Numbers

Some of the contingents covered above have fairly consistent organization and number, which is obvious from the frequent mention in the sources. From the figures, it is possible to derive ratios for tabletop armies, for both unit composition and representation as a percentage of the army. This is suggested so that historical armies can be represented at whatever figure ratio best suits the rules.

1. Raphia (regulars and 12500 mercenaries, 10000 allies, 9500 subjects, 1000-2000 settlers)

a. Cavalry

Companions - 1000

Agema - 1000

Cavalry - 4000 (since no distinction was made, these were probably kontos-armed heavy cavalry)

b. Infantry

Argyraspides - 10000

phalanx - 20000

Arabs - 10000 (under local sheikh and included as allies)

Mercenaries - 5000 (Greek phalangites/thureophoroi)

Mixed infantry - 5000 (light infantry - Dahae and Cilician)

Medes - 5000 (light infantry - Carmanians, Cissians (Elymaeans), Cadusians from the eastern satrapies)

Lydians - 500 (probably from the east and possibly Lydoi or Lubdu and grouped with Cardaces)

Agrianians - 1000 (mixed with 1000 Persians indicating all were from same region)

Cardaces - 1000 (possibly Kurdish infantry)

Cretans - 1500 (and 1000 Neo-Cretans)

Elephants - 102

The sources suggest that the army was drawn from Syria and the eastern satrapies because the rebel Achaeus (a relative of the king) held the western satrapies of Asia Minor (Turkey). This may explain the greater reliance on mercenaries and allies.

2. Magnesia (regulars and 10700 mercenaries, 4500 allies, 15200 subjects, 3000 settlers)

a. Cavalry

Companions - 1000

Agema - 1000

Cataphracts - 6000

Dahae - 1200

Tarentines - 500

Galatians - 2500

Scythed Chariots - ?

b. Infantry

Argyraspides - 10000

phalanx - 16000 (in 10 units of 1600 each)

Galatians - 3000 (in two divisions of 1500)

Cappadocians - 2000 (armed as Galatians)

Mixed infantry - 2700 (eastern light infantry)

Thracians - 3000 (probably used as the camp guard)

Mysians - 2500

Trallians - 3000

Cretans - 1500 (and 1000 Neo-Cretans)

Cyrtians - formed part of a contingent of 8000 with Elymaeans

Light troops - 4500 (Pisidians, Pamphylians, Lycians, Carians and Cilicians)

Elephants - 54 (22 with 50 escort infantry each and mixed in with the phalanx)

This army was recruited from the whole kingdom although it was probably not representative of the total regular army because of the losses suffered in the previous in Greece ( battle at Thermopylae)

3. Daphnae (regulars and 16000 mercenaries)

a. Cavalry

Companions - 1000

Agema - 1000

Friends - 1000

Politikoi - 3000

Cataphracts - 1500

Nisaian - 1000

Epilektoi - 1000

Mercenaries - 1000?

Elephants - 36

Chariots - 140

b. Infantry

Roman - 5000

Argyraspides -5000? (The reduced strength may indicate the split with the Romans)

Phalanx - 20000

Mysians - 2500

Thracians - 3000

Cretans - 1500

Cilicians - 3000

Galatians - 5000

There are no allies, subjects or settlers listed which may indicate that they were identified as regulars or mercenaries, or possibly did not parade because they were not paid in the same manner as the regulars and mercenaries. If the parade was a ceremony conducted prior to a campaign, then it may have served as a way to determine the size of the army and thus its financial requirements. Such "pay parades" are known from other periods and so would not be unusual for a highly developed bureaucracy such as the Seleucid kingdom.

Wargame Ratio These are only samples of the most common troop types and represent the average number based on the above figures.

(1000 = 6 OR 1000 = 3)

Companions (1000)* 6 3

Agema (1000)* 6 3

Nisaian (1000) 6 3

Epilektoi (1000) 6 3

Politikoi (3000) 18 9

Cataphracts (3000) 18 9

Argyraspides (10000)* 60 30

Phalanx (20000) 120 60

Cretans (2500) 15 7.5

Galatians (5000) 30 15

Cilicians (3000) 18 9

Mysians (2500) 15 7.5

* denotes guard troops.

Conclusion

As initially stated, this article was written to provide an outline on the organization and capabilities of the Seleucid army, which has been a popular choice for wargamers regardless of rules over the years. The army comprised of regular, mercenary, allied and subject troop types. These enabled the commanders to create a mix of various cavalry and infantry units that could be used in a many ways and in varied terrain. This permitted the Seleucids to oppose the different enemies on the borders of the kingdom successfully for over two centuries despite internal conflicts that ultimately weakened the kingdom.

While not as well organized as the Romans, it was a worthy successor to the army of Alexander and under inspired leadership performed well in many campaigns. The state was able to instill loyalty in its many subject nationalities, which was a key to its relative longevity.

Its many troop types makes it an ideal tabletop army because it can be tailored to oppose many foes regardless of historical period within the time frame identified with Ancient and Medieval wargaming.

The main frustration, at least for this writer, is the lack of sources, which are sympathetic to the Seleucids and identify the arms and armament used by this army. Compared to other well-known armies, the Seleucid forces remain shrouded in mystery and often belittled because the existing sources are critical of their performance. Hopefully this article encourages some of the community to reconsider the army in a more positive light.

Argyraspides, Chalkaspides and Other Seleucids

Introduction and Capabilities
Composition and Organization
Seleucid Military Units
Cavalry
Numbers and Conclusion