Clash of Empires: The Hellenistic World Reign of the Spartan King Archelaus

The purpose of this article is to use the Clash of Empires Hellenistic game rules to create a believable chronology for the reign of the fictional Spartan King Archelaus. Clash of Empires uses an economic system which combines troop points per turn (the result of taxation, economic resources and tribute) with trading cards which represents the funds raised mainly from trade, but also other sources such as the spoils of war. They also control random events. Troop points from agricultural output and any tribute is received at the beginning of each monthly turn but is not shown in the chronology. Instead, it is described as “Receipt of agricultural produce from state owned land.” The chronology also explains in detail the Clash Battle System. This is in relation to conquest and randomly generated conflict events.

Spartan Society

The Spartan economy was agrarian with all land owned by the state and cultivated by a serf population known as helots. The Spartiate elite were fully supported by their helots with their sole focus being military training and service to the state. All aspects of commerce were handled by the free non-citizens called perioikoi. Unlike other Greek city-states Spartan women enjoyed considerable independence. They could own land, manage finances and participate in athletic events. In Spartan society the accumulation of personal wealth was discouraged by the use of heavy iron bars as currency. 

Background

Archelaus was the second son of the Spartan King Teleclus of the Agiad dynasty who shared dual monarchy (dyarchy) with the lame King Nicandrus of the Eurypontids. A shrewd and able ruler Teleclus once again seized control of Messenia and issued the first ever Spartan coinage. The young prince Archelaus was a skilled warrior and renowned athlete who was twice victorious in the Olympic Games which were held every four years in honour of Zeus, King of the gods. At the age of thirty, in search of adventure and glory, Archelaus led a small band of Spartan mercenaries, known as the Tindaridai, on an expedition to North Africa where they became captains in the Carthaginian army. Initially serving as a drill master Archelaus quickly rose to the rank of general and in Spain proved himself a Great Commander by winning many victories. It was during this time that the mercenary general became impressed by the expert horsemanship and agility of the Numidian light horse and through his association with the Numidian King Gala, Archelaus was gifted a contingent of these hardy mounted skirmishing specialists. When his older brother was killed in a hunting accident Archelaus, who was next in line to the throne, was recalled to Sparta. Loaded with honours Archelaus returned home and brought back with him his Numidian cavalry and their families who he settled on Lacedaemon land. Two years thereafter his father Teleclus died and Archelaus was elevated to the Spartan Kingship. Having sought counsel from the god Apollo by obtaining an oracle from Delphi the new Agiad King instituted Lycurgan-style reforms that boosted the Lacedaemon economy and revitalised the Spartan military system. Chief amongst these changes were the ending of the traditional dyarchy by marrying a Eurypontid heiress thus combining both dynastic lines. He also curtailed the power of the Gerousia (council of elders). An energetic war-leader and forceful diplomat Archelaus’s rule ushered in a new period of Spartan hegemony in the Peloponnese and beyond.      

The chronology starts in the second year of the reign of King Archelaus and the timeline has been created using the solo player format. Also being used is a random non-player domain upgrade and alliance chart for solo games.

Year 2 Monthly Turn 1.

The year starts with the annual roll to determine the level of rainfall in the climate cycle for this year. A roll is made which indicates that rainfall will be normal. An unsuccessful score would have signalled drought and famine which would reduce troop points per turn by half for this year.

The turn sequence begins with the receipt of agricultural produce from state owned land. Next a number of trade cards are selected. These are kept to try and collect one of a number of special sets which increase the value of the cards cashed in. There is no significant event this turn but as part of his daily duties the Spartan King makes offerings of laurel leaves, honey, wine, fruit and incense to the god Apollo. Also, part of the monarch’s monthly routine is to meet with the committee of five ephors to exchange oaths of fealty to the Spartan state. A more pleasing experience is had when Archelaus and his wife the Spartan Queen Timandra who is pregnant with their first child attend the dedication of a temple to the twin heroes Castor and Pollux. As chief priest of the state Archelaus officiates at the ceremony. Elsewhere in the Hellenistic World the Ptolemaic Kingdom develops Ship Killing Tactics. Apart from this the turn ends peacefully.

Year 2 Monthly Turn 2.   

