Alexander the Great’s campaign in Afghanistan 04/23/07             

 

Into the Land of Bones*

Scenarios for the Alexander the Great’s campaign in Afghanistan

Additions to the Warhammer Alexander the Great supplement

By Jeff Jonas

 

 

"When the report of this reached Alexander, he was chagrined at the loss of his soldiers, and resolved to march with all speed against Spitamenes and his barbarian adherents. He therefore took half of the Companion cavalry, all the shield-bearing guards, the archers, the Agrianians, and the lightest men of the phalanx, and went towards Maracanda, where he ascertained Spitamenes had returned and was again besieging the men in the citadel. Having travelled 1,500 stades in three days, at the approach of dawn on the fourth day he came near the city ; but when Spitamenes and his party were informed of Alexander’s approach, they did not remain, but abandoned the city and fled."

Arrian**

 

Prologue:
When Alexander the Great’s advance scouts found the body of Darius executed by Bessus and his Bactrian and Sogdian princes, it seemed the war against Persia was over.  Bessus was turned over in turn by his comrades; he was then scourged, and later executed according to Persian methods.

 

As Alexander pressed onward, he found the regions of Sogdiana and Bactria (northern Afghanistan) were inhospitable and foreign to the invaders, and soon after it seemed that hostilities had ceased, the conflict flared up again as the mobile horsemen rebelled against Macedonian occupation.  Alexander responded with reprisals and massacres that inflamed the locals and their Skythian allies. This led to a long and costly three-year campaign that stretched Alexander’s veteran Macedonian army to its limits.

 

 

 

The Alexander the Great supplement lacks a set of beginner’s scenarios, this happened because The author wanted to include as much data as possible into the space available, and big battles were included because they were the essence of Alexander’s wars, and those orders of battle are helpful guides to building his army.

 

This group of scenarios is offered to remedy that lapse. 

 

Notes:

These beginner scenarios are set up to allow a player to start his collections of Persians and Macedonians without having to amass hundreds of models at the start. Some scenarios are set at a few dozen models, while others begin to approach a normal game sized force of 2000 or so points.  Some of the lists go outside the army list composition regulations since these are set scenarios.  The other objective for each scenario is to attempt to help novice players with the mechanics.  The Frontier battles between Alexander’s “hammer and anvil” style army versus the nimble “asymmetrical” warriors of the steppes is a good environment to explore the rules, even though the situations may be often unbalanced.  Players should note that some of these scenarios might be tough to win for one side or the other, since sometimes they are focused on mechanics.

 

These scenarios are a work in progress and will change as they are adapted by play testing and I have more new photos available!

 

 

 

http://vi.uh.edu/faculty/profiles/holt.html

*Into the Land of Bones

The lessons of Alexander’s campaigns in Afghanistan are not lost today, and can be further explored in depth in Frank L. Holt’s book “Into the Land of Bones”, an excellent account of Alexander’s most costly and difficult war in Afghanistan. 

The bones refer to the grisly practice that the Zoroastrians followed of leaving their dead and dying outside the city, where carrion and dogs ate the carcasses.  Surely Alexander’s Greeks and Macedonians were ill prepared for such sights and one can envision how they immediately came into conflicts with the culture of the area.
One cannot help but think about the modern parallels of Britain's attempts to colonize the area, the Soviet invasion, and more recently US Special forces that rode on horseback with local warlord’s troops in a wild charge near Mazar-i-Sharif in 2001 to rout the Taliban.  Mazar-i-Sharif is within spitting distance of the ancient capitol of Bactria, Balkh. The ongoing war of the United States and NATO allies against the Taliban belies the difficulties of fighting an elusive foe in that lawless and remote land. Alexander finally prevailed by securing alliances in the north or Bactrian provinces, in the southeast he simply massacred opposition as he marched out, never to return.  As he left Bactria to invade India he left a massive garrison in Bactria, these settled the lands and created the framework for the future kingdoms of Bactria that sprung up years after Alexander's death. These Hellenistic kingdoms quickly fragmented into fiefdoms of small kings (warlords), isolated by terrain and distance from the Seleucid Empire’s hub, and spread from Bactria to India.  The kingdoms were constantly at war with each other and their neighbors until they in turn were overrun by the Saka nomads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wargames Foundry 28mm Macedonian officers and Hypaspists. (Author’s collection)

 

"Meantime an army of the Asiatic Scythians arrived at the bank of the river Tanais, because most of them had heard that some of the barbarians on the opposite side of the river had revolted from Alexander. They intended to attack the Macedonians, if any revolutionary movement worthy of consideration were effected. News was also brought that Spitamenes was besieging the men who had been left in the citadel at Maracanda."

