The Anabaseis of the Kings of Makedonia

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

ΑΝΑΒΑΣΕΙΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ

Τhe Anabaseis of the Kings of Makedonia
by Centurio Nixalsverdrus

Site of the Makedonian Capital today.

Χαιρετε! I'm currently one hundred years ahead in my campaign - but you should always watch history from a sufficiently big distance. Since my first report on the same subject was rather shortlived (I knew that and mentioned it right at the beginning), this one will be rather longlived - at least I hope so.

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Each king in the list of Antigonid dynasts will be mentioned here, starting with the first, Antigonos II. Gonatas. Recent excavations at the site of the palace at Pella have revealed to historians an unprecedented insight into the politics of the Makedonian Empire, starting at 272 BC, the year 46 of the Makedonian calendar. I used my deep insights to present you a short summary of the lives and deeds of the βασιλεις [1] that shaped the world to their liking - the αναβασεις [2].


Table of Content

Anabasis Antigonou (283 – 246 BC)
Introduction – The Pyrrhic Incursion
Part 1 – The Chremonidean War (272 – 269 BC)
Part 2 – The First Epeirote War (273 – 265 BC)
Part 3 – The Kalabrian War (263 – 257 BC)
Part 4 – Hegemony (256 – 246 BC)

Anabasis Alkyoneos (246 – 230 BC)
Introduction – A Momentous Treaty
Part 1 – The Ptolemaic War: The Campaigns in Mikra Asia (243 – 236 BC)
Part 2 – The Pontic and Kappadokian War (240 – 232 BC)
Part 3 – The Ptolemaic War: The Campaigns in Syria (234 – 230 BC)

Anabasis Perseos (230 – 212 BC)
Introduction – Reforms and Revolts


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Note that there will be some Greek expressions like [1] αναβασεις (the Anabaseis) or [2] βασιλεις (the kings) that will show in Greek letters. However, not every Greek word will be written in Greek, only some that would keep their Greek character albeit transscripted into English. This will mostly apply to epithets and unit names. In any case you'll find a footnote for each in the respective chapter. Also note that I will keep the Greek words in minuscules due to their appearance in the text. The contemporaries wrote exclusivly in capital letters.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Anabasis Antigonou (283 – 246 BC)


Introduction – The Pyrrhic Incursion

In 272 BC, Makedonia was still a young power. In fact, it again had yet to become something resembling a power. For the majority of its history, it had been a poor country. It is situated at the northern edge of the Greek peninsula, basically the land that lies above the Gulf of Thermai, which extends between the northern shores of Thessalia, the Makedonian lowland and the Chalkidike peninsula. The cities on the shores of the gulf were originally free πολεις (poleis, cities) that had been subjugated by the Makedonian kings not very long ago. The lands of Upper Makedonia, regions like Elymaia and Eordaia, Orestis and Lynkestis were more loyal to their respective nobles than to their king who always had to take into consideration the interests of these men.

Pella, the Makedonian Capital had been founded only 140 years ago at the end of the fifth century by King Archelaos I. The Greeks of the poleis to the south looked down upon the Makedones and called them βαρβαροι (barbaroi, barbarians), setting them on a level with Thracians or Illyrians. Despite their Greek tongue, the Makedones were for a long time denied participation at the Olympic Games in Elis. The motor of Greek culture were the poleis, and not the poor kingdom to the north. Makedonia’s importance was limited to being a producer of timber and pitch for a long time.

The Kingdom under Philippos II.

When Philippos II. and Alexandros III. Μεγας (Megas, the Great) reigned over Makedonia, the country saw its greatest extent. Philipp invented the famous phalanx and subjugated the southern Greeks and Thracians alike. Alexander took the stunning work of his father and made it into a masterpiece; his kingdom reached from the Adriatic in the west to the Oxos river in the east, to a country that Greeks had not even heard of before. However, as is well known in history, the empire soon crumbled upon the Great’s death and fell into inner feuding between his former generals. Makedonia itself had to stick to a well known role: that of a minor kingdom at the edge, be it the edge of the world or the edge of the civilisation of Hellas.

The present King of Makedonia, Antigonos II. Γονατας (Gonatas, "the Knock-Kneed"), was the son of Demetrios Πολιορκητης (Poliorketes, the Besieger), who in turn was the son of Antigonos Μονοφθαλμος (Monophthalmos, the One-Eyed). He claimed the title of Βασιλευς Μακεδονιας (Basileus Makedonias, King of Makedonia) in 283 BC, but it wasn’t until 276 BC that he could really take possession of the throne of the Kingdom. He was held captive by Pyrrhos of Epeiros, Lysimachos, Seleukos and Ptolemaios Κεραυνος (Keraunos, "Lightning") who was killed during the Celtic invasion in 279 BC. Antigonos fought off the Celts and defeated them two years later at Lysimachia, which earned him enough support to be acclaimed King by the Assembly of the Army.

