That's one for Molinaargh and one for the man with no name.
Book VII, 12-19.
Background:
The Dardanoi, an Illyro-Tracian tribe, had been a long time ally of Epeiros. They were enduring constant raiding from Getic (Dacian) invaders. Beautiful murals found in the city of Serdike tell us the story of these incursions.
Epeiros sent over its Illyrian army under the command of a Mollosian called Pialos Kassandreus, who repelled the Getic invaders. He then put Dardania under military administration and made Serdike his seat.
Meanwhile Alexandros was still out campaigning in Hellas. He had spent the autumn and winter of 263 laying waist to the countryside of Euboea, even laying siege to its most important city, Chalkis. This changed when, in early spring 262, he heard reports of two massive armies nearing Athena.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Two of those beautiful murals I wrote about:
The text:
[…]
When Alexandros heard the Antigonid army was lead by Amphion, the general who had also lead the main army in the battle that killed his older brother Ptolemaios, he is said to have almost died of anger.
[…]
Alexandros ordered his army to move immediately and all 15000 men was transported back to the mainland in only three days.
[…]
There, with the Athena in the distance on his left, he gave battle to the Antigonids, whose men numbered more than twice his own. Althought the Epirotes fought hard and bravely, it was soon clear that they were no match for the Antigonid host. Alexandros, meanwhile, had found Amphion and challenged him to a duel.
[…]
Although their commander had been slain, their morale hardly wavered. Alexandros knew that it was time to blow the retreat. He had surely avenged his brother now.
[…]
The Antigonid army chased the retreating Epirotes and caused heavy casualties. Even more men fell when the boats were reached and it became clear that they could not carry all the survivors. Fighting broke out between the Epirotes themselves near the boats, while the Antigonids charged the Epirotes farthest from the water.
[…]
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