Arrian

 

Alexander’s War in Afghanistan Scenarios

(Updated 04/24/07)

The Forces:
The Macedonian forces are chosen from the Warhammer Alexander the Great (AtG) “Alexandrian Imperial” army list.  The Rebels are chosen from the Frontier Horsemen (AtG) and Persian (AtG) and Nomadic Hordes (Main Rulebook) army lists.


Special Rules for all scenarios:
Mercenary Greeks in these scenarios count as imbedded troops in the Macedonian army and do not need a Polemarch to use the army general’s leadership.
Frontier Horsemen, Nomadic Hordes, and Indian troops may use a Persian general’s leadership, and vice versa.   Units reduced to less than five models may rally in these scenarios unless noted.  Persian troops ignore Levy status since they are Bactrians and Sogdians fighting on their home turf.  
Troops labeled as Skythians may be chosen from the Frontier Horsemen list (AtG) or the Nomadic Hordes army list in the main Ruleset, if the Nomadic Hordes set is used then reduce the model count by one model per unit per scenario.
Swapping, players are encouraged to swap generally similar units for these scenarios. For example a unit of 8 Greek Mercenary cavalry can easily be swapped for 8 prodromoi lancers if the players agree.  Bactrian and Sogdian are interchangeable as well. Players are also encouraged to try different force levels, for example, scenario four can be played with less models. Try the scenario with half the models listed if you don't have enough to start with 60 cavalry models!.
Jeff Jonas


Scenario One:  The Lone Outpost
A Macedonian garrison has returned from fighting in the nearby hills of Balkh.  Their goal was to find and destroy a group that had rebelled and left the area led by Spitamenes. However the invaders found the enemy hill position too strong and have retired to their base to wait for reinforcements, and re-supply.  Spitamenes, the local Sogdian warlord has gathered a force of local tribes and wants to send a message to Alexander.

This scenario focuses on skirmish action, moving and shooting, and fighting in buildings.
 
The troops:
Macedonians:
One Taxiarch, with light armor, shield and sword.  The Taxiarch counts as the army general.
10x Greek mercenary peltasts, sword, shield, and javelin. (LM)
8x Mercenary archers, sword, bow, and buckler. (L)
8x Thracian javelinmen, sword, javelin, and buckler (L)
 
The outpost:
In the table center is the outpost which is 8” from a well. The outpost consists of one mud brick building with one access door facing the well, and one window per facing.  Next to this is a rough stone wall in an angle of 4” by 4”. The light wood must be at least 6” from the outpost.
Cavalry may not enter the building but may fight against a door. Up to 16 models may occupy the building.  An unlimited number of routed models may occupy the building.  Fleeing Macedonian troops will run towards the outpost.  Once inside they may rally on the Taxiarch’s leadership if he is still alive.  Combat and Pursuit into the building is different than normal.  Troops may only enter at doors, and if attackers win a combat at the doorway and the defender’s break then occupants are not eliminated (unless every model in the building is broken).  In the next phase the attackers move as many models inside as possible and count as charging, individual models contacted that were fleeing are eliminated.  Mounted attackers count as dismounted if they enter a building, their horse is lost for the rest of the game.
See the rules for fighting in buildings on page 69.
If the Rebels control the well the Macedonians suffer -1 to all Combat Results. Control is defined by having more models within 6" than the enemy.

 

Vendel miniatures 28mm Persian cavalry will work well as Sogdian and Bactrian horsemen. (Author’s collection)


Rebels:
Persians (page 92)
One Rebel warlord. Use a Persian Satrap with warhorse hand weapon, heavy armor, throwing spear, bow, half barding.  The Satrap counts as the army general.

Frontier Horsemen (AtG)

10x BactrianNomad horse archers, sword, bow. (LM)
10x Sogdian Footmen archers, sword, bow. (L)
12x Sogdian Footmen javelinmen, sword, javelin, buckler. (LMS)
12x Sogdian Footmen javelinmen, sword, javelin, buckler. (LMS)

 

Special Rules:
This is a small scenario meant to be played as a solitaire session, or quick introductory game. This is a skirmish, all troops are individual models, and may be split up and do not need to stay within 2” of each other.  However for panic the original unit and its size is counted.  For example four archers are along the wall and four are inside the outpost, if the archers are destroyed along the wall the archers inside the outpost must test panic for this.
 
