The History of an Empire - Qarthadastim AAR

[penguinking]

King Hamalcar attacking Vellika

That's a beautiful screenshot. You should consider entering it in the competition.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Chapter III: Time of Conquests

Part III: At World's End

In the same time when Hanno was conquering Africa and Hasdrubal was doing the same thing in Iberia Admiral Abascantus with more than 75 ships started his long voyage to the Northern Seas. This expedition was financed by Sophet Mago himself. He had gathered his ships to Gader and he started his voyage in the Winter of 260. Many people in that time thought that it's madness to sail into the Ocean during the Winter but Admiral Abascantus knew what he did. While he passed Akroterion Hieron he was lucky and more than half a year he enjoyed a very good sailing weather. Is it just a coincident but after Abascantus left from Gader big storms hit the town and it's port. If Admiral Abascantus would have been still there many of his ships would've been destroyed.

Ancient people thought that this kind of seamonsters lived in the Ocean.

Admiral Abascantus continued his journey to North. In Summer of 259Near Tyde they engaged some pirates who were a nightmare to the locals. This was not their main task but they cleared most of the western shore of Gallia from pirates during the journey. After that they continued North.

In Spring of 257 Admiral Abascantus visited a barbarian tribe called Casse. For a long time some of the merchants had traded with the inhabitants of Britannia but never had an official Qarthadastim ambassador visited the Island. In a town called Camulosadae they were welcomed and friendly locals should Admiral Abascantus their land. One of the many strange things he saw was a place with many great rocks, locals called them 'menhir'.

Menhirs near Camulosadae

After Abascantus finally left from the lands of Casse he headed North again. He wanted to create a detailed map of Britannia. In Autumn of 257 he had reached the Northern tip of British Isles, Caledryn. The Crew mentioned that it was stormy and very cold. Many men were frozen to death while they were standing. When they started to see large icebergs they finally turned back south.

Strange land they saw in North beyond the British Isles

While they were headed back south to Qarthadastim lands they had to fight against pirates more than once again. They did it in Spring and Autumn 255 and the result was that only 30 ships were still under admiral Abascantus' command. Admiral Abascantus also witnessed how the Venetii in Spring of 255 defeated Aedui forces that were besieging their town. In Autumn, in the same year, he reached the shore of Asturia. It took almost 9 months before they managed to reach Akroterion Hieron again. Next season, Autumn 254, he ended his long voyage in the port of Gader. Although this might seem an unimportant event to some it actually gave a lot of information about the British Isles and it's people. The most accurate maps in that time were created using Admiral Abascantus' notes. The great Admiral was rewarded with an estate near Kart-Hadast and he could've just retire. But as a true citizen of Qarthadastim he remained to serve the great navy that made him famous and respected among the great statesmen like Mago's successor Hamalcar and the Iberian Conqueror Hasdrubal.

If there is one thing I did learn during my long journey is that the world is a lot bigger than we might think.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

That's a beautiful screenshot. You should consider entering it in the competition.

I actually have it in the competition. But I have the original picture and not this one.

[Joszen1]

Your AAR (and the 1.2 release) convinced me to try a Qarthadastim campaign. Playing on vh/vh and by 266bc I'll have taken Taras, Arpi, Arse and Capua. Took Taras first as I figured they would be a priority given that one starts at war with the Epeirotes. Then got jumped by the Romans, figures. Lost Gader to rebellion (abandoned it because it was indefensible). Bit worried about the Ptollies though. Where are they in your campaign? You promised big things from them... I'll keep reading!

[Ibn-Khaldun]

My current Qarthadastim Empire in Spring of 250 BC



World in 250 in my AAR



In 250 I'm in my second war against Ptolemaioi and in my second war against Romani.

[PriestLizard]

This is really awesome! Your pictures are great and I really like the style of this AAR. The only flaw in this one is that you play M/M because it will be an auto-win for your campaign. There is no way you can be beaten by any faction so the outcome is rather predictable (unless you are doing some RP-stuff later).

Nevertheless, kudos for you, this AAR is great, I will surely follow ! =)

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Thanks!

