done.

https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/...lmyra02iz4.jpg

Nikarchos was nervous and split his troops in two, each half lining up on different sides of the town. The set-up was rather awkward and inefficient.

https://img262.imageshack.us/img262/...lmyra03wc7.jpg

Chaos ensued when the Palmyrans and their cavalry stormed out from among the buildings.

https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/...lmyra04eb4.jpg

But the sheer nature of the phalanx threw off the enemy.

https://img262.imageshack.us/img262/...lmyra05kc3.jpg

Nikarchos had them surrounded and was relieved when the rout started.

https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/...lmyra06mv3.jpg

The defenders fled into the city, and Nikarchos was forced to send his phalanxes in. After much pondering how he could safely manoeuvre through the narrow streets, he thinned the formation to nine men. This he reckoned was wide enough to maintain functionality but narrow enough to advance.

https://img374.imageshack.us/img374/...lmyra07zb8.jpg

The phalanxes safely reached the central square. From two sides, the defenders were hemmed in, backs to the wall.

https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/...lmyra08ne8.jpg

The reports of the victory at Palmyra were enough for Alexandros, although he knew that the well-trained Aigyptian armies would pose a different challenge than local Arab rebels would. Therefore, he raised another 9,000 phalangitai, 3,200 light infantry, which he augmented with a cavalry force counting 3,000 horses. When spring came the following year, he departed from Antiocheia towards Phoinike. His arrival commenced the First Syrian War.

https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/6812/sidon01jq1.jpg

===

So far for today, this was really a teaser. The campaign will get far more epic as time proceeds.

Many Seleukid AAR's out there right now (To me it seems, atleast), wich is a good thing! :yes:.
Like your writing style and the way you exaggerate the manpower in the units to make it more historical. And, I love the change of colours you made, though, I'll have to say that the Seleukids doesn't look as intimidating without their Silver/Gray stratmap colour :sweatdrop:.

I heartily approve of the new colours, though I would since I stole your idea of gold for the Ptolemies.

Good start, and nice pics. And despite what you say, you actually do pretty well in the roleplay department, about as much as most of the other AARs. I also like the armies X 100 thing, adds to the realism.

Cool AAR, Sarissamaster. :grin:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Socy

I'll have to say that the Seleukids doesn't look as intimidating without their Silver/Gray stratmap colour :sweatdrop:.

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I'll make sure you've changed your mind by the time when I've accomplished the title of this AAR. :whip:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by QuintusSertorius

I heartily approve of the new colours, though I would since I stole your idea of gold for the Ptolemies.

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Disadvantage with the grey was definitely the difficulty to see how empty or full a stack was. I first tried a darker grey, but that made it too depressing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chaotix27

Good start, and nice pics. And despite what you say, you actually do pretty well in the roleplay department, about as much as most of the other AARs. I also like the armies X 100 thing, adds to the realism.

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Thanks for that! Actually, the armies are only 10x (huge unit size), which is Quintus' idea. So eight units of phalanxes makes about 20,000 phalangitai, which is perhaps too large to keep as a permanent force. I'd have to look up on that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Centurio Nixalsverdrus

Cool AAR, Sarissamaster. :grin:

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Don't mock me now! :smash:

2. Ptolemaios fails his subjects

Alexandros had barely left Antiocheia when a messenger reached Antiochos.

https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/...eclaresuo8.jpg

Ah, such is the fate of the true Seleukid king! Advance west, and the east will betray you. Antiochos, underestimating the clout of the Pahlavan hordes, did not inform Alexandros of the renewed threat and apathetically beheld the genesis of the Parthian Empire (winter 271 BC), relying on the strength of the fortifications in Media and Elymais to hold them out of the Seleukid heartlands.

https://img262.imageshack.us/img262/...asiegeslw4.jpg

Meanwhile in Syria, Alexandros marched his army into Phoinike, where he found little resistance. Aware of his advantage in time, he ordered an assault on the somewhat surprised Ptolemaic garrison in Sidon.

https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/7797/sidon03ap4.jpg
The Seleukid phalanx.

Versus:

https://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4182/sidon04rb5.jpg
The Ptolemaic phalanx.

With Sidon captured in a rather pompous style, Phoinike revolted from Ptolemaic rule and was placed under Seleukid protection. Its people were allowed considerable autonomy during Antiochos' reign, but the bonds with Seleukeia would be tightened considerably by his successors.

After this military non-event, Alexandros expected a fierce counter-offensive from Ptolemaios. Having called in garrison troops from the north, he left the city before winter and pitched camp twenty miles east of Tyros. But came spring 269 BC, not a single movement was seen. Believing Ptolemaios not crafty enough to scheme an ambuscade, Alexandros ordered the advance into Ioudaia. His spies ascertained him of a free passage towards the fortified city of Hierosolyma, where a medium-sized garrison was bracing itself for battle. He didn't hesitate and laid siege to it.

Several months into the siege, Alexandros made a first attempt to assault, but although the Aigyptian garrison troops were only lightly armed and few of number compared to the Seleukid army, the attack was insuccessful due to the strong Jewish support for Ptolemaios, who had so far been rather tolerant towards them. Fearing a change of regime would not benefit their people, Jewish regiments amplified the garrison, and forced Alexandros to withdraw the assault.

The siege was maintained, and the few opportunities that arose to retry an attack were thwarted by disease in the army or by the many sandstorms which afflict the Ioudaian countryside. It took until the end of the following year for the city to recognize its fate and surrender. Alexandros could finally enter Hierosolyma at the onset of winter 268 BC. He showed no mercy towards those loyal to Ptolemaios, and a Greek ruler was installed, ending years of relative Jewish autonomy. Later, the increasing burden of hellenization decreed by Antiochos' successors would greatly stir up trouble in these parts.

https://img50.imageshack.us/img50/57...nqueredam7.jpg

It was then that news reached Alexandros about the civil revolt in Aigyptos, explaining the lacklustre resistance thusfar. On top of that, Ptolemaios' half-brother Magas had strengthened his position in Kyrene, and had gone into negotiations with Antiochos over a possible invasion of Aigyptos. However, Alexandros was ordered to march north, repelling minor raids the local Ptolemaic forces had been making from Kilikia into Syria. It is here that Antiochos made the mistake of not using this unique opportunity to end Ptolemaios' ambitions. Then again, his forces were not particularly strong, and still inexperienced despite their commander's successes. Moreover, advancing into Aigyptos would further stretch his already thin military and political strength over lands even more difficult to hold.

Thus, after organizing a garrison force for Ioudaia, Alexandros turned north, first taking a number of rebellious towns on the Sea of Galilee, then quenching a revolt in Phoenicia, which occurred after the Ptolemaic fleets had been blockading their ports. He arrived back in Antiocheia in the summer of 266 BC, where he rested his army and supplied them with better armour.

===

Next: more military non-events in Asia minor.

great aar and i hope to see more of the parthian invasion.
:charge:
also i like the colour change i looks better with a royal blue

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Happy balroae

great aar and i hope to see more of the parthian invasion.
:charge:
also i like the colour change i looks better with a royal blue

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Thanks! I have great plans for the Pahlava, but the eastern theatre will only open up at around 240 BC. First, some more stuff in the west.

Hey! This is really excellent stuff so far! That Ptolemaic phalanx looks ferocious indeed, how did you ever stand up to it? ;) I'll definitely keep reading this one!

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Originally Posted by divulse123

Hey! This is really excellent stuff so far! That Ptolemaic phalanx looks ferocious indeed, how did you ever stand up to it? ;) I'll definitely keep reading this one!

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Thanks! Ptolemaios hasn't done much really, so far. I'll need to give him some time to organize a proper army.

3. Consolidation towards Ptolemaios

The last snow of the year had barely thawed when Alexandros once again set out from Antiocheia. The campaign in Ioudaia had turned his army into a more disciplined force, loyal to their charismatic commander. Alexandros, too, at age 27, had learnt the ways of warfare, though he had yet to face a real opposition. He would not see this in Anatolia, although the rugged terrain would sometimes pose a challenge to manoeuvre his phalanx across.

