Preview: Kyrene
Our mod focuses on the unparalleled Rise of Persia to the undisputed superpower of the ancient world. Therefore Persia and the fallen empires of Lydia or Babylon have the greatest attention. However, also the minor powers affected by the rise of Persia are represented to give the player a complete experience of that time. We are proud to present the first one of these:
Kyrene
It happened in Thera just like it happened in many other Greek settlements during the 7th century. It was the age of the great colonization, when the Greeks were leaving their homes and hoping for a new existence on distant shores.
Aristotle led one group of daring settlers south-west and soon they found the Kyrenaika in northern Africa. Other groups from other cities joined them, but still they had a problem. The land was not theirs. It was already inhabited by the Libyans. Although millennia of years behind Greek military technology, they were far too many than Aristotle could hope to defeat.
So the Libyans and the Greeks came to terms of trade, the city Kyrene was founded. Aristotle ruled the city as King and he was called Battos, which is a Libyan royal title, even though only very few Greeks realized that. Hence they regarded ‘Battos’ as a family name and the Dynasty founded by Aristotle was called Battiadai. They ruled until 440 BC and made Kyrene one of the most flourishing cities of the world.
Kyrene dealt with grain, wheat, barley, olive oil and the mysterious silphium plant, which they soon monopolized, becoming an economical powerhouse that soon felt confident enough to take more land from the Libyans.
These Libyans, who were treated comparatively well before, were now robbed of their lands and violated. As they were hapless against the superior Greek weapons, they requested help at the court of the mighty Pharaoh (570BC).
Egypt’s ruler perceived the chance of strengthening his realm by conquering an enormously rich colony. But what happened was the opposite. He was beaten decisively and subsequently lost his power. The new Pharaoh Amasis set up good relationships to Kyrene. The Battiadai now were the unrivaled masters of the Kyrenaika. Nobody in their sights was more rich or more powerful, they had even overcome the oldest empire of the world and forced the Pharaoh to his knees. However, good fortune could always turn into total ruin and the fortunes of war are not as steady as Arkesilaos may have believed, when he marched against the Libyans once more (550BC).
He launched a full scale campaign against the Libyans in the south. The result was a full scale disaster, more than 7000 Hoplites did not return home to their families and the dynasty was in sever danger of being expelled.
These internal problems are to be mastered by transforming the Kingship into a rather religious office, however they still claim command of Kyrene’s forces. As these forces were in a bad state after the defeat in Libya, the Battiadai more soundly concentrated on economic power rather than on conquering desert land from poor but ferocious Libyans. They also intermarried with the new Pharaoh’s family, which ensured the continued safety of the Greek colony.
Kyrene’s future seems safe. Rich, politically stable and diplomatically secured, the military will recover from the defeat. But there is a new menace growing in the east. The Persian lord Kyros has just taken control of the vast Median Empire and prepares to take on the Lydian realm. It’s unlikely that he succeeds against them or their allies, Babylon and Egypt, but who knows… if Egypt is attacked, it will change the balance of power in Africa again.
Basiliskoi (Royalists; Family Member Bodyguard)
Like all dynasties, the Battiadai were in need of a loyal bodyguard. While the tyrants of mainland Greece often relied on mercenaries, the legitimate kingship of the Battiadai found enough acceptance among the people allowing them to form a mighty guard from loyal Kyrenian fellows.
These handpicked men were equipped with the best arms and armour the rich state of Kyrene could afford. Due to the conservative nature many of these men had, this meant excellent, although slightly old-fashioned – but not outdated – equipment.
Chosen not only for their loyalty, but also for their combat performance they provided reliable cover for the King during the battle and could act as shock troops creating or exploiting gaps in enemy lines. Their heavy equipment will protect them, but it makes them less mobile, of which a foe like the nimble Libyans can take advantage of.
On their shield-blazons they proudly show off Zeus Ammon, a Kyrenian cult absorbing the Egyptian oracle-god Amun, which spread soon all over Greece.
Hippeis (Noblemen; elite Hoplites)
The horse owning nobility of Kyrene still loved their horses and they were famed for the beauty and power of their mounts. However, military developments had degraded horsemen to an auxiliary role in most Greek societies, including that of Kyrene. So these men, like many hippeis of many Greek states, fought on foot as hoplites.
As a progressive elite, they were a lot more open-minded towards new developments in arms and armour, thus they use the new linen armour which is derived from Egyptian techniques. This kind of armour is as effective as bronze armour, but does not heat up and offers far better protection against arrows.
The silphium plant, which made them rich and has become symbol for Kyrene, can be found very often on their shields.
Politai (Citizens; Hoplites)
The bulk of Kyrene’s military would be formed by the famed citizen infantry, called hoplites. A heavy wooden shield enforced by a bronze rim and blazon and bronze cuirasses in connection with closed bronze helmets has given them the reputation of men of bronze in Egypt and Libya. A fearsome sight and a terrible foe as they are, they soon became dominant in the Kyrenaika, they were the guaranty of victory against the Pharaoh and yet alone their presence can decide battles.
However, their myth of invincibility has been scattered by recent defeats, so the enemy grew more confident.
Epibatai (Marines)
As a state located at the shores of a primary sea trade route and widely dependent on it, Kyrene had to maintain a strong naval force. The citizens of Kyrene were ready to defend their home and it’s vital trade route at see, too, so they also mustered Marines if necessary. They have adapted their arms to naval combat on ships using javelins instead of a thrusting spear and a sword for close combat.
Although citizens rarely fight battles on land with marine equipment, it is a possibility especially when running large scale naval operations that include raiding parties devastating other powers’ coastlines.
The Basileus (King) and his Strategos (General):
Credits:
Models/Textures:Kallikratis
Research: FliegerAD
Texts: FliegerAD
Thanks: to Kawek K. for the Faction Icon and to all, who like this mod! We await your comments, critics and suggestions with great anticipation!
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Originally Posted by Ahiga
With lots more factions having a complete unit roster, and all the other details we're taking care of, it'll be awesome. Kallikratis did a great job indeed here.
