The Second Pontic War



Taking advantage of Pergamon's pre-occupation with the Seleukids, a cynical Pontos attacked Nikaia. Fortunately for Pergamon, their spies and agents had forewarned them against the invasion, and thus Sosistratos Atintan had brought the northern army across the Hellespont to defend the homeland. He didn't arrive in time to prevent the Pontic army reaching Nikaia and laying siege, though.



Theirs was a large army, but a force padded out with lots of levies and other poorly armoured troops. But Atintan had problems of his own, lacking and slingers and being saddled with Nikias Sybotios, a lacklustre incompetent for a subordinate. He'd rushed out to join Atintan and was eager to get to the grips with the enemy. If enthusiasm were enough to win a battle, then Sybotios was their ace in the hole.

But experience told Atintan hard fighting was ahead. Not least potentially forcing a crossing to meet the Pontic army, something they'd be sure to contest.