The turn sequence begins with the receipt of agricultural produce from state owned land. Next a number of trade cards are selected. These are kept to try and collect one of a number of special sets which increase the value of the cards cashed in. At this point there is a significant political event. Ambassadors arrive from Antigonid Macedonia to negotiate a defensive alliance with Sparta. Archelaus looks favourably upon the alliance which is ratified by the ephors and the Gerousia. This month the King and his companions take pleasure in hunting wild boar with the help of helot “beaters” and hunting dogs. Elsewhere in the Hellenistic World nothing of note occurs and the turn ends peacefully.

Year 2 Monthly Turn 3.

The turn sequence begins with the receipt of agricultural produce from state owned land. Next a number of trade cards are selected. These are kept to try and collect one of a number of special sets which increase the value of the cards cashed in. There is no significant event this turn and the King contents himself with the routine of his daily and monthly duties. Also, as part of his judicial and legal duties the King presides over such areas as disputes over heiresses, adoptions and public roads. Elsewhere in the Hellenistic World the Ptolemaic Kingdom establishes a military academy at Alexandria. Apart from this the turn ends peacefully.

Year 2 Monthly Turn 4.

The turn sequence begins with the receipt of agricultural produce from state owned land. Next a number of trade cards are selected. These are kept to try and collect one of a number of special sets which increase the value of the cards cashed in. There is no significant event this turn and the King contents himself with the routine of his daily and monthly duties. This includes a formal visit to the agoge where Spartan youths are educated and trained in the art of war. This system embraces males aged 7 to 29. At the event the King and Queen enjoyed privileged seats and looked forward to watching the young men compete in various endurance sports. Elsewhere in the Hellenistic World Antigonid Macedonia forms an alliance with Athens. Apart from this the turn ends peacefully.

Year 2 Monthly Turn 5.

The turn sequence begins with the receipt of agricultural produce from state owned land. Next a number of trade cards are selected. At this point commerce takes place with olives and wine being exchanged for other things of value. This means that a medium value special set of cards has been collected and cashed in. All trading activity is handled by the periokoi who also deal with crafts and manufacturing. Meanwhile, as part of their ongoing initiation a large group of young men of the agoge join the syssita or messes. These men can now marry and will form the core of a new army unit. When combined with the periokoi and helots this brings the Spartan army up to 9 units. Also, at the end of this turn, Queen Timandra gives birth to a healthy son who is named Anaxandrus. Elsewhere in the Hellenistic World the Parthian army increases in strength. Apart from this the turn ends peacefully.

Year 2 Monthly Turn 6.

The turn sequence begins with the receipt of agricultural produce from state owned land. Next a number of trade cards are selected. These are kept to try and collect one of a number of special sets which increase the value of the cards cashed in. There is no significant event this turn and the King contents himself with the routine of his daily and monthly duties. This month the King and his companions take pleasure in hunting deer with the help of helot “beaters” and hunting dogs. Elsewhere in the Hellenistic World Rome develops Ship Killing Tactics. Apart from this the turn ends peacefully.

Year 2 Monthly Turn 7.

The turn sequence begins with the receipt of agricultural produce from state owned land. Next a number of trade cards are selected. At this point commerce takes place with surplus agricultural produce and livestock being exchanged for other things of value. This means that a low value set of cards has been collected and cashed in. Also, this month the Gymnopaedia takes place. This is an annual festival of choral song and dance held in the agora (central public space) which lasts three days. These shared rituals and cultural practices help to develop a communal identity. Elsewhere in the Hellenistic World Rome develops Artillery. Apart from this the turn ends peacefully.

Year 2 Monthly Turn 8.

The turn sequence begins with the receipt of agricultural produce from state owned land. Next a number of trade cards are selected. At this point commerce takes place with surplus agricultural produce and livestock being exchanged for other things of value. This means that a low value set of cards has been collected and cashed in. Meanwhile, as part of their ongoing initiation a large group of young men of the agoge join the syssita or messes. These men can now marry and will form the core of a new army unit. When combined with the periokoi and helots this brings the Spartan army up to 10 units. Elsewhere in the Hellenistic World Antigonid Macedonia develops Ship Killing Tactics. Apart from this the turn ends peacefully.

Year 2 Monthly Turn 9.