The coastal cities of Kilikia were not very well defended. The Ptolemaioi were embroiled in conflict with Makedonia, in addition to their internal problems, and their position as naval power was challenged by Antigonos, Antiochos' most important ally in the west. Unable to land a force of relief troops, Ptolemaios was forced to watch how the garrison at Tarsos surrendered to Alexandros without a fight. The conqueror was welcomed in the city, and the Kilikians were treated with respect. The Aigyptians had tried to set fire to the small fleet which was anchored in the port, but the Syrians managed to capture most ships undamaged. They were sold to Magas of Kyrene, who was having a hard time defending the coastal cities of Marmarike he had conquered.

Roughly at the same time when Alexandros entered Kilikia, the Parthians overran Khoarene. Dozens of cities were burnt to the ground and many Apameian Greeks slaughtered. Antiochos' satraps and allies in the east began to show their discontent, and demanded action be taken against the nomads. Already had Sogdiana and Alexandreia-Eschate sought protection of the Baktrian satrap Theodotos, whose power was growing steadily. Even the basileus' closest entourage advised him not to wait until Phriapatius, the Parthian king, marched his armies into Babylonia.

https://img524.imageshack.us/img524/...eodotospy1.jpghttps://img168.imageshack.us/img168/...apatiusce3.jpg

Yet Antiochos stoutly maintained that the strong garrisons of Media would halt the Parthian advance. To affirm his decision, he sent his heir Theodoros to Ekbatana and put him in charge of its forces.

The campaign in Anatolia was such a success that Antiochos felt overconfident. In early 263 BC, Alexandros advanced westwards through Pamphylia, where the cities fell to him one by one with nothing more than skirmishes occurring once in a while. The only serious challenge was made by Side, but those willing to fight were at best lightly armed, if numerous.

https://img524.imageshack.us/img524/3362/side01bnn6.jpg
A scenic shot, showing the mountains of Lykia in the background.

https://img169.imageshack.us/img169/1884/side02if0.jpg
Almost no casualties on Seleukid side. (I'm not reporting more here since that would make it a bit too humorous.)

The campaign continued even though most Aigyptians in Anatolia had been either driven back into the sea or sent to Hades. Alexandros made a destructive march through Lykia and Karia, visiting a severe punishment upon those who had given Ptolemaios access to their ports and supplied the Aigyptian fleet. The Karians at first resisted, but were compelled to surrender before the winter of 260 BC. Their country was made a client state of the Arche Seleukeia.

But before Alexandros entered Halikarnassos, Antiochos I died.

https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/...hosdiesgi6.jpg

His son and heir Theodoros ascended to the throne of the earth's mightiest empire. He immediately left for Seleukeia, leaving the Median garrison to an inexperienced general.

https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/...eodorosql5.jpg

Greeks and natives alike mourned the passing of Seleukos' son, or at least, appeared to do so. Theodotos sent condolences from Baktra to Seleukeia, as did the Armenian satrap, but neither seemed inclined to accept the new leader without trying their chances. Ptolemaios, too, made use of the situation to sue for peace, which Theodoros was quick to agree to.

https://img103.imageshack.us/img103/...asefirepi9.jpg

An end to the fighting, for now.

===

Next up: Theodoros goes to war to change the face of Hellas.

How did you get the Ptolemies to agree to a ceasefire? Force Diplomacy?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by QuintusSertorius

How did you get the Ptolemies to agree to a ceasefire? Force Diplomacy?

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Yes. They'd continue sending stacks of nothing into Ioudaia, and I've got better things to do than fighting those now. Besides, they've been in real trouble for the entire game, and I want them to concentrate on uniting Aigyptos. The peace didn't last that long, though. They keep blockading my ports every now and then. I guess I should destroy their navies to restore their economic balance a little.

Bizarre, in my game no one seems to have any navies. At most they're one fleet or a single stack of fleets.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by QuintusSertorius

Bizarre, in my game no one seems to have any navies. At most they're one fleet or a single stack of fleets.

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All pirate fleets seem stuck in the Red Sea or the Baltic in my game, so there's no one for them to fight. Carthage, on the other hand, is actively building a large navy. I think I saw them having six or seven fleets, and the Romans are trying to catch up. Very weird, actually, they never do that when I'm Rome.

You could always move some of those pirate fleets...

4. Different lords, different laws.

Theodoros was very unlike his father. Pursuing an aggressive interventionist policy, he was not content with minor gains such as those of Alexandros' campaigns, and was keen on demonstrating Seleukid might before friend and foe alike, both east and west.

He recalled Alexandros to Antiocheia, but passing through central Anatolia his sole competent commander was delayed considerably, having to deal with disorder in Phrygia and an uprising of Galatians. These Gauls, who had previously been defeated by Antiochos in 278 BC, were formally under Seleukid control, but de facto independent. Alexandros managed to restore his king's authority, and could prevent another armed conflict in the region.

https://img186.imageshack.us/img186/...natoliayd2.jpg
The eastern Mediterranean in 256 BC. Magas of Kyrene was dead and his lands were annexed by Ptolemaios.

The Parthian threat had been the first thing on Theodoros' mind, but circumstance overturned the order of events. Soon after Alexandros arrived back in Antiocheia, Korinthos overthrew Makedonian rule and a number of Aegean islands reverted back to Ptolemaios Philadelphos. His kingdom in crisis, Antigonos called upon his ally in Seleukeia for aid against Alexandros of Epeiros. The Epeirotes had captured Pella and controlled the ports and trade routes in the northern Aegean all the way up to Byzantion, a feat they had accomplished with help from their Aigyptian allies.

Theodoros made use of this excellent opportunity to extend his power across the Aegean, and openly declared his intentions towards Alexandros of Epeiros. Unable to refuse aid to his ally, Ptolemaios stepped into the open pitfall and invaded Ioudaia, starting the brief Second Syrian War in 254 BC. Despite the predictability of this move, Alexandros did not make it in time to relieve the siege of Hierosolyma, and the garrison was attacked.

https://img246.imageshack.us/img246/...olyma01kj4.jpg
The attacking forces, however, were pitiful as ever.

https://img294.imageshack.us/img294/...olyma03if6.jpg
Contrastingly, the defenders were capable men. Some contingents of Jewish spearmen had joined them, but most of the natives were not keen on fighting their former master.

https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/...olyma04io6.jpg
The Aigyptian forces were already strongly reduced even before the assault had properly started.

https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/...olyma05pn7.jpg
Those few who managed to get up the walls were quickly pushed off again.

https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/...olyma06cq5.jpg
Even the use of magic walking ladders (!) didn't sway the battle to their advantage.

https://img294.imageshack.us/img294/...olyma07rl6.jpg
It was over before too long.

At the same time, however, Ptolemaios exploited the lack of Seleukid military presence to annex the Sinai. Whether this was in his advantage is questionable, though, as it greatly stirred up the various Semitic tribes of the Arabian peninsula, and would permanently damage Ptolemaios' position east of the Red Sea.

https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/7387/252bc1.jpg

Then Alexandros arrived. Ptolemaios, alarmed by the military strength displayed, retreated back towards Aigyptos, but his rear guard was caught by the Syrians. A battle ensued in the desert of the Sinai.

https://img410.imageshack.us/img410/9081/sinai01as7.jpg
The Aigyptians were doomed from the start.

https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/7938/sinai02ye5.jpg
Despite the raging sandstorm, Alexandros advanced confidently.

https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/9169/sinai03lt7.jpg
He dispatched his scouts to find out that the enemy had positioned atop a hill.

https://img294.imageshack.us/img294/2294/sinai04mf6.jpg
Alexandros waited for the skies to clear for the enemy to get a full grasp of his military weight. Intimidation is an important element in battle.

https://img294.imageshack.us/img294/2726/sinai05xc4.jpg
Then he advanced.

https://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8546/sinai06rx1.jpg
The skirmishers ran from the phalanxes.

https://img410.imageshack.us/img410/3141/sinai07zv5.jpg
By the time the lines collided, the storm had set on again.

https://img410.imageshack.us/img410/6947/sinai08so1.jpg
The Aigyptians were surrounded,

https://img294.imageshack.us/img294/4521/sinai09ff4.jpg
routed,

https://img294.imageshack.us/img294/1715/sinai10gn7.jpg
and defeated.

https://img294.imageshack.us/img294/...sfallenmx6.jpg
Alexandros continued the chase and slew two of Ptolemaios' most important generals, including his heir, Ptolemaios Euergetes, landing Aigyptos into another crisis that would bring it to the brink of destruction.

https://img410.imageshack.us/img410/...emaios2hw0.jpg
So close to his death, this might have been Ptolemaios' last endeavour to forge a memorable legacy. Theodoros, however, was generous and agreed to a truce, ending the Second Syrian War and giving himself free rein to redraw the political map of Hellas.