Set-up:
The Macedonians set up first within 12” of the outpost.  The Rebels deploy second and move first.
 
Terrain:
There are up to two hills and one area of light woods of less that 12” in diameter allowed. The Rebel player places the terrain anywhere that is not within 6” of the centerline of the table. The hills may have rugged escarpments on half their edges, and these edges count as obstacles. A small stream bisects the table from north south, this is only an obstacle to movement.
 
Victory:
The Macedonians win a propaganda victory if they survive through 6 turns.
The Rebels win decisively if they capture the outpost.
The Rebels only win a propaganda victory if they hold the well.
The scenario is a draw if neither Rebel victory condition is fulfilled.

 

    


 

 

Castaway Arts 28mm pack mules and drovers, and Copplestone Collection’s fine Bactrian camels. (Author’s collection)


"Then Spitamenes, having received a reinforcement of 6oo Scythian horsemen, was further emboldened by the Scythian alliance to wait and receive the Macedonians who were advancing upon him. Posting his men in a level place near the Scythian desert, he was not willing either to wait for the enemy or to attack them himself; but rode round and discharged arrows at the phalanx of infantry."

Arrian
 
Scenario Two:  Convoy
This scenario focuses on moving and shooting.
A Macedonian garrison has been attacked and forced to retreat to a fort near Balkh.  An approaching supply column is unaware that the rebellion has started. The column’s orders are to get the food and supplies to the garrison.  Spitamenes, the local Bactrian Warlord has sent a detachment to slow down or capture the supplies while he keeps any reaction forces pinned down with most of his heavy Bactrian cavalry and infantry.
 
The troops:
Macedonians:
One Hipparch, with warhorse heavy armor, xyston.  The Hipparch counts as the army general.
20x Hypaspists armed with sword, spear, large shields and light armor. (LMS) (phalanx, drilled and stubborn) (May begin the game in column)
12x Greek Peltasts, sword, shield, and javelin. (LM)
6x Cretan archers, sword, bow and shield. (L)
8x Mercenary Skirmishers, sword, javelins, and buckler (L)
8x Greek cavalry, light armor and javelin. (LMS)
 
Supply caravan:
x4 camels and/or pack mules with x2 drovers with daggers (use the stats of the Peltasts), and  x4 caravan guards armed with swords, shield, light armor, and javelins (use the stats of the Hypaspists). Camels, guards and drovers, move 6”, and may double move.  This unit counts as skirmishers, and may not charge. Each camel has four cargo points which count as wounds.  Randomize missile hits between drovers/guards and pack animals:  1-4 pack animal, 5-6 guards.  As long as the guards are in place the pack animal test on the guards leadership, if only drovers are left then they test on the drover’s leadership (who may not use the Hipparch).  Pack animal and camels use the stats of a warhorse, but have no attack stat. If charged, the guards will defend the pack animals like war machines, the drovers will not fight unless they are the only models left. The guards have a leader model.
If the caravan has no guards or drovers, and is in contact with the enemy they are captured if no other friendly troops are in contact. The cargo is captured if pursued by the enemy. The cargo can be recaptured.
 
Rebels:
Persian:

One Rebel warlord. Use a Persian Satrap with warhorse heavy armor, throwing spear, bow, half barding.  The Satrap counts as the army general.
12x Bactrian Noble cavalry (Levy Shock cavalry), sword, short bow, throwing spear. Light armor, shield, half barding. (LMS)

Frontier Horsemen
10x Bactrian Horse Archers, sword, bow, and javelins. (LM)
10x Sogdian Horse Archers, sword, bow, and javelins. (LM)
12x Sogdian Footmen javelinmen, sword, javelin, buckler. (LMS)

Skythian Cavalry
10x Skythians Nomad horse archers, sword, bow, javelin, buckler. (LM)

Set-up:
The Macedonians set up first.  The Rebels deploy second and move first.
 
Terrain:
There are up to two hills and one area of scrub of less that 12” in diameter allowed. The Rebel player places the terrain anywhere that is not within 6” of the centerline of the table. The hills may have rugged escarpments on half their edges, and these edges count as obstacles.
 
Victory:
The Macedonians win decisively if they get 8 cargo points off the Southern edge on or before turn 6.
All baggage remaining on the table, captured or routed off the table, counts as captured at the end of turn 6.
The Rebels win decisively if they capture all the baggage intact.
The Rebels only win a propaganda victory if the Macedonians get any cargo points off the table edge.

