The later armies of Antiochus III make interesting wargaming forces. Following are some guidelines for recreating these forces: Historical Enemies - Antiochus III: This period of the reign of Antiochus III saw conflict with the forces of Ptolemy IV [Ptolemaic - Book Two], and then with Rome [Polybian Roman - Book Two]. In addition, confrontations were possible for Antiochus III throughout this period with India [Mountain Indian, or Classical Indian - Book Two], Kappadokia [Ariarathrid Kappadokian - Book Two], Armenia [Early Armenian - Book Two], the various Arab tribes and cities [Nabataean Arab, or Later Pre-Islamic Arab - Book Two], and the Skythians [Skythian - Book One]. Potential sub-generals: Antiochus III sent a number of couriers to the Romans whose names were recorded, including Lysias, Menippus and Hegesianax, any of whom as the king's "friends" could serve as a sub-general. In addition, during this period the great Hannibal can be used as either a sub-general or as the CiC. Potential Allies: Antiochus III worked hard to elicit support from the smaller powers of Asia Minor. Pergamum rebuffed his overtures, but both Bithynia and Kappadokia were fairly strong allies of his house during this era. In addition, both the Aetolian League and Sparta [Hellenistic Greek - Book Two] were making overtures of alliance with the Great King.

An interesting "what if" for this era is the possibility that Hannibal was able to raise Carthage in alliance with the Seleucid realm. On one such attempt in 193 B.C. he convinced his brother Mago to join him, but the city fathers expelled both of them and they returned to Antiochus' court. To examine this possibility, allow a Seleucid force from this era to field a Carthaginian allied contingent under either Hannibal or Mago.

Variations by Troop Type: Phalanx - Throughout this period, the military settlements in Asia Minor and those in Syria and the east were finally in the same hands, so therefore the full minima and maxima apply to his forces during this period. Scythed Chariots - Antiochus III was the first Seleucid ruler since the reign of Seleucus I we know to have employed scythed chariots, and he was fond of them as a weapon. They should be allowed in his forces throughout his reign.

Civic militia cavalry or Tarantines - Antiochus III had consolidated his hold on the empire during this period, so should be allowed up to 6 civic militia cavalry, or up to 6 mercenary Tarantines. Elephants - Antiochus III was a strong believer in the role of elephants in warfare, and used them frequently throughout his reign. During this period he should be allowed 0-3. Theurophoroi - had completely replaced peltasts by this stage - they should be fielded as Reg Ax(S).

FURTHER READING: If any of this catches your fancy, a list of suggested general works which provide a much more detailed look at this fascinating period was included with chapter one of this series.

More Seleucid Army

Seleucid Army: Part 2
Seleucid Army: Part 3
Seleucid Army: Part 4
Seleucid Army: Part 5
Seleucid Army: Part 6
Seleucid Army: Part 7