Project Rome – Seleucid vs. Armenia

The kingdom of Armenia is the latest opponents for the Seleucid. Historically, the Satrapy of Armenia was part of the Seleucid Empire and at times the Seleucid kings would need to remind them of their allegiance. These conflicts involve primarily the royal houses of the Orontid and the Artaxiad. Readers wishing to dig deeper in the period I would recommend the CambridgeHistory of Iran, volume 3; the Seleucid, Parthian and Sassanid period, part 1.

II/19c Seleucid

1 x general (3Kn), 1 x cataphract (3Kn), 1 x elephant (El), 1 x scythed chariot (SCh), 4 x phalanx (4Pk), 2 x thureophoroi (4Ax), 1 x Cretan archer (Ps), 1 x slinger (Ps).

II/28b Armenia

1 x general (4Kn), 1 x cataphract (4Kn), 4 x horse archers (LH), 4 x tribesmen (3Ax), 2 x archers (Ps).

Game one

Armenia as defender placed three difficult hills and two woods. As attacker, the Seleucid denied the Armenian the better ground and both sides deployed for battle.

Armenia had split her infantry into two wings with objectives to seize the high ground and flank the Seleucid line. Her cavalry would move forward when those objectives were reached. On the hilltop, Greek skirmishers were kept busy by the Armenian javelinmen and their archers managed to slip past to set up position to shoot at the phalanx. The Seleucid moved the chariot forward to extend the main line.

Armenia timed her assault well breaking up the Seleucid battle line; this action did cost some light horse but opened opportunity for the javelinmen to work around exposed flanks. Armenia gained full possession of the hill and the phalanx were feeling the danger from above while having their attention held to front by the light horse. Despite the losses being even for both sides (2 - 2), the loss of the elephant opened a huge gap now quickly filled by Armenian cavalry.

The battle quickly turned into a brawl which the Greeks would not regain their control; subsequent losses to both sides gave the Armenian a victory of 4 – 3.

Game two

The tables were turned and the Seleucid placed terrain which Armenia selected the most advantageous for her deployment.

The Seleucid line wheeled to the left leading with a mixed brigade of scythed chariot and auxiliaries while the phalanx wheeled on the spot to form an oblique formation. The Armenian light horse moved to a flanking position but the Seleucid reserve cavalry were ready.

The Seleucid right connected and did the job they were expected to do. One the Seleucid left, the elephant met an early death from Armenian bow. Score was still even 2 – 2.

The scythed chariot ground to a halt and was taken out by javelinmen, but the Galatians were experiencing a “blood lust” and two enemies to end the game, 3 – 4 for the Seleucid.

Game three

As attacker, the Seleucid deployed with two difficult hills anchoring her right which altered the usual deployment; the elephant and scythed chariot formed up to the left of the phalanx. The Armenian positioned at the end of the valley placed all her cavalry in the centre and split her infantry into two wings.

Securing the hill on the right, the Galatians and lights were position to support the phalanx when it moved forward. The Armenian light horse threatened the Greek left flank, but to their embarrassment, they were surprised at the tenacity of the Cretan archers.

As a tightly wound spring the entire Seleucid line surged forward; the phalanx crashed into Armenian javelinmen sending one tumbling to its death, the elephant dispatched the cataphract cavalry while the Armenian general breached the Greek wall by destroying the scythed chariot. The Cretans smartly moved away from the Armenian light horse to let the Companions and Agema move forward.

The phalanx made short work of its opposition while the elephant was herding its enemy in the direction of the Armenian camp. The Armenian general having no support nearby was quickly encircled and met his death ending the game, 1 – 4 for the Seleucid.