The turn sequence begins with the receipt of agricultural produce from state owned land. Next a number of trade cards are selected. At this point commerce takes place with surplus agricultural produce and livestock being exchanged for other things of value. This means that a low value set of cards has been collected and cashed in. At the beginning of this turn the Carnea takes place. This is a choral and musical festival honouring Apollo that lasts nine days. Also, this month the King and his companions take pleasure in hunting deer with the help of helot “beaters” and hunting dogs. Elsewhere in the Hellenistic World the Seleucid and Ptolemaic Kingdoms form an alliance. Apart from this the turn ends peacefully.

Year 2 Monthly Turn 10.

The turn sequence begins with the receipt of agricultural produce from state owned land. Next a number of trade cards are selected. At this point commerce takes place with valuable horses and specially bred Laconian hounds being exchanged for other things of value. This means that a high value set of cards has been collected and cashed in. At this point there is a significant political event. A neighbouring non-player domain becomes hostile.

Intelligence reaches Sparta that the city-state of Sicyon which is part of the Achaean League is giving succour to the exiled former King Nicandrus. His followers have been fomenting rebellion in Lacedaemon with the aim of ousting Archelaus. Nicandrus was an unpopular ruler and was even implicated in the death of the late Spartan King Teleclus. Nevertheless, he still has some support amongst the Eurypontids and it is determined by King Archelaus and the Gerousia that he should be returned to Sparta to be tried for treason. Subsequently a message is sent to Sicyon which is short and to the point as is the Spartan way. “Surrender him or else.” No reply is received.

Meanwhile, as part of their ongoing initiation a large group of young men of the agoge join the syssita or messes. These men can now marry and will form the core of a new army unit. When combined with the periokoi and helots this brings the Spartan army up to 11 units. Elsewhere in the Hellenistic World nothing of note occurs and the turn ends peacefully.

Year 2 Monthly Turn 11.

The turn sequence begins with the receipt of agricultural produce from state owned land. Next a number of trade cards are selected. These are kept to try and collect one of a number of special sets which increase the value of the cards cashed in.

At the beginning of this turn the Spartan army is mobilized and supplies gathered. In the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia offerings are made to the goddess to win favour for a successful military campaign. Thereupon Archelaus marches forth with a Spartan army of 6 units leaving 5 units in Sparta under the leadership of Queen Timandra who is famed for her intelligence and wisdom. The Spartan King’s trusted friend Cleombrotus commands the elite Medium Cavalry (Castorian) of the right wing. On the left are the highly mobile and elusive Numidian light cavalry. The Spartan army confronts an Achaean army of 12 units led by Aratus of Sicyon in the central Peloponnese. Before battle is joined Archelaus makes a sacrifice of a goat to Athena Khalkioikos to honour the goddess before the battle.

Clash of Empires

Using the Clash of Empires rules the battle strength and capabilities of the belligerents can be shown as follows: -

Spartan Army

Part-Standing Army type with a Combat Rating (CR) of ❷, which based on the number of army units i.e., 6 converts to a +3 Fighting Bonus (FB). Battle Dice 2D6 (highest scoring die only). Fighting Technique: Hoplite Phalanx complimented by Deadly Shots of the Numidian Light Cavalry which gives the Spartan army a +4/+7 modifier to their Battle Die score. Second modifier used if FB greater than that of the opponent. The Spartans have elite status so get a 1D3 Battle Advantage Die. They also have Medium Cavalry 1D6+1 as well as the normal +1 to Initiative for cavalry. They get a -1 penalty to Initiative due to the unwieldy nature of a phalanx and its vulnerability to flank attack. King Archelaus is a great tactician and inspired leader and is therefore ranked as a Great Commander and gets 2D6 for Initiative (highest scoring die only).

Achaean Army

Citizen Army type with a Combat Rating (CR) of ❶, which based on the number of army units i.e., 12 converts to a +4 Fighting Bonus (FB). Battle Dice 2D6 (highest scoring die only). Fighting Technique: Hoplite Phalanx which gives the Achaean army a +3/+6 modifier to their Battle Die score. Second modifier used if FB greater than that of the opponent. They have Light Cavalry +1 Initiative and 1D6 Advantage Die and outnumber their opponent so get a 1D6 numerical advantage. Like the Spartans they get a -1 to Initiative due to the unwieldy nature of a phalanx and its vulnerability to flank attack. A statesman and commander Aratus is ranked as ordinary and gets 1D6 for Initiative.