===

Next: Across the Bosporos.

5. Byzantion

After ousting Ptolemaios from the Sinai, Theodoros brought the tribes all the way up to the south of the Arabian peninsula into the Syrian sphere of influence, and forged a lasting alliance with them. In exchange for garrisoning the Sinai against Ptolemaic intrusion, the Arabians were granted freedom and independence.

The southern borders safeguarded, the basileus wasted little time and travelled to Syria where he personally took command of Alexandros' weathered veterans. By the summer of 251 BC, all preparations for the campaign were done, and Theodoros set out. Ptolemaios still holding sway over the seas, his route would go over land, through the Kilikian gate, Galatia, and Bithynia. Although there was no love lost between the Bithynian king and the Syrians, the former guaranteed a safe passage through his lands, for he had no means to resist a possible Seleukid attack should he refuse. Theodoros wintered northeast of Nikaia in 250 BC and crossed the Bosporos as soon as weather and Makedonian naval assistance permitted.

Alexandros Aiakides had had time aplenty to organize his forces, but instead of going to meet the Seleukids himself he had sent his nephew Pyrrichos in charge of the royal Epeirote army, which was comprised of about 34,000 well-trained men. On top of that, Pyrrichos had managed to mobilize a force of almost 40,000 lightly armed Thrakians to aid his cause, making a total of 75,000. Theodoros, though numerically far inferior, commanded an extremely loyal and experienced force of 27,000 infantry, and a cavalry wing of 5,000 under command of Demophon, one of the basileus' closest companions.

https://img511.imageshack.us/img511/...ntion01zi7.jpg
The two forces met towards the end of spring 249 BC, to the southeast of Byzantion. The outcome of the battle would shape the fate of the Aegean.

https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/...ntion02kr0.jpg
Theodoros lined up his phalanx on a narrow tract of land close to the Bosporos. Only superior arms would manage to outflank him.

https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/...ntion03hh1.jpg
Pyrrichos came from the southwest.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/52...ntion04zs1.jpg
The Thrakians came from the northwest.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/62...ntion05da7.jpg
The enemy was too numerous for the Seleukid slingers to make any real difference.

https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/...ntion06fj9.jpg
Demophon started to fight for the flanks. The ability to outflank the numerous Thrakian troops was crucial today.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/66...ntion07cj9.jpg
Hippakontistai kept the Epeirote skirmishers busy on the Seleukid right.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/67...ntion08og1.jpg
Demophon dispersed a unit of Prodromoi.

https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/...ntion09hm2.jpg
Not many of Pyrrhos' elephants were left after the wars with Makedonia.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/54...ntion10xe9.jpg
Meanwhile the lines clashed.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/80...ntion12zz8.jpg
Some of the Thrakians lost spirit as their flanks were harrassed.

https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/...ntion13zi7.jpg
But the Epeirote thorakitai and phalangitai continued steadily.

https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/...ntion14gq9.jpg
Theodoros, behind enemy lines, was caught in a second wave of Thrakians, but escaped in time, losing ten men.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/10...ntion15um2.jpg
The onslaught was relentless. Almost an hour into the battle, the Syrian phalangitai faced fresh Thrakians.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/48...ntion16yy9.jpg
But by this time, the flanks were won, and the Epeirotes were slowly enveloped.

https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/...ntion17lw2.jpg
About time, for the Seleukid centre started to succumb to the stress.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/24...ntion18za0.jpg
Demophon's cavalry now had free rein to mop up routers.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/52...ntion19vt6.jpg
Pyrrichos threw his weight into the battle and charged some of the flankers on the right.

https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/...ntion20bj9.jpg
Some fled the horrors of the now two-hour-long battle.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/53...ntion21md3.jpg
But Pyrrichos was surrounded...

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/90...ntion22vs5.jpg
...and slain.

https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/...ntion23su5.jpg
Theodoros rode victoriously across European soil.

https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/...ntion24ic4.jpg
The carnage had been massive.

https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/...ntion25ye9.jpg
But victory alike.

https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/...ntion26cs9.jpg
Only 7,000-odd Epeirotes lived to tell their king. Theodoros had only lost 6,500 men.

https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/...ntion27nj4.jpg

The battle of Byzantion would remain a milestone in Seleukid history. It ushered in an era of intervention in Aegean politics. King Alexandros was on his knees and accepted Theodoros' terms. Peace was settled between Epeiros and the Arche Seleukeia on condition that Alexandros forfeited his alliance with Ptolemaios, as well as his every claim on the Makedonian throne and country. Theodoros was given control of Chersonesos Thraikia and the Bosporos while Antigonos reclaimed Pella. Epeiros would never recover.

===

This was really such an epic battle, it took me 2,5 hours real-time. Next up will be the adventures of our old familiar Alexandros in Parthia.

What a battle!!!!:dizzy2:On which difficulty do you play battles?Oh yes good AAR!!:2thumbsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hrrypttrbst

What a battle!!!!:dizzy2:On which difficulty do you play battles?Oh yes good AAR!!:2thumbsup:

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Thank ye! EB is designed for Medium battle difficulty, so I stick to that.

I think that kind of win-margin while outnumbered so comprehensively is only possible with a phalanx army on the defensive. Not that it makes it any less impressive a feat, mind! That was one hell of a battle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by QuintusSertorius

I think that kind of win-margin while outnumbered so comprehensively is only possible with a phalanx army on the defensive. Not that it makes it any less impressive a feat, mind! That was one hell of a battle.

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Despite me being the attacker, I just had to sit and wait for the Epeirotes to come at me. That made half of my victory. The other half was made out of the fact that there was no "royal Epeirote army" at all. That was just role-played. In fact their troops consisted out of 80% Thrakian light spearmen (who have 1 point of armour), with some thorakitai, two levy phalanxes, and a host of skirmishers. Any army consisting out of decently armoured troops could have won this, I think. But you are right in that with non-phalanx units, the losses would have been bigger at my side.

But then again, the heirs of Seleukos have the right to field that many phalangitai, as long as they find loyal men. I may be fighting with non-phalanx armies, too, later in the campaign, when the number of Greeks to fill the ranks have dwindled too much. Or I may not :laugh4:.

again great aar and im looking forward to seeing the parthians in battle (i have never played a campaign in the east)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Happy balroae

again great aar and im looking forward to seeing the parthians in battle (i have never played a campaign in the east)

---

No sane human looks forward to seeing Parthians in battle! Nightmare!

Now that's a battle for the history books.

Man, one of your phalangite units suffered almost 90% casualties and didn't break... that's incredible! :stunned: Were they the men holding the centre?

how did you enlarge the units to 10x normal? ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reverend Joe

Now that's a battle for the history books.

Man, one of your phalangite units suffered almost 90% casualties and didn't break... that's incredible! :stunned: Were they the men holding the centre?

---

Yeah, those were the ones in the very centre, suffering the bulk of the attack. But to my experience, even levy phalangites will stand their ground when their flanks are secure, until they're forced to abandon the phalanx formation. Therefore, guarding the flanks is even more important for phalanx-based armies than it is for others.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pinkkiller

how did you enlarge the units to 10x normal? ...

---

I didn't. I play on huge unit size (if that's your question, you can change that in your graphics options menu), but for role-playing, I multiply them by ten when telling about it.

ok thx :2thumbsup:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Swordmaster

I didn't. I play on huge unit size (if that's your question, you can change that in your graphics options menu), but for role-playing, I multiply them by ten when telling about it.

---

Because Huge unit size is a good 1:10 scale approximation. At least as good as you'll get in the RTW engine.

:2thumbsup: That was a cool battle Swordmaster! I like it how you help the Makedones. :grin:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Centurio Nixalsverdrus

:2thumbsup: That was a cool battle Swordmaster! I like it how you help the Makedones. :grin:

---

Reinstalling Antigonos in Pella was little more than a cosmetic operation for Theodoros. More importantly, Byzantion was a show of force, a display of Seleukid might not merely before the western powers, but before his own subjects in the first place. It cemented Theodoros' position towards his satraps and allies, with exception of the easternmost (Baktria).