I don't plan to win this campaign so easily.
And IF Ptolemaioi moves it's elites from Alexandreia against me then things will get interesting in my war against them. But the only thing is IF they move them at all(they have about 3/4 half stack of Pezhetairoi, Galatians and those Agema soldiers there).

[gamegeek2]

Speaking of which, in my Qarthadast campaign, I've conquered much of North Africa (Need to take Mauretania & Tingitania) and the whole of Iberia, in addition to all of Sicilia and Kalabria. I am marching into Italia with a character named Hannibal (should be Haniba'al, but oh well), whose army contains not only Sacred Band horsemen and Lanceari, but Neitos (best HI ever, better than legionaries because of longsword), various Scutarii, and Milites Ilegertum, as well as Numidian auxiliaries and, of course, Libyan and Liby-Phoenician spearmen.

Currently working on making myself eligible for reforms, Massalia is especially helpful (yay Brihentin & Neitos and Gallic auxiliaries). Qart-Hadast is awesome.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Chapter III: Time of Conquests

Part IV: Military Decline

Before we continue with the Kyrenaian War and Cotta-Gisgo Conflict we must talk about Qarthadastim military. After the War against Romani and the conquests made in Iberia and North-Africa slowly Qarthadastim military started to decline. Although they seemed powerful they were that not. In the beginning of year 250 there was only four armies in the entire Empire. Only two of them could be considered professional armies.

In Iberia Hasdrubal had gathered an Army of locals and mercenaries to conquer the whole Iberian peninsula. At the beginning they were not professional Army. They were brought together by Hasdrubal and only he was able to train them to fight as professionals. In the beginning of 250 they were the best Army Qarthadastim had no matter what others might think. The only problem was that they were loyal to Hasdrubal and not to Qarthadastim. In case Hasdrubal would've retired this entire army would've been disbanded. Their loyalty and loyalty of Iberians generally became a problem later to the next Sophet but we will get to it eventually.

In Italy there was the 'Sicilian Legion', the pride of Briareus Gisgo. Units to that Army were recruited from Taras, Capua and Rhegion. This means that there were a lot of Samnites, Bruttians and Greeks but only few units from Punic homelands. They were organized the way like Romani Legions. Having recruitment centers near by they had a big advantage over other Qarthadastim Armies. The down side for this army was that they were stationed in forts and didn't had almost no real battle experience.

Near Kart-Hadast Mago's Army were stationed. It was used against Rebels and brigands who popped out from time to time. Although many of them had fought against Romani and against Mauretanian states they were too close to the capital and that hurt their discipline. Many times entire units decided to go to Kart-Hadast and they did not care what their superiors said. Their commanders let this whole thing happened because they were considered heroes. Against proper enemy this Army would've suffered heavy casualties.

Near Kyrene Hamalcar the Younger(later known as the Butcher) had a small army of Lybians and some other units with the help of some mercenary phalangitai. Many historians wondered how was it possible for him to survive so long against superior Ptolemaioi Armies but Hamalcars talent as a general saved them more than once from a difficult situation. But they were far from any military centers and they couldn't get reinforcements for their Libyan, Numidian and Campanian units.

Also what caused problems was the Qarthadastim Senate concept of what War is. Their main priority was a strong navy and not strong land armies. They always expected that the enemy would give up after they loose couple of settlements and peace can be restored. They did not considered the possibility of fighting against the same foe for decades. Qarthadastim was not ready for a long war. And this is what hurt them the most in the next couple of decades. The unwillingness to change their policies almost resulted them the loss of their Empire.