Due to its geographic position, Makedonia was often subject to incursions from different people: Thracians, Illyrians, Greeks, Persians, recently Celts and, at the moment, Epeirotes. The Epeirote League, consisting of the three chief tribes of the region, the Chaionians, the Thesprotians and the Molossians, was presided by the Molossian King Pyrrhos. With an eventful past as Demetrios Poliorketes' general and hostage at Ptolemaios’ court, the Aiakides had become one of the most talented, admired and feared leaders of the time. He had campaigned against the Romans in Italy, and against the Carthaginians in Sicily. Pyrrhos decided the time was ripe to once again claim the throne of Makedonia for himself and crossed the sea to Hellas with 8000 foot and 500 horse. He defeated Antigonos and took possession of central Makedonia, leaving only the coastal cities to the Makedonian. Gallic mercenaries looted the Royal Tombs of the Argeades at Aigai, leaving the bones scattered about. Such insults were it that brought the Makedones up against Pyrrhos, giving Antigonos a breath to rally fresh troops in Greece.

Antigonos was soon joined by his brother Krateros. The combined force sailed north along the coast and disembarked in Thessalonike. In the meantime, Antigonos’ son and heir to the throne Alkyoneus had to defend Pella against an Epeirote attack. In the absence of the king, Pyrrhos had thought it wise to divide his forces, dispatching a smaller contingent, counting no more than 11,000 foot and 12 elephants, to attack the Capital of the Makedones. He intended a rush to take Pella by surprise, without wasting time on the construction of siege works, as it fitted the Epeirote’s character. But Alkyoneus proved himself an able leader: with over 3,500 ψιλοι (Psiloi, skirmishers of lower rank) from the Makedonian highland, he managed to kill the elephants from behind the walls, forcing the Epeirotes to retreat.

The defence-works at Pella were in a bad state at that time.

Pleased by the good news from his son, Antigonos started to march his army westward. With him were 20,000 foot, including 9,600 φαλαγγιται (Phalangitai), and 2,000 horse. The army of Pyrrhos was outnumbered by 1:2, but Pyrrhos had another 12 elephants, a better trained phalanx, a regiment of υπασπισται (Hypaspistai), Cretan archers and Thracian πελτασται (Peltastai). The armies met on a plain near the city of Edessa in Bottia. Under heavy casualties, the Makedonian cavalry managed to bring down the elephants on the Epeirote right, whereas Pyrrhos wasted his life on the left wing. Stabbed by a σαρισα (Sarissa, an 18ft lance), the Molossian fell from his horse. Soon the morale of his troops sank and the whole army turned to flee the battle, followed and massacred by the victorious Makedones. That day Antigonos lost a third of his army, some 6,000 stayed on the field. The Epeirotes on the other hand lost their whole army, more than 10,000 men. Pyrrhos had made a strategic error which had cost him his and his soldiers’ lives. Towards the end of the year, Pyrrhos’ son Ptolemaios was caught and killed in Tymphaia. But the Aiakides were by no means defeated, and in the south another threat had already surged.

Antigonos at Edessa 272 BC.

[the man with no name]

Interesting. Make it less serious, that way more ppl. will like it. Its the same reason i don't like The Book of Kings, NOT ENOUGH HUMOUR.

[Vasiliyi]

I personally like it. its almost like reading a good history book. keep it up! ill be reading this one.

[I of the Storm]

I like it that way too. Nothing wrong with seriousness for me. Although I have slight doubts about the greek letters in the narrative text. Might be more of an obstacle for those who can read greek only with difficulty (like me). Anyway - good start. Keep it up.

[Maion Maroneios]

Excellent! Finally, the greatness of Makedonia shall shine again! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!

Maion

P.S.: Romaioi, tremble...

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Interesting. Make it less serious, that way more ppl. will like it. Its the same reason i don't like The Book of Kings, NOT ENOUGH HUMOUR.

You know that there are ppl in this world that simply aren't funny right?

[satalexton]

it's called trolling, and they're -almost- as bad as being a romaioi, especially when they're trolling an AAR of Makedonia. ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!

[the man with no name]

You know that there are ppl in this world that simply aren't funny right?

I guess your right. i'm just used to funny AAR's

[Dutchhoplite]

Looks interesting :)

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Thank you very much for your support!! I'm really glad you like it.

There will be irony in the next update, in a few days problably, I promise. Also, wishes and constructive criticism are always welcome (praises of course too).

Big thanks to Maion, who provides me with Greek words and their exact spelling! Feel free to comment if you spot an error.

[V.T. Marvin]

This looks really great!(Added to my favourites)

I like your style and the screenshots. Hope you will have an epic fight and some occasional setbacks to spice things up
I am looking forward for the next chapter