That said, ending Epeiros' golden era did allow Makedonia to focus on subjugating the south of the peninsula. A venture that would turn both allies against each other, eventually.

6. Alexandros goes to Parthia

https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5406/map249sl1.jpg
The map in 249 BC, right after Byzantion.

During the years Theodoros was away, Alexandros raised a new army for himself in Syria and Babylonia. Both natives and Hellenes enlisted in his service, compelled by his many victories, enthusiastic about the prospect of driving the Parthians back into the steppes. Of the phalangitai, there were 6,800 Syrians, 2,800 Persians, and 4,800 Greeks, with an auxiliary force of 5,000 Persian archers, some 9,000 light infantry, and about 4,000 cavalry. A young, talented general named Anaxambritos was chosen to join the campaign.

https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/...dros249gc0.jpg
Alexandros at the end of 249 BC, before his Parthian campaign.

As the veteran set out for Media, the skies looked very bright for the Seleukid realm. Antigonos Gonatas died in late spring, and was succeeded by his weak nephew Alexandros. Being in the region, Theodoros made use of the opportunity to visit Pella, and was quickly ascertained of the fact that the new Makedonian basileus would never even question the existing alliance, let alone break it.

Secondly, and more importantly, Ptolemaios II Philadelphos died a few months later. His second son and only heir, Lysimachos, had made himself impopular with a number of strategoi, who had their own candidate for the throne in Leontiskos, married to Ptolemaios' daughter. Soon after Ptolemaios' death, Leontiskos secured Alexandreia and the rest of the Neilos delta, while Lysimachos built up a support base in the south. Civil war would tear up Aigyptos during the following decade, and though Theodoros had nominally granted his support to Lysimachos, he left them to their own affairs for the time being.

https://img92.imageshack.us/img92/786/lysimachosgs0.jpg
versus
https://img131.imageshack.us/img131/...ntiskosom7.jpg

With both the Aegean and Aigyptos in his pocket, Theodoros returned to Seleukeia, having left a considerable garrison in Byzantion, and started raising a new army with which he would reinforce Alexandros in his Parthian campaign. The latter had spent winter in Ekbatana, and had explored the region as far north as Atropatene, looking for a trace of the Parthians.

Feeling confident about his strength, he crossed from Media into Khoarene as soon as the new season had started. Before too long, he met one of Parthia's royal armies, under command of Arsaces, son of the king (also named Arsaces).

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/98...renea01mt7.jpg
Although the Parthians were outnumbered, they accepted the fight.

https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/...renea02oq4.jpg
Alexandros lined up as if he was facing a band of Gauls.

https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/...renea03np1.jpg
But even before the slingers had sighted the enemy, arrows started raining down on them.

https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/...renea04rw5.jpg
These were no Gauls!

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/54...renea05fs9.jpg
It didn't take long for Alexandros to realize he had brought too few archers.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/30...renea06js8.jpg
They came from all sides.

https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/...renea07nv3.jpg
Alexandros was still confident in his cavalry's abilities and attacked those pesky horse archers.

https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/...renea08ts9.jpg
On the left, Anaxambritos followed his example.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/27...renea09xp3.jpg
The fight was too fierce for Alexandros' few companions.

https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/93...renea11dt3.jpg
The prodromoi were vastly outnumbered and fled.

https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/...renea10ns2.jpg
This time it didn't matter what happened in the centre...

https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/...renea12ts8.jpg
...as they were being charged in the flanks.

https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/...renea13eg2.jpg
Not being a complete idiot, Alexandros ordered the retreat.

https://img238.imageshack.us/img238/...renea14dq1.jpg
The wounded were left behind.

===

Next: Alexandros changes his tactics.

Brilliant, deploying tactics you used and won with before against a different enemy, with predictable results. So that you can go back with a "reformed" army and "new" tactics to try again. I respect your adherence to versimilitude there in not just recruiting a new army specifically designed to defeat horse-archers. I may do something similar in my Bosporan campaign.

Yeah, Alexandros (and me, too, honestly) was taken aback by the toughness of the Parthian nobles and armoured horse archers. He will adapt his tactics, but so will his enemies. It'll get fiercer with every battle.

Good to see an AAR in which the author/ General actually looses sometimes...thrilling campaign you got there!:smash:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Subedei

Good to see an AAR in which the author/ General actually looses sometimes...thrilling campaign you got there!:smash:

---

A Seleukid game without losses just doesn't feel right. Even though I'm gonna win in the end :smash:

7. Alexandros adapts his tactics

Back in Media, after his defeat at the hands of Arsaces junior, Alexandros faced a confidence crisis among his soldiers and the natives. The only ones willing to replenish his depleted forces were a handful of garrison troops from Ekbatana, but skirmishers and light infantry were of no use to the disillusioned general. Cavalry and archers was what he needed, especially cavalry. Returning to Babylonia was not an option, however, as even this very year Arsaces invaded Susiana from the north, and could barely be withheld by the local garrisons.

Alexandros wintered south of the Median capital and then turned south towards Susa. Along his way, he recruited what archers he could find, most of them mercenaries. When he reached the fortified city, there were 8,000 of them: 5,000 heavy Persian archers and 3,000 Mardians. This in addition to what was left of his regular Persian archers, some 3,000, making a combined total of 11,000 archers. This he deemed enough to confront Arsaces, but now the Parthians were reluctant to fight. It took until summer 245 BC before both parties were assured of their strategic advantage over the other, and committed their men to battle.

https://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3341/susaa01ks3.jpg
The Parthians were outnumbered again, which meant virtually nothing at all.

https://img126.imageshack.us/img126/508/susaa02ut2.jpg
Alexandros made full use of the terrain, and lined up somewhat inelegantly with all mercenaries up front and slingers on the left flank.

https://img126.imageshack.us/img126/7334/susaa03kx7.jpg
His right would be covered by a massive rock party further up hill.

https://img103.imageshack.us/img103/599/susaa04ta1.jpg
Alexandros didn't really trust these mercenaries and found it hard laying the fate of his men into their hands.

https://img103.imageshack.us/img103/3116/susaa05qb5.jpg
Atop the hill, their barrage started.

https://img115.imageshack.us/img115/4690/susaa06fr1.jpg
Arsaces sent his son to examine the changes in Alexandros' army.

https://img103.imageshack.us/img103/8463/susaa07gp3.jpg
The Persian mercenaries stood their ground, to Alexandros' amazement.

https://img103.imageshack.us/img103/9300/susaa08ga7.jpg
Anaxambritos intervened.

https://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7336/susaa09pv3.jpg
In a move no one foresaw, Karmasb was slain.

https://img103.imageshack.us/img103/1685/susaa10bx3.jpg
A little later, Arsaces' brother was hit by arrow fire.

https://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7066/susaa10lg3.jpg
His archers' quivers empty, Alexandros ordered his phalanxes forward across the sloped terrain.

https://img115.imageshack.us/img115/595/susaa12wf0.jpg
The lines closed.

https://img20.imageshack.us/img20/9682/susaa13ye6.jpg
Arsaces tried to avert a dishonourable fate with a last charge.

https://img103.imageshack.us/img103/9762/susaa14mn5.jpg
Alexandros made it a personal cause.

https://img103.imageshack.us/img103/991/susaa15qx8.jpg
The Parthian heir soon lay dead in the fields.

https://img20.imageshack.us/img20/8844/susaa16rr8.jpg
His army was completely routed.

Only a few days later, Alexandros was rewarded with another chance to improve his tactics. A Parthian army had entered Susiana, but it was far weaker than that of the late Arsaces. Alexandros rode out to defeat them.

https://img20.imageshack.us/img20/9176/susab01ep7.jpg
He positioned himself in a narrow pass to gain strategic advantage on top of his numerical one.

https://img20.imageshack.us/img20/700/susab02hi8.jpg
It was almost an exact copy of his previous victory, but twice as easy.

While his men celebrated, Alexandros stared into the distance, the mountains of Elymais gleaming in the evening sun. There was nothing honourable about victories such as these, and gloom overcame the veteran. He had looked forward to returning to his place of birth, here in Susiana, but now he was more keen than ever on feeling the heat of the Syrian sand again.

