With the Spartans threatening their liberty, the Achaeans, hearing of Machanidas' approach from the south, issued forth from their camp at Mantinea to block his passage. They deployed behind a ditch, with both flanks anchored by two rather steep rocky hills. As the Spartans approached, there was some thought they would attack from the line of March however, they chose to deploy directly opposite the Achacans.
Philopoemen, seeing the Spartan ballistas starting to drill holes in his phalanx, immediately sent his Tarantine light cavalry forward against the Spartan right. The Spartan Tarantine light cavalry countercharged, and after a short while, the light and medium infantry of both sides also got involved. A huge cloud ofdust was raised and after awhile the Achaean left gave way and headed back towards Mantmea.
Rashly Machaniclas continued to charge after the fleeing Achaean left wing ignoring the Achaean phalanxes to his left. Philopoemen however took advantage ofMachinaclas' oversight and wheeled his leftmost phalanx and charges it into the flank of the oncoming Spartan phalanx, routing the whole bunch. Along the ditch phalanx Vs phalanx fighting took place but the end result was that the Spartans quickly lost heart with the destruction oftheir right wing and they headed for home. Machinadas had his head removed for his troubles.
Spartan Army (1,856 points)
Spartan CinC: Machinaclas: 9" Command Span 75pts
Sub-General: Arexidamus: 6" Command Span 50pts
Sub-General: Pelopidas: 6" Command Span 50pts
| Unit Type | Figs | A/D/M (Mv) | Weapons | # of units | Point cost per unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spartan Phalanx | 32 | 1-2-2 (6") | co, Pike | 4 | 272 |
| Mercenary Inf. | 12 | 1-1-1 (8") | Misc. | 3 | 48 |
| Mercenary Lt. Inf. | 12 | 1- 1 -2 (8") | Jav 2" | 3 | 60 |
| Tarantine Lt. Cav. | 8 | 1- 1 - 1 (12") | Jav 2" | 3 | 48 |
| Spartan Lt. Cav. | 8 | 1-0-1 (12") | Jav 2" | 2 | 40 |
| Ballista | 3 | 2-0-1 (4") | Arty 12" | 3 | 15 |
Achaean Army: (1,750 points)
Achaean CinC: Philopoemen: 12" Command Span 100pts
Sub-General: Aristaenetus: 6" Command Span 50pts
Sub-General: Polyaenus: 6" Command Span 50pts
Sub-General: Alexidamus: 6" Command Span 50Pts
| Unit Type | Figs | A/D/M (Mv) | Weapons | # of units | Point cost per unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achaean Phalanx | 24 | 1-2-2 (6") | co, Pike | 5 | 204 |
| Achaean Mdn Inf. | 12 | 1-1-1 (8") | Misc. | 2 | 48 |
| Illyrian Lt. Inf. | 12 | 1-1-1 (8") | Jav 2" | 2 | 48 |
| Achaean Hvy Cav. | 12 | 1-2-2 (10") | Spear | 2 | 96 |
| Tarantine Lt. Cav. | 8 | 1-1-1 (12") | Jav 2" | 2 | 48 |
Army Break Levels
Spartan Army- 835pts (45%)
Achaean Army- 875pts; (50%)
The Spartan army had a high percentage of mercenary troops thus their lower break level.
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© Copyright 2002 Hal Thinglum
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