From robbers to royalty, a Pahlav AAR.

[johnhughthom]

Chapter 9:Persepolis is taken.

The pages dealing with years 11 and 12 are in even worse shape than those of 6, 7 and 8, again this is very frustrating as it deals with an important period in the history of the Parthians. The historically significant city of Persepolis was taken in year 12, the Seleukid heir being killed in the attack on the city.

Extract:
"Andromachos was highly respected in the Seleukid Expire and seen as the natural sucessor to the Basileus, he was the Satrap of Persia and one of the most able administrators in the Empire."


Keyarash tells us Harasp took his army from city of Gabai and attacked Andromachos at Persepolis, we can only assume Gabai was captured by Harasp just prior to the attack.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Seleukid heir had a large bodyguard contigent but the rest of the garrison was levy troops-arrow fodder for Harasps veterans. Like the Seleukid general in the previous chapter Andromachos foolishly allowed himself to become isolated and is charged from two directions and annihilated. After the death of the general the usual Parthian target practice occured.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Phrapates dream of a new "Persian Empire" had Persepolis as a central component, it was obvious why, the city was full of reminders of the Empire destroyed by Alexandros.



Extract:
"The tomb of Cyrus had an inscription asking that any ruler of Persepolis not begrudge him his monument, far from disrespecting his resting place Harasp spent a full day alone with the tomb, praying for Cyrus approval of the new dynasty. He returned the next day claiming to have been visited by Cyrus in a dream, Cyrus had said that if the current King came to pay his respects at his tomb the Parthians would conquer all that Cyrus and his descendants had ruled and more. Harasp sent a messenger to the King that very day"