When he heard the news that the Galatians had revolted in autumn 245 BC, he sent a request to Theodoros to travel to Asia minor to put things back in order there. But it was denied, and the basileus would soon meet him in Susiana to organize the next phase of the campaign.

===

Next: An end to Alexandros' campaign.

There was some proper root and branch family-tree-surgery going on there for the poor Parthians!

On that topic, how do you manage that large stable you must have of Seleukid FMs? Are a lot stuck with just being governors?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by QuintusSertorius

There was some proper root and branch family-tree-surgery going on there for the poor Parthians!

On that topic, how do you manage that large stable you must have of Seleukid FMs? Are a lot stuck with just being governors?

---

Yeah, I think there were some troubles between the old Arsaces and his descendants. They preferred an honourable death, I guess :laugh4:. I needed to kill the young Arsaces anyway to prevent history from repeating itself, much like Ptolemaios Euergetes got killed. Sort of legitimizes my alternate history.

The Seleukids start out with only a few FMs, but there are far too many now. I don't really know what to do with them. I don't want to keep them in their birthplaces because that's going to make little dynasties emerge locally, so most youngsters I send either to Antioch or Seleukeia, depending on what's nearest. Many of them just sit around idly. I only have time to come up with tasks for the royal family itself plus some very good generals. But the problem is that there are actually about thirty FMs now with more than two command stars, which should be a rarity instead. For role-playing's sake, there should be a shortage of capable commanders, so I just ignore them.

Keep it up! I like this AAR. :whip:
Seriously, there seem to be so many good, interesting AARs around lately. Yours, Quintus's Pergamon AAR, Centurio's Makedonian one, divulse's Roman AAR... there's always MAA's AAR. I'm just wondering what's up with Chirurgeon- he hasn't posted in forever! :thinking:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chaotix27

Keep it up! I like this AAR. :whip:
Seriously, there seem to be so many good, interesting AARs around lately. Yours, Quintus's Pergamon AAR, Centurio's Makedonian one, divulse's Roman AAR... there's always MAA's AAR. I'm just wondering what's up with Chirurgeon- he hasn't posted in forever! :thinking:

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:grin: Thank you for the mention. :bow:

Yes, Swordmaster should definitely keep it up. What is quite funny is that in my Mak campaign, the Seleukids just recently conquered most Parthian lands. That must be an omen!




Maybe I should also mention that they lost whole of Syria and Babylonia to the Ptolemies?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chaotix27

Keep it up! I like this AAR. :whip:
Seriously, there seem to be so many good, interesting AARs around lately. Yours, Quintus's Pergamon AAR, Centurio's Makedonian one, divulse's Roman AAR... there's always MAA's AAR. I'm just wondering what's up with Chirurgeon- he hasn't posted in forever! :thinking:

---

Thank you! Yes, quite some AARs going. Exams are over for me, as they must be for others, too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Centurio Nixalsverdrus

:grin: Thank you for the mention. :bow:

Yes, Swordmaster should definitely keep it up. What is quite funny is that in my Mak campaign, the Seleukids just recently conquered most Parthian lands. That must be an omen!




Maybe I should also mention that they lost whole of Syria and Babylonia to the Ptolemies?

---

An omen indeed! But Theodoros is slightly better at handling the Ptolemaioi. Asia Minor, however, will remain problematic for quite some time.

Thanks everyone for the comments so far, it's good to see all these encouragements. :balloon2:

8. A general is lost

The winter of 245-244 BC had been a particularly mild one, and had brought little snow to the plateau. Alexandros' men had been in good shape since last year's victories, and even the otherwise taciturn Anaxambritos was full about repeating the success of that season. He urged Alexandros to make full use of the strategic and moral advantage they had gained last year, and not to let their foe recover. On top of that, Theodoros had not been completely clear with his orders, and so it was that Alexandros decided not to wait for his reinforcements and commence the new campaign season.

They broke winter camp shortly before spring, a fine layer of frost covering the grassy plains. From Susa they marched eastwards and then turned north to advance through the mountain passes into Khoarene. The mountains were bleak and bare, and as soon as they had left Susiana behind, icy winds started pestering the marching column. Once across the passes, a large Parthian force was scouted, heading towards them. Alexandros decided to wait for them among the hills.

https://img385.imageshack.us/img385/...reneb01bl2.jpg
The Parthians, led by Ariyavand, had known all the time about his advance. Aware of Alexandros' continuing lack of cavalry, King Arsakes had sent a force of his most cherished veteran kataphraktoi and horse archers to supplement Ariyavand's infantry.

https://img297.imageshack.us/img297/...reneb02vw4.jpg
Alexandros' archer line was weaker than before. Some of the mercenaries had left, not wanting to leave Susiana.

https://img105.imageshack.us/img105/...reneb03lf3.jpg
The Parthians came marching through the hills.

https://img159.imageshack.us/img159/...reneb04wf4.jpg
Many well-armoured horse archers.

https://img366.imageshack.us/img366/...reneb05sy9.jpg
More than 5,000 kataphraktoi.

https://img159.imageshack.us/img159/...reneb06qf6.jpg
The Syrians had to watch how they were outflanked. The archers were powerless against the Parthians' armour.

https://img105.imageshack.us/img105/...reneb07al1.jpg
Alexandros' tactic was to keep the cavalry busy while his phalanxes manoeuvred into position. So vastly outnumbered, it was a brave and honourable idea.

https://img366.imageshack.us/img366/...reneb08bt3.jpg
Most of the phalangites had to abandon their immobile formation and fight with swords. Strength through number and valour could grant them victory.

https://img159.imageshack.us/img159/...reneb09pr6.jpg
As long as Alexandros' and Anaxambritos' bodyguards held against the kataphraktoi, the Syrians were winning.

https://img159.imageshack.us/img159/...reneb10vk6.jpg
But even the spearmen were unable to overcome their opponents as quickly as they should have.

https://img159.imageshack.us/img159/...reneb11af2.jpg
Neither were the pezhetairoi.

https://img105.imageshack.us/img105/...reneb12sp4.jpg
The Parthian infantry was torn limb from limb.

https://img366.imageshack.us/img366/...reneb13ut9.jpg
Some kataphraktoi were routed; Alexandros chased them down.

https://img105.imageshack.us/img105/...reneb14gb5.jpg
Roughly at this moment, the balance swung towards the Parthians' advantage.

https://img159.imageshack.us/img159/...reneb15of2.jpg
Alexandros disappeared from his soldiers' sight at some point, and deeming their general fallen, a general rout ensued.

https://img366.imageshack.us/img366/...reneb16fx7.jpg
Alexandros returned instantly, but lost trace of his men in the woods.

https://img159.imageshack.us/img159/...reneb17an2.jpg
Anaxambritos had lost all his companions.

https://img366.imageshack.us/img366/...reneb18cq7.jpg
The Parthians were able to give due treatment to their wounded, and many recovered.

While Anaxambritos caught up with most of the routers and led them back towards their previous encampment, Alexandros remained missing. The general had fled northwards, and came out of the woods onto the plains of Khoarene, where he was sighted by the Parthians. They captured him and brought him to their capital Hekatompylos, where he remained a prisoner at Arsakes' court.

===

Next: The basileus himself comes for the Parthians.

Another forced loss?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Centurio Nixalsverdrus

Another forced loss?

---

It was going well for quite a while, much to my amazement. But in the end there were too many of them. So, no, I really lost that one, unlike the other one where I ordered a retreat while there was still a possibility to win. Try winning against 5 units of kataphraktoi and 5 of armoured horse archers without decent cavalry. Of course, I had to encourage Arsakes a bit to send these towards Alexandros :beam:.

I'm actually trying to get the Seleukid reforms, to no avail so far.

That might be because 2 different generals have to lose against a Cata-faction before you can get the reforms.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by General Appo

That might be because 2 different generals have to lose against a Cata-faction before you can get the reforms.

---

Hehe, I'm not gonna spoil whether or not I'm losing a battle again in the coming years, nosy parker. :2thumbsup:

9. Second stage of the Parthian War: Theodoros' campaign

https://img53.imageshack.us/img53/46...ampaignyx5.jpg
A little map of Alexandros' ill-fated campaign.