In the next update: Kyrenaian War. Cotta-Gisgo Conflict.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Chapter IV: Rise and fall

Part I: Kyrenaian War (256-251)

In early Winter of 260 the Ptolemaioi leader, Philadelphos, attacked Kyrene and after brief fight the inhabitants recognized him as the new ruler of Kyrenaia. Two years later they took Augila. The Senate of Qarthadastim worried that the Ptolemaioi could continue their march to west, against Qarthadastim held Lepki. They were right. In Autumn of 258 Ptolemaioi Army, under Captain Agesilaos, crossed the border and entered Syrthim. Local scouts reported that unit of Klerouchon Agema was present in the army and so it was obvious that this was not some border patrolling force. The Senate feared that war will arise with the Ptolemaioi. Quickly some available units were gathered in Sicilia and under command of Hamalcar the Younger(son of Hamalcar, the conqueror of Sicilia) they sailed to Lepki. In the same time Philadelphos Ptolemaios avoided Qarthadastim diplomats that were sent to Kyrene. In Autumn of 257 Hamalcar the Younger arrived to Lepki. With his forces he could've easily defeated Captain Agesilaos' army and that must of been the reason why they turned around and headed back to Kyrenaia. Decided to make sure that Agesilaos would not change his mind Hamalcar followed him on his journey to east. In summer of 256 Hamalcar entered Kyrenaia. After that it was clear that war can not be avoided and the only questionwas - Who will start it?!

The answer is - Qarthadastim. Deciding to act quickly, before any reinforcements could be sent to Kyrenaia, Sophet Mago ordered Annibas, a diplomat in Alexandreia, in Autumn of 256 to declare war on Ptolemaioi. In the same season the first battle was fought. Hamalcar, with his superior forces, attacked Captain Agesilaos and defeated them. This battle was not important but had a huge impact to the morale of Hamalcars men. After hearing the loss of Captain Agesilaos Pythagoras Ptolemaites gathered some units in Marmarike and Libye and headed towards Kyrene. In Winter, Mago ordered to build 'The Great Fleet' and send it to east to blockade all of the Ptolemaioi ports. This almost bankrupt the state.

In Summer of 255 a large battle was fought between Qarthadastim and Ptolemaioi forces. Hamalcar, who had besieged Kyrene last season, was attacked by Pythagoras Ptolemaites. Philadelphos and the garrison of Kyrene joined the battle. After couple of hours the battle was almost over. Both Ptolemaioi generals killed and their forces dispersed Hamalcar marched into Kyrene. This was the first time when the dark side of Hamalcar was revealed. Most of the population of Kyrene was enslaved. It was decided to form a Colony there.

Diktys Salamidos Kypriakes

In Winter of 255 a large battle was fought near the border of Marmarike and Kyrenaia. Hamalcar who had headed east faced a Ptolemaioi general called Diktys Salamidos Kypriakes. Couple of months ago Hamalcar attacked him but Kypriakes managed to retreat. This time Kypriakes had reinforcements and decided to make a stand.

Having a lot of Machimoi Phalangitai units and even Klerouchon Phalangitai unit under his command Kypriakes was sure that he is the victor. But things did not work out the way he planned. Hamalcars Libyans defeated Kypriakes' Thureophoroi on flanks and attacked Phalangitai from behind. After bloody battle Hamalcars men managed to rout Kypriakes' army. Kypriakes himself managed barely survive the battle. Although Heroic Victory it had crippled both sides. Ptolemaioi was not able to push towards Kyrene and Hamalcar was not able to continue his campaign to east even though Egyptian heartlands wre pretty much defenceless.

Hamalcar watching routing Egyptians. Ptolemaioi banner in front of him.

In Autumn of 254 Hamalcar besieged Augila. He was surprised when he heard that the governor in Augila was Onas Salamidos Kypriakes, brother of Diktys. With almost no garrison Augila was easy battle. One thing must be said about Onas Kypriakes. He never surrendered. He kept fighting even when all his bodyguards were dead and the towns garrison defeated. Hamalcar showed respect towards him and a small tomb was made for him couple of miles from Augila. Soon after that Hamalcar headed back north. His supplies were almost over and men tired. On their way north they were attacked by D. S. Kypriakes with Peithagoras Theraia as his second in command. Although Kypriakes had more men he did not think clearly. Being angry because of his brothers death he attacked Hamalcars forces on a river crossing and that was just one of his many mistakes.

D. S. Kypriakes' forces cross the river.

Hamalcars African Pikemen and Mercenary Phalangitai killed most of the enemy soldiers. Diktys Kypriakes was the sole survivor of this battle. After that he went east and disappeared.

