The Second Seleukid War, 222BC

A fragile peace with the Seleukid empire had lasted for more than six years, but a more lasting settlement was never a realistic possibility. The Syrians resented the encroachment in their traditional sphere of influence of this upstart young nation, born from the ashes of an older Successor state, and acting with unseemly boldness. The loss of much of Mikra Asia was never something they were going to take lightly. The ceasefire had merely been time to recoup their losses and gather their strength.

In the spring of 222, Ptolemaios was still barking orders in Pergamon and generally showing every sign of living forever, and Epimenes Amantieus was the man on the scene, until recently acting as governor of Phrygia from Ipsos. He'd proven an even more adept administrator and ruler than he was a general, which eased the transition in government in the region. As his subordinate he'd taken the now-maturing Byllideus.

The second was a simple man, he knew his limitations which was a rare piece of self-knowledge among so many arrogant noblemen. He would never be a great scholar or charismatic orator - both traits which Amantieus had in spaces - but he was a capable fighter. So he focused on developing his one talent and trying to put himself in situations where he could leverage it to best effect. His prowess had earned him the undying respect of many of the barbarian horsemen who rode under the Pergamene banner.

Hearing reports of a Seleukid army roving through the Phrygian countryside, Amantieus hastened out to the mountain pass. Here he could hold them, no matter what numbers they brought to bear. His camp was attacked in the summer.



He waited his troops at the bottom of a hill, and let the enemy come to him.



Now veterans who had seen their share of combat, the appearance of the enemy did little to impress the Pergamenes.



They marched on, and the Pergamenes rested themselves, officers allowing the men to lean on their shields while the enemy were outside missile range.



When battle began, the first move was the Seleukids. Their cataphract cavalry, something the Pergamenes had never seen before, charged. Heavy horses crashed into the Thrakian mercenaries covering the left flank, and Byllideus saw a chance. Another chance to add credit to his name doing something he was good at.



The lines closed, and it was readily apparent how badly outnumbered the Seleukid force was.



Moving around the cataphracts, Byllideus led the Gallic horse into their rear, sowing carnage among the ranks of the heavily-armoured horsemen. The Seleukid commander was with them, and Byllideus took his head.



The cataphracts dealt with, he led the cavalry in shattering charges to the rear of the Seleukid ranks.



Amantieus had to deal with heavy spearmen on the right.



As Byllideus routed the sole phalanx, some Parthian spearmen ran away without even coming into contact with his cavalry.



The light cavalry with Amantieus routed another group of veteran spearmen.



And soon the whole Seleukid army was in disarray.



Amantieus had won a cheap victory, his casualties were light.



But he was under no illusions that this would be the last he'd see from the Seleukid empire.

Editorial Note



Once again I was really disappointed with the AI for this one. Not only was it blatantly telegraphed from several turns away what they were going to do (I have watchtowers, after all), but they've got the forces to have put together a proper army, rather than attack me with this half-arsed effort. One which didn't even have any main phalanxes in it, just the one native unit.

My second FM, Byllides got a lot of casualties that battle. He was a champion. Especially in holding the cataphracts in melee while the Gauls pulled out to charge home again.