When Anaxambritos got back in Susa with the remainder of the troops, some 4,000 men, Theodoros had already arrived. The basileus had assembled an army that was far better prepared for the task of taking on Parthia. His phalanx was smaller by one third, and instead he had brought a reliable detachment of 6,500 archers and a cavalry wing of 2,000 in addition to his own massive 4,000-strong body of companions. Together they made a 30,000-strong army, ready to encounter the Parthian threat with efficiency and impression.

Theodoros had been quite successful persuading proper men of arms to join his cause. His force of companions was exceptional, however. Never again would a Seleukid king find so many men willing to fight for him.

Anaxambritos recounted Alexandros' tribulations of late, not eschewing the occasional exaggeration, and Theodoros was slightly worried about the loss of his most loyal general. Not out of compassion, of course, but the basileus knew that there were few men - if any at all - he would have trusted with such a large army at their command as he had trusted Alexandros. Now he would have to put his power-hungry son in charge of a second army should he need one, a feat he decided to postpone as long as possible.

Aware of his somewhat precarious situation, Theodoros made haste and left Susiana before winter. He had sent Anaxambritos and his men back to Babylon, avoiding the circulation of hairy tales through his army, and tried to keep his men's spirits up despite the long march through desolate and inhospitable lands. His route went through Media and then north towards the Hyrkanian sea, avoiding Khoarene. An entire season passed without action, and it took until summer and Theodoros crossing into Khoarene from the north that a Parthian force would show up.

https://img92.imageshack.us/img92/24...renec01bi0.jpg
At last the king got to see those terrible nomads.

https://img65.imageshack.us/img65/80...renec02nc2.jpg
But the only terrible thing on the battlefield was his own superiority.

https://img58.imageshack.us/img58/24...renec04tn4.jpg
The fight was extremely short.

https://img58.imageshack.us/img58/41...renec05fa3.jpg
The basileus had but little chance to test his men.

https://img234.imageshack.us/img234/...renec06fj0.jpg

If these were really those fearsome Parthians, their end was near. But it was obvious to him that they had been mere levies, bereft of any proper cavalry support. Indeed, that very summer he received the news that an army of cataphracts and horse archers had entered Margiana and Aria, and that the once loyal provinces had deposed their Seleukid governors and sought protection from Diodotos of Baktria.

https://img380.imageshack.us/img380/...iodotosaj7.jpghttps://img153.imageshack.us/img153/...tria242do3.jpg

But however repulsed Theodoros had been when his father had allowed Sogdiana and the splendid city of Alexandreia-Eschata to do exactly the same thirty years ago, he now realized that little could be done against the growing power of the Baktrians, until he showed up in person at Diodotos' doorstep. Yet there was no formal war between him and the rebellious satrap, and until the Parthians were contained, Diodotos had to wait.

===

Next: Theodoros versus Shapourvaraz and his kataphraktoi.

Just a question: Why did you prefer Lonchophoroi Hippeis? I would think that Prodromoi or something "lighter" would be better against these horse-archers.

Thrilling! Again....me like Katas.....:laugh4: Good luck to you!

great aar and good to see the parthians in battle.
also like that it doesnt always go your way and what has happened to alexandros when you said he was captured has he died or is he still alive and your role playing him being captured

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Timoleon

Just a question: Why did you prefer Lonchophoroi Hippeis? I would think that Prodromoi or something "lighter" would be better against these horse-archers.

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Actually, you need quite heavy cavalry if you don't want to be eaten by cataphracts. The Lonchophoroi haven't really disappointed me, I must say. They may be the awesomest unit in my armies nowadays.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Happy balroae

great aar and good to see the parthians in battle.
also like that it doesnt always go your way and what has happened to alexandros when you said he was captured has he died or is he still alive and your role playing him being captured

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Alexandros is alive, but I haven't a clue as to why the Parthians didn't kill him. Perhaps they mistook him for Theodoros' son or something.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Swordmaster

Actually, you need quite heavy cavalry if you don't want to be eaten by cataphracts. The Lonchophoroi haven't really disappointed me, I must say. They may be the awesomest unit in my armies nowadays.

---

They're the bodyguard unit for Hellenistic Mercenary Generals, and I have to agree that they don't disappoint. While I do love my Thrakian Prodromoi, when something a little heavier is required they fit the bill adequately.

10. Intermezzo: Intervention in Aigyptos

While Theodoros was having fun in Parthia, the civil war in Aigyptos ran out of hand. Lysimachos had been suffering loss after loss, and Leontiskos was on the brink of landing the final blow. The latter's army had grown into an impressive force including war elephants and a large contingent of elite phalangitai, while most of Lysimachos' troops had been dispersed and decimated.

The Seleukid king had no choice but to come to Lysimachos' aid, unless he wished a powerful man to gain the Aigyptian throne and make a united realm march against their eastern neighbour. He struck a deal with Lysimachos and sent his son Seleukos in charge of a well-equipped army, accompanied by one of his close trustees, Nikolaos Apameas. The idea was to set back Leontiskos, annul his recent gains, but retreat before he was decisively defeated in order to leave the civil war undecided and the country divided.

Seleukos set out from Antiocheia early in 242 BC. Among his forces were some of the best-trained men of the country, most of which would become attached to him personally for decades to come. The heir had a phalanx of 15,000 Greeks, of which half were drawn from the kleruchoi ranks. The other half were pezhetairoi, of which one third were elite veterans from former campaigns. The phalanx was augmented by some 7,600 spearmen, of which 4,400 were Greeks and 3,200 were Babylonians. Of the Greeks, a good 1,000 were drawn from the heavily-armed royal elite which Theodoros had started training. Then there were 2,800 peltasts, of which 1,200 were Makedonians, a gift from Alexandros Argeades to strengthen the bonds across the Aegean. This main army was supported by 1,600 Persian archers and a cavalry wing of 4,700 Greeks.

https://img384.imageshack.us/img384/...iskos01nm0.jpg
Seleukos met his foe on a spring evening on the east bank of the Neilos, not far from Memphis.

https://img384.imageshack.us/img384/...iskos02nd4.jpg
He lined up conservatively, even though he knew Leontiskos had elephants.

https://img384.imageshack.us/img384/...iskos03km8.jpg
Except, his phalanx was the other way round: elites on the left.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...iskos04zu4.jpg
Kings will be kings, even when they're princes still, and Seleukos wanted to make a big impression on the Aigyptians with his elite thorakitai.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...iskos05hf9.jpg
Leontiskos arrived, his phalanx instilling anxiety to some of the green troops.

https://img365.imageshack.us/img365/...iskos06hq4.jpg
The elephants were on the Ptolemaic right, much to Seleukos' anger. It seemed that Leontiskos had foreseen his lining up the argyraspidai on the left.

https://img365.imageshack.us/img365/...iskos07bq4.jpg
As the enormous beasts charged, the elite phalangitai were faced with a tough choice; both holding and breaking the formation carried a serious risk.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...iskos08te3.jpg
Their commander chose the latter.

https://img365.imageshack.us/img365/...iskos09no9.jpg
The elephants continued rolling up Seleukos' phalanx, forcing two more units to break.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...iskos10cc7.jpg
Meanwhile on the other end of the scene, Seleukos himself was caught in a drawn out confrontation with Leontiskos' elite cavalry.

https://img365.imageshack.us/img365/...iskos11xj0.jpg
But when the elephants had deemed the elite thorakitai a better chase than the phalanx, the battle turned to the Seleukids' advantage.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...iskos12jy3.jpg
The phalangitai on the left could rearrange as Nikolaos kept the Galatians busy.

https://img384.imageshack.us/img384/...iskos13fe7.jpg
When he came to appreciate his plight, Leontiskos decided to take the honourable way out.

https://img384.imageshack.us/img384/...iskos14ez3.jpg
Those already wavering now routed.

https://img365.imageshack.us/img365/...iskos15tt9.jpg
Thus ended the fighting.

https://img384.imageshack.us/img384/...iskos16jb7.jpg
Those who had witnessed the confrontation acclaimed Seleukos a hero.

With Leontiskos dead, Seleukos had to be creative and draw advantage out of the situtation. Having a victorious army in the heart of Aigyptos could have enabled the Arche Seleukeia to subdue the whole of the Neilos a second time in less than twenty years, but its borders in an already overly precarious state, that would not have been a wise move. Instead, Seleukos was content to install Lysimachos on the Aigyptian throne in exchange for possession of Kyrene and Kypros, a deal the soon-to-be pharaoh was glad to accept.

