Death of the Spartans

[Xurr]

When I play a Hellenic faction, all I used for main infantry until about 250 BC are my Hapless Haploi - I conquered many many places with them!

I would guess that your problem was the amount of experience those generals had.
Several command stars and silver chevrons can cause a hell of a party if you don't deal with those generals immediately, or have an immense wing of cavalry yourself.

If that wasn't the case - bad luck!

I myself have never launched a campaign into enemy territory without something like that occurring! Everyone else says it's fun! Bah!

Hehe I had that happen in my first Romani campaign. I sent a full stack into Sauromatae territory consisting of mainly of Camillian troops with 2 units of Roman cavalry. It was attacked by a huge horse/foot archer army. I tell you I felt like Crassus when he was defeated by the Parthians. It was awesome to actually see a little repeat of history.