Clash Battle System

After rolling for Initiative the Battle Roll for each army consists of the following procedure:

• Roll Battle Dice 2D6 (highest scoring die only)

• Plus, Combat Rating (CR) to Fighting Bonus (FB) (conversion dependent upon number of units).

• Plus, Battle Bonus calculation determined by Army Type and FB.

• Plus, Advantage Dice (representing a numerical, tactical or other special advantage)

Highest score wins and the difference between the two Battle Rolls determines the number of casualties.

Combat Rating to Fighting Bonus Conversion and Casualty Tables not shown.

Ancients Battle Log

Domain = Sparta

Battle = Megalopolis             Date:  Year 2 Turn 11

Initiative	Battle Dice (Modifiers)	CR to Fighting Bonus	Battle Bonus	Battle Advantage Dice	Total Score
2D6 5 and 2 (Highest die only)  = 5	Part-Standing Hoplite Phalanx 2D6 (+4/+7) 5 and 3 (Highest die only) 5+4 = 9	❷ x 6 = +3 FB	Odd Dice 1D6 = 4	Tactical Advantage 1D6 = 6 Elite status 1D3 = 3 Medium Cavalry 1D6+1 = 5+1 = 6 6+3+6 = 15	9+3+4+15 = 31

Domain = Achaean League

Initiative	Battle Dice (Modifiers)	CR to Fighting Bonus	Battle Bonus	Battle Advantage Dice	Total Score
1D6 = 3	Citizen Hoplite Phalanx 2D6 (+3/+6) 4 and 3 (Highest die only) 4+6 = 10	❶x 12 = + 4 FB	No odds or evens 1D3 = 3	Opponent outnumbered 1D6 = 4 Light Cavalry 1D6 = 1   4+1 = 5	10+4+3+5 = 22

Battle Bonus Calculation Table

FB	Warband	Feudal	Citizen	Part-Standing	Standing
1-4	1D3(1D6)	1D3(1D6)	1D3(1D6)	1D3(1D6)	1D6(2D6)
5-8	1D3(1D6)	1D3(1D6)	1D3(1D6)	1D6(2D6)	1D6(2D6)
9-12	1D3(1D6)	1D3(1D6)	1D6(2D6)	1D6(2D6)	2D6(3D6)
13-16	1D3(1D6)	1D6(2D6)	1D6(2D6)	2D6(3D6)	2D6(3D6)
17-20	1D6(2D6)	1D6(2D6)	2D6(3D6)	2D6(3D6)	3D6(4D6)
21-24	1D6(2D6)	2D6(3D6)	2D6(3D6)	3D6(4D6)	3D6(4D6)
25+	2D6(3D6)	2D6(3D6)	3D6(4D6)	3D6(4D6)	4D6(5D6)

(#D#) = Enhanced Battle Bonus on odds or evens Battle Dice.

Note: - The Spartans win Initiative which cancels their opponent’s numerical advantage. This is compounded by a high Battle Die score and odd dice which activates an Enhanced Battle Bonus. A forceful Spartan cavalry attack completes the victory and results in a differential of 9 which on the casualty table equates to 9 Achaean army units killed, wounded or captured. The Spartans lose 2 units.

The Battle of Megalopolis

The morning light glinted on the spear points and shields of 18,000 hoplites who were drawn up on a plain near the city of Megalopolis the federal capital of Arcadia. The opposing phalanxes stood immobile as the grim-faced warriors stared menacingly at each other across the open ground of the battlefield. Arranged in deep formation the enemy hoplites, impressive in number, wore tunics of many hues and carried shields emblazoned with symbols and mythical beasts of every kind. Although fewer in number the Spartan hoplites were no less visually striking and even more intimidating in their distinctive red cloaks and carrying burnished bronze shields bearing the Greek letter Lambda which represented the Spartan state.