It was a dismal time for the Ptolemaioi.

===

Next: Parthian Wars continued, as promised.

I should add here that any suggestions towards the campaign or the AAR are always welcome. There's going to be a few more years focus on Parthia, and then all hell will break lose in the west, again. I think I'm gonna need to finish off a faction one day or the next if I ever want to keep my gains.

I think you should push Baktria into their historical position in the far south-east of the map.

Quote:

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https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...iskos04zu4.jpg

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I get a feeling of unsupportable heat by just looking at these canned guys...

This battle must have been a nightmare. I hate it when it gets into such chaos.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by QuintusSertorius

I think you should push Baktria into their historical position in the far south-east of the map.

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I've been considering retaking the lands I've lost to them (some rebelled, some gifted) and restoring them to being a single-province satrapy, more so because Theodoros is in the vicinity with his army. But in the end I didn't feel like weakening them too much in this stage of the game. I'll wait until they decide to attack me, which should have happened a long time ago but hasn't for some reason.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Centurio Nixalsverdrus

I get a feeling of unsupportable heat by just looking at these canned guys...

This battle must have been a nightmare. I hate it when it gets into such chaos.

---

I played it twice. The first time, I killed Leontiskos early on, which made the whole thing rather ludicrous to continue. The second time, these elephants did really smart things to my line, forcing me to spend way too much attention to that part of the battle instead of trying to do something with those canned guys. Their heavy armour wasn't very handy when they had to run from the elephants. But in the end, the atmosphere was pretty much like I'd wanted it, successor battles in the desert. Sort of an exercise for later on.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Swordmaster

I've been considering retaking the lands I've lost to them (some rebelled, some gifted) and restoring them to being a single-province satrapy, more so because Theodoros is in the vicinity with his army. But in the end I didn't feel like weakening them too much in this stage of the game. I'll wait until they decide to attack me, which should have happened a long time ago but hasn't for some reason.

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Retake them, give them to Pahlava. Then we get a more historical expanding Parthia, and you conveniently put someone in between you and Baktria, so they become someone else's problem. Don't a fair few of those provinces have Pahlava as their "faction creator" anyway?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Swordmaster

I played it twice. The first time, I killed Leontiskos early on, which made the whole thing rather ludicrous to continue. The second time, these elephants did really smart things to my line, forcing me to spend way too much attention to that part of the battle instead of trying to do something with those canned guys. Their heavy armour wasn't very handy when they had to run from the elephants. But in the end, the atmosphere was pretty much like I'd wanted it, successor battles in the desert. Sort of an exercise for later on.

---

Hmmm, now you've got me thinking about having my own houserule for battles that not only won't I target enemy generals, but I'll make an effort not to kill them even when they suicide-charge my line.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by QuintusSertorius

Retake them, give them to Pahlava. Then we get a more historical expanding Parthia, and you conveniently put someone in between you and Baktria, so they become someone else's problem. Don't a fair few of those provinces have Pahlava as their "faction creator" anyway?

---

That wouldn't make sense. Game-wise, I gave Aria and Margiana to Baktria to prevent them from being taken by the Parthians (Parthia and Baktria are still allies). I want to bring Parthia to its knees, not make them stronger. My aim is to protect the Greeks in the east from the nomads, if that means allowing Baktria to gain a significant level of independence and power, so be it. They will be dealt with later on.

Remember also that we're not going the historical way. The Arche Seleukeia shall not perish, least of all by the hands of Roman diplomats and generals!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by QuintusSertorius

Hmmm, now you've got me thinking about having my own houserule for battles that not only won't I target enemy generals, but I'll make an effort not to kill them even when they suicide-charge my line.

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There's only so much you can do. If he decides to attack my phalanx head-on, he'll die.

Excellent AAR so far Swordmaster! Finally an epic AS one! I realy hope you will come to kick some Romaios @$$ later on:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

Excellent AAR so far Swordmaster! Finally an epic AS one! I realy hope you will come to kick some Romaios @$$ later on:)

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Thanks! I'm sure those pesky legions will start showing up somewhere around 190 BC.

11. Parthia's fortunes reversed

A few months after his first victory over the Parthians, Theodoros was attacked anew, this time by the army which had defeated Alexandros earlier on. Its forces had weakened, however, and apparently the leadership had changed, too, now in the hands of one Shapourvaraz. The basileus heard that there had been internal problems all over the Parthian realm ever since the death of King Arsakes' son and heir.

https://img399.imageshack.us/img399/...rened01kf6.jpg
Theodoros tried to gain a height advantage before the forces finally met.

https://img65.imageshack.us/img65/26...rened02al2.jpg
His line-up was compact and mobile, ready to counter whatever the Parthians had in store. The spearmen and peltastai were concentrated on the left, where the basileus expected the fiercest fighting.

https://img235.imageshack.us/img235/...rened03gj6.jpg
Theodoros was not impressed by their cavalry, however.

https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/...rened04dt9.jpg
He ordered his slingers forward; only a king could demand such loyalty from his men that they did not break under the rain of arrows.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...rened05yg0.jpg
A unit of Parthians felt like having a good charge. Which flank?

https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/...rened06ip1.jpg
Hear, hear - left flank.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...rened07zx6.jpg
The Syrians' compact formation, however, made that they would soon be surrounded by spearmen and decimated.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...rened08ny4.jpg
Theodoros sent part of his cavalry after the other Parthian horses, also on the left flank.

https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/...rened09pv0.jpg
All the while the Syrian archers firing their bolts of death from behind the sturdy phalanx.

https://img235.imageshack.us/img235/...rened10dh6.jpg
Sandwich tactics. The charging party here is that of Strouthion Syriakos, only son of Theodoros' brother Sarpedon.

https://img235.imageshack.us/img235/...rened11pr2.jpg
Most of the cavalry fighting continued on the left, while the Parthian infantry had almost caught up to join the battle. Theodoros now personally joined the fight.

https://img235.imageshack.us/img235/...rened12xc3.jpg
The thorakitai proved to be very reliable men.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...rened13zp0.jpg
The royal bodyguards in action.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...rened14yh9.jpg
By the time the infantry arrived, most of the Parthian cavalry had already been dispersed.

https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/...rened15vi5.jpg
The Syrian cavalry had free rein in mopping up light infantry.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...rened16fb1.jpg
The Parthian phalanx thought it was being quite smart sandwiching one of the Seleukid units.

https://img235.imageshack.us/img235/...rened17lc0.jpg
Not!

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...rened18zk8.jpg
The whole affair was over. Brave men had turned to routing rabbits.

https://img235.imageshack.us/img235/...rened19ai3.jpg
Theodoros didn't join the chase but followed the scene from afar.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...rened20my5.jpg
Victory in Khoarene - at last, after so many humiliating defeats for the Arche Seleukeia.

The Seleukids spent winter not far from Apameia, and when they approached the city in early spring the following year, the Parthian garrison made haste and took to their heels. Theodoros entered the Greek city with pomp and glory in 241 BC, his twentieth year of reign.

===

Next will be another update from the Parthian Wars.

Awesome stuff! About time we see a victorious Seleukid in an AAR. Well done :)

12. Parthia forced to its knees

https://img374.imageshack.us/img374/...ampaignhv6.jpg
Map of Theodoros' eastern campaign.

Theodoros remained in Apameia for the rest of the year, allowing his troops some rest and himself to gather more information about the Parthian defenses further up north. He would go back the way he came, into Hyrkania and thence invade Parthia proper from the north, avoiding the large stretch of desert that separated Apameia and Hekatompylos. The overall campaign would take longer than he had hoped, though, and he already started out with a delay, late in the summer of 240 BC.

Almost exactly one year later, the Hyrkanian capital fell before his forces, the Parthians again fleeing without offering any real chance of confrontation. Theodoros continued north and on the border of Astauene, he met one of the last Parthian forces willing to withstand him, even though that didn't mean much. He scored victory after victory, and in late 238 BC, broke through the gates of the Parthian capital Hekatompylos and conclusively terminated their imperial dreams. Parthia was on its knees, its foremost nobles had been slain, its armies wrecked and dispersed. Theodoros, not wanting to continue hunting nomads on the steppes, agreed to a peace treaty by which Astauene was returned to the Arche Seleukeia, and Alexandros Syriakos returned from captivity.