Diktys Kypriakes escaping after the Battle of the River.

In Summer of 253 Augila rebelled against Qarthadastim rule and became subjects to the Ptolemaioi again. But Hamalcar was too busy with preparations of Invasion on Crete to be bothered to go back south again. So far the war had been fought mainly in lands but now when most of the Qarthadastim fleets had arrived to the shores of Egypt war was fought mainly on Sea. In Autumn Qarthadastim fleet under command of Admiral Maharbal lost a battle against Admiral Kallimedes. Ptolemaioi used mighty Tetreis aginst some Pentekontaroi that Maharbal had. The loss of that battle was clear. Some months later Admiral Danel, the man who had destroyed the Romani navy, engaged Admiral Kallimedes and destroyed Ptolemaioi navy.

In Spring of 251 Ptolemaioi was struggling against both Qarthadastim and Arche Seleukeia, who had besieged Sidon. Finally after some discussions Ceasefire was established. It was not a Peace treaty but only a Ceasefire although many historians take it as a separate War.

In the next Update: Invasion to Crete. Cotta-Gisgo Conflict.

[julius_caesar_the_first]

This is one of the most interesting history books I have ever read . I really like the style in which you tell the story and also like the way you use the pictures and maps.

Congratulations and keep up the good work.

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Dude where do u get those maps?? I need to use them.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

@julius_caesar_the_first Thank you!

@Olaf Blackeyes I got it from Centurio Nix-something here in the forum.

I'll try to upload it to somewhere.

[PriestLizard]

Another good update, nice!
I'm curious which faction will have the power to be a real thread to you , maybe AS?

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Since I don't have any 'real' armies with elite troops then AS, Macedon or Epirus. When I used perfect_spy I saw some scary armies that they had!
But thankfully they are all my Allies!!
Ptolemaioi have sent most of their armies against AS and thus I had to create them some new ones in Egypt where I'm fighting against them again.
Romani is building some triarii armies but they are not a threat to me at the moment.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Here is the map if you want it: http://files.filefront.com/eb10karte.../fileinfo.html

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Due to a CTD I get in the end of year 246 I can not continue this AAR.

I will post the last Chapter with Events from 251 to 246 next week or so.

[johnhughthom]

Always hate to see an AAR ended prematurely, especially one like this with good writing and some pretty pictures.

[NickTheGreek]

Aye it will be a shame to see this go the way of the dodo

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Yes it is. I liked that campaign!

[Olaf Blackeyes]

I hope EBII is more stable than EB, so we dont have so many CTDs that kill AARs

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I think I get this CTD because some town is rebelling during the AI turn but I can't find it!
Though, there could be some other reasons for that CTD as well.

[julius_caesar_the_first]

You could try to switch to the faction during whose turn the CTD happens and end a turn with that faction, then switch back. That saved one of my campaigns. Just one warning: the AI will tend to start wars with your neighbors when you switch so Force Diplomacy is needed to repair the damage.

[Maion Maroneios]

Pretty sad to hear this, Khaldun. Maybe you could follow julius' advice?

Maion

[PriestLizard]

Re-load the campaign. DO NOT activate the EB script, hit "end turn". Most times I had a CTD, it will not happen again during AI turns. When its your turn again, you can finally activate the EB script.

I always use this procedure to solve CTD problems if its not an obvious revolt-CTD. I never had to cancel a campaign since I discovered this trick.

Oh, and playing on ALX.exe is probably the best advice because CTD will come very seldomly anyway. Good luck

[Skullheadhq]

Nice AAR

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Thanks!

And I kind of fixed the problem and I managed to get passed that year so .. this AAR can continue!!

I know I promised next chapter a long time ago but this time I really really will update it.

[johnhughthom]

Thanks!

And I kind of fixed the problem and I managed to get passed that year so .. this AAR can continue!!

I know I promised next chapter a long time ago but this time I really really will update it.

Good news.

[NickTheGreek]

Yes, very good news

[Maion Maroneios]

Ah, good to hear this will continue Good luck!

Maion