            From his position on the right flank Archelaus surveyed the enemy disposition with a well-practiced eye studying his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and devising his battle plan accordingly. To the rear of the enemy host, he caught sight of his opposing number Aratus wearing a purple cloak and mounted on a mettlesome white steed. The general and statesmen was barking last minute orders to a subordinate to his right while to his left a gloomy figure sat astride a bay-coloured horse. He was wearing a red cloak and carried a shield with a gorgon’s head device which immediately identified him as the would-be usurper Nicandrus. Turning back to the arrangement of the enemy forces on the ground the Spartan King observed that the Achaean army was numerically stronger and had archers and cavalry, but these were fewer in number and of poorer quality than his own. This was their weakness and therefore it was here that he would strike first.

            At a prearranged signal the Spartan elite Castorian cavalry advanced apace and then thundered towards the opposing League cavalry. These were slow to respond a moments indecision which put them at a significant disadvantage. At the head of the Spartan cavalry the distinguished cavalry commander Cleombrotus, clad in bronze armour and wearing a helm with a white horsehair plume, plunged into the enemy formation. After impaling an adversary with his long spear, the Spartan warrior switched to his sword with which he cleaved heads and severed limbs in vigorous abandon. Faced with such collective destruction the less well armoured Achaean cavalry lost heart and were driven from the field. Meanwhile, the dark-skinned Numidian riders were carrying out harassing attacks upon the enemy phalanx. These doughty warriors in their white tunics and carrying leather faced shields hurled their javelins with deadly accuracy and frustrated the enemy by remaining just out of range of any retaliatory attack.

            As the Numidians were withdrawn the sound of flutes communicated orders as both walls of shields and spears advanced towards each other. At a hundred paces the League hoplites charged the Spartans who in contrast moved forward slowly in good order. With a resounding clash of arms both sides collided. Thereupon the shoving and fighting proceeded with unrestrained violence as each side used their spears to stab at exposed body parts. The ground was slick with the blood of the dead and the dying when without warning the less determined Achaean hoplites who were panicked by the return of the Spartan cavalry broke and ran for their lives. As they scattered, they were ridden down by the Numidians and Spartans who despatched the fugitives without mercy.

Figure 1. At the Battle of Megalopolis the Spartans win a decisive victory over the Achaean League thus regaining control over the central and northern Peloponnese. The numerical strength of each army is denoted by blank coloured poker chips. Game board from the Clash of Empires: The Hellenistic World Game.

After the battle Megalopolis was taken and sacked. Afterwards King Archelaus sent a terse message to the Achaean League “Submit or be destroyed.” Accordingly, the confederation of Greek-city states surrender to Sparta and their tribute value is now added to the domains troop points per turn. Two units remain in the central Peloponnese as a garrison. The rest of the army returns home with their dead warriors upon their shields as is the Spartan custom. Unfortunately, Nicandrus managed to escape to Asia Minor. Elsewhere in the Hellenistic World nothing of note occurs and the turn ends peacefully.

Year 2 Monthly Turn 12.

The turn sequence begins with the receipt of tribute from vassal states and agricultural produce from state owned land. Next a number of trade cards are selected. At this point a special set of cards is cashed in which can be attributed to the spoils of war. Meanwhile the fallen soldiers (Spartiates) are buried within the city. Their graves have a simple gravestone inscribed with “in war” and there is no grave goods or public displays of grief. Elsewhere in the Hellenistic World nothing of note occurs and the turn ends peacefully.

And so, the chronology would go on to Year 3 Turn 1 and again the year would start with the annual roll to determine the level of rainfall in the climate cycle for the new year.

Using the Clash of Empires: The Hellenistic World game rules and a little research this timeline can be used as a template to create a chronology for any Hellenistic ruler.

To play this game the only power source required is that of your mind.

Sources

Boulter, M. L. 2009/2025: Clash of Empires: The Hellenistic World. Silurian War Games Ltd.

Cartledge, P. 2002, 2003: The Spartans. The Overlook Press.

Mellersh, H.E.L. 1995: Chronology of the Ancient World, 10,000 BC – AD 799. Helicon Publishing Ltd.

Oxford Classical Dictionary. Fourth Edition 2012. Oxford University Press.

Article Front Picture

Spartan hoplite standing on the cliff with spear and shield. Contributer rudall30. After Alamy. (IY06000404)