Upon entering Hekatompylos, Theodoros adopted the name of Antiochos, in honour of his father, setting a tradition in the Seleukid dynasty.

Some shots from the campaign:

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...paign01ny1.jpg
Khoarene, 241 BC

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...paign02ox2.jpg
Hyrkania, 240 BC

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...paign03lk3.jpg
Hyrkania, 239 BC

https://img384.imageshack.us/img384/...paign04zf0.jpg
Parthia, 238 BC

https://img384.imageshack.us/img384/...paign05sf9.jpg
Parthia, 238 BC

https://img384.imageshack.us/img384/...paign06gh8.jpg
Parthia, 238 BC

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...paign07jw3.jpg
Peace treaty, 238 BC

https://img244.imageshack.us/img244/...paign08du9.jpg


https://img58.imageshack.us/img58/1441/spaniyaspby2.jpg
Last of the Parthians. All other FMs slain.

https://img58.imageshack.us/img58/90...ophoroimo9.jpg
Credit to the Lonchophoroi Hippeis.

https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/5862/237yr0.jpg
The world in 237 BC. Never mind Roman expansion, I may interfere later on.

===

Next: Theodoros/Antiochos goes east.

Nice job smashing the Parthians there. What's up with Alexandros? How'd you role play him being captured? :thinking:

Are you going to subdue the Baktrian traitors next?

AMAZING AAR SM !!! Itz really quiite epic !!!

Oh btw plz do hurry to the Indos bit ... eagerly awaiting u confronting Indians ^_^

Prince

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chaotix27

Nice job smashing the Parthians there. What's up with Alexandros? How'd you role play him being captured? :thinking:

Are you going to subdue the Baktrian traitors next?

---

I had Alexandros captured because as the only capable general other than the king himself, he could have led a second army to make the whole affair even more quickly over and done with, and give me more overkill towards Parthia. I tried to keep it a little challenging and have my best general removed, but in that last battle of him he just wouldn't die, whatever I tried, so I had him "captured".

Baktria... almost. See next update, probably.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by IndianPrince

AMAZING AAR SM !!! Itz really quiite epic !!!

Oh btw plz do hurry to the Indos bit ... eagerly awaiting u confronting Indians ^_^

Prince

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Thanks! Coming soon...

Another excellent update, Swordmaster! I'm really enjoying this one! I hope you quickly solidify your eastern front and turn your Imperial eyes towards the west. Ah, how nice it is to interfere with smaller factions when you are the ''big'' guy:evil:

Swordmaster, interesting that our two AARs are running pretty much level on number of reads.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by QuintusSertorius

Swordmaster, interesting that our two AARs are running pretty much level on number of reads.

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Indeed. Those who read your AAR will probably also read mine, and vica versa.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

Another excellent update, Swordmaster! I'm really enjoying this one! I hope you quickly solidify your eastern front and turn your Imperial eyes towards the west. Ah, how nice it is to interfere with smaller factions when you are the ''big'' guy:evil:

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Exactly. Except that those smaller factions all add up to a big deal of irritation!

Nice updates. I love the idea of the history-book-like campaign map. Did you guide the Roman expansion? Which factions occupies Pergamon? And now I want to see some detailed screenshots of Hellenes fighting Indian guild warriors.

13. To India

King Antiochos Theos didn't spend much time in Hekatompylos. He installed some of his most capable governors in the recently reconquered regions, and dispatched messengers to Diodotos of Baktria demanding he send contingents of archers and spearmen to help strengthening the garrisons in the area. The satrap was quick to comply to any of Antiochos' requests, fully aware of his formal overlord's military presence.

The basileus left Parthia early in 237 BC, and travelled east through Aria, where he met Diodotos personally for the first and last time. He received vital supplies and a number of support troops from the Baktrians, but didn't linger any longer than necessary among the untrustworthy easterners. He travelled further east to the remotest regions of his realm and spent winter in Prophthasia, where most soldiers had expected their journey to end. But Antiochos was too ambitious for that, and wanted to cement his legacy by repeating the deeds of his grandfather Seleukos - marching straight onto the Indos.

The long column marched onwards as spring came and crossed the Helmand into Arachosia. Although not formally part of the Arche Seleukeia anymore, there was no resistance in the region, apart from the city of Alexandria which was held by a local lord. Antiochos' appearance, however, compelled the man to surrender without fight, and he was allowed to retain his status within the city as a client to the Seleukid king. He even displayed his generous hospitality as the army wintered nearby and Antiochos was guest at his court.

The next year, the Seleukids crossed the mountain passes as soon as weather permitted and advanced into India proper, where Antiochos would reaffirm the celebrated peace between the Mauryan and Seleukid empires that their ancestors had engineered. But the territories around the Indos were not firmly controlled by the Mauryan ruler, and a local rebel had taken power in Patala. Of course, Antiochos was a skilled politician, and turned this situation to his full favour. He sent an embassy to the emperor and struck a deal with him, agreeing to expel the rebels from Patala in exchange for definitely settling the border between both realms at the Indos, returning all lands west of it to Seleukid control.

Thus, Antiochos crossed the Indos late in 235 BC and enjoyed the mild winter in the region. He did a number of minor skirmishes until he came upon a force the Patalan ruler had sent.

https://img67.imageshack.us/img67/2734/india01wb3.jpg
The forces met in a dry region east of the Indos.

https://img381.imageshack.us/img381/3417/india02lt3.jpg
The Patalan forces maintained a loose formation, but had brought elephants as shock troops.

https://img53.imageshack.us/img53/1736/india03sl9.jpg
Antiochos' forces were hardened by years of campaigning, and not that easily upset, though.

https://img67.imageshack.us/img67/2016/india04hs9.jpg
The enemy's cavalry was not particularly heavy; Antiochos ordered his horsemen to disperse those.

https://img67.imageshack.us/img67/5842/india05bi4.jpg
The Greeks were surprised by the longbowmen's nasty knives, though.

https://img381.imageshack.us/img381/6885/india06sm5.jpg
The elephants charged and broke the Seleukid centre, destabilizing the whole battle formation. They made few casualties, though, as the phalangites were experienced and responded quickly to commands.

https://img53.imageshack.us/img53/9937/india07gn8.jpg
The phalanx commander knew that there was a thin line between retreating too early and retreating too late. There was a good deal of luck involved, too.

https://img67.imageshack.us/img67/6034/india08pr3.jpg
Thus the Indian warriors could gain little advantage out of the gaps in the line.

https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/5641/india09ya8.jpg
The hellenic peltastai skillfully cut down most elephants.

https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/6527/india10pa9.jpg
The phalangitai moved back into position.

https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/1558/india11vd7.jpg
The Babylonians helped repelling the infiltrating troops.

https://img185.imageshack.us/img185/653/india12lo4.jpg
But when not faced with phalangitai, the Indians were superior in arms.

https://img185.imageshack.us/img185/3372/india13eq8.jpg
The enemy general had been able to bring the routing elephants back into battle, but again they did little more than plod amongst their own troops.

https://img375.imageshack.us/img375/5716/india14ef6.jpg
Their cavalry didn't make a big difference, either.

https://img375.imageshack.us/img375/1504/india15hh9.jpg
Seeing their elephants and general flee the battle, most Indians took to their heels.

https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/909/india16ae7.jpg
Run to the hills, fellas.

https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/3207/india17eu5.jpg
Victory was ours.

Despite being fully capable of asserting his reign all along the Indos, Antiochos did little to claim his promised territory. He knew that his sovereignty in these parts could have been merely nominal, for how could he control the Indos if he had not even laid low the treacherous Baktrians?

The Mauryan emperor, however, had misunderstood Antiochos' position, and had expected him to further advance into India. As such it surprised the Seleukid king when an ambassador arrived, offering him a deal of continued peace in exchange for a contingent of 650 war elephants. Thus he had been even more successful than Seleukos Nikator had ever been, gaining both territory and access to weapons that were increasingly rare and valuable in hellenic warfare.

Thus it came to pass that Antiochos II consolidated his entire eastern border save for that of the Baktrian satrapy, and even gained armoured elephants in the process. He was at the top of his power, and his foes trembled before the idea that he might ship these mighty beasts to the west.

https://img375.imageshack.us/img375/...phanteskg4.jpg
Which he did.