CONQUEST OF CRETE

Osdrubul's small Carthaginian army landed on the shores of Crete but found young Alexander of Macedon had arrived before him with a contingent of pikemen. The Macedonians were there to fight for Cretan independance. They met on agricultural plains.

Osdrubul had anticipated the Macedonian intervention and tailored his army to meet them. Carthage would be unable to field anything that could survive the push of the pike so he loaded his army with Gallic and Numidean cavalry and skirmishers. The plan was to defeat the Macedonians by destroying everything that was not heavy infantry. In order to accomplish this, he would need to hope that Alexander fought as he had always done thus far: weighting one wing with his cavalry. The trick would be in getting the weight to come at the right point. This would be exasperated by the Carthaginians winning the initiative.

Initially, the Numidian light horse concealed themselves in a plantation to encourage the Macedonians into thinking that the cavalry battle would favour Alexander so that he would accept it.

Opening moves: (from behind the Carthage left)

The Macedonians have begun to advance with their cavalry going wide but the Carthaginian horse is massing to meet them. With the Numidians dashing forward form the plantation, Alexander now sees a sudden turning in the weight on his right. Still, he has quality advantage.

In the center, the Cretan archers and javelin skirmishers are similarly overwhelmed by the horde of opposing skirmishers arrayed against them.

Turn 2: From the Carthage left

The Macedonian cavalry is struggling to avoid being outmaneuvered by the Carthaginian cavalry. Alexander and the Agema hold back to get a better position.

Turn 2: Behind the Carthage center

In the center, it becomes apparent that the Macedonian skirmishers cannot enjoy a protracted missile battle. Things would need to change. Adding insult to injury, the African spearmen have turned around and begun to march away from the oncoming pike phalanxes.

Turn 3: Getting stuck in

The Macedonian light cavalry has begun to feel the pain from Numidian javelins. The first charge of Gallic cavalry has impacted the Companion cavalry and it has not been a rousing success for the Carthaginians. Help is on the way though. In the center, the Macedonian javeliners charged and, using their superior quality, quickly broke the Numidian javeliners that had faced them. They are stuck in melee with the Balaeric slingers though and cannot pursue.

Turn 4: Victory in the cavalry battles

The Macedonian light cavalry had tried to evade away but was caught and broken very quickly. Likewise, when the Libyphoenician cavalry, led by Osdrubul himself reinforced the cavalry battle, the results abruptly led to the Companions fleeing. All the remained of the Macedonian cavalry was the Agema with Alexander attached. Osdrubul pursued his beaten foes and led his men into the flanks of the Agema... but was unable to gain an immediate victory.

Turn 5: Encircling the Agema

The noose is tightening around Alexander.


Still the pike phalanxes are lumbering across the battlefield, unable to come to grips. The Balaeric slingers have defeated the Macedonian skirmishers and thrown back the Cretan archers.

Turn 6: Closing stages

Finally, the Macedonian pikes make contact with the African spearmen. The impact is terrific. The spearmen buckle but do not break. On the cavalry flank, Alexander's Agema are down to half their numbers and are fighting in two directions. The cause is lost though and they are finally brought down. The Macedonian army is beaten on this day.

Carthage has conquered the island of Crete.