 

    


 


Wargames Foundry 25mm Greek cavalry work well as Mercenaries. (Author’s collection)

 


"The Macedonians being thus encompassed with difficulty on all sides, fled for refuge into one of the small islands in the river, where they were entirely surrounded by the Scythians and the cavalry of Spitamenes, and all killed with arrows, except a few of them, whom they reduced to slavery. All of these were afterwards killed."
Arrian

Scenario Three:  Survival
A larger action where the rebels are joined by Skythian nomad allies. It is a pursuit, so their will be lots of fleeing!
While Alexander marched to the Jaxartes to battle the Skythians, a Macedonian relief column sent by Alexander to Maracanda has been wiped out. Small groups have survived the massacre along the river Polytimetus and are desperately trying to find their way back to safe haven at Maracanda. This band has been able to hold together some sense of discipline, but as the dust clouds over the horizon signal that the rebels have caught up, they are seized with panic. Their leader Amenander seizes a banner and tries to exhort them to stay together. The Bactrian and Sogdian rebels, with their Skythian allies are searching for them.

The troops:
Macedonians:
One Hipparch, with warhorse, sword, heavy armor, xyston.  The Hipparch counts as the army general.
One Army Standard Bearer, with warhorse, sword, heavy armor.
9x Companion cavalry, sword, heavy armor, and xyston. (LMS)
8x Greek mercenary cavalry, sword, light armor, and javelin. (LMS)
24x Pezhetairoi armed with sword,  pike, shield and light armor. (LMS)
12x Greek Peltasts, sword,  shield, and javelin. (LM)
6x Cretan Archers, sword, bow and shield. (L)
6x Mercenary Skirmishers, sword, javelinmen, and buckler (L)
6x Thracians, sword, javelins, and buckler (L)
 
Rebels:
Persians:
One Rebel warlord. Use a Persian Satrap with warhorse heavy armor, throwing spear, bow, half barding.  The Satrap counts as the army general.
One Rebel Army Standard Bearer. Use a Persian ASB with warhorse heavy armor, bow, half barding. 
12x Bactrian Noble cavalry (Levy Shock cavalry), sword, short bow, throwing spear. Light armor, half barding. (LMS)

Frontier Horsemen
10x Bactrian Horse Archers, sword, bow, and javelins. (LM)
12x Sogdian Footmen, sword, bow. (L)
12x Sogdian Footmen, sword, javelin, buckler. (LMS)

Skythian Cavalry
10x Noble Cavalry (Skythians),sword, bow, javelin, light armor, barding. (LMS)
10x Skythians Nomad horse archers, sword, bow, javelin, buckler. (LM)


Special Rules:
All the Macedonian troops are deployed as formed but count as fleeing at game start. The Hipparch counts as having passed his panic check. On turn one all the Macedonian units may use the Hipparch’s leadership to rally (even skirmishers within 12”). Units that rally may not form column on turn one. Troops that fail to rally move toward the south edge.
 
Set-up:
The Macedonians set up first within 20” of the North side of the table.  The Rebels enter from the North end on turn one (Yes the same edge as the Macedonians). The Nomadic cavalry enter from the west or east edge on turn one. Units entering the table may not charge, but they may use triple march. The game starts with the rally phase of the Macedonian player turn.
 
Terrain:
There are up to two hills and one area of scrub of less that 12” in diameter allowed. The Rebel player places the terrain anywhere that is not within 6” of the centerline of the table. The hills may have rugged escarpments on half their edges, and these edges count as obstacles.
 
Victory:
The Macedonians win decisively if they get 32 or more models off the Southern edge, (fleeing models count as survivors!). The Hipparch and ASB each count number of remaining wounds per model for survival. The game has no turn limit.
The Rebels win decisively if no models escape off the south edge
The Rebels only win a propaganda victory if the Macedonians get 16 models off the table.

    

 


Newline Design’s  28mm Alexander leads a wedge of Old Glory Companions. (Author’s collection)


"When Coenus ascertained that Spitamenes was advancing with his cavalry, he went to meet him with his army. A sharp contest ensued, in which the Macedoniatis were victorious, so that of the barbarian cavalry over 300 fell in the battle, while Coenus lost twenty-five horsemen and twelve foot-soldiers. The consequence was, that the Sogdianians who were still left with Spitamenes, as well as most of the Bactrians, deserted him in the flight, and came to Coenus to surrender."
Arrian

Scenario Four:  Quick Reaction Force
A bigger scenario involving a heavy force of Macedonians trying to corner the rebels as they retreat loaded down with baggage and plunder. By now, Alexander had separated his forces into flying columns to pin the rebels against towns full of garrison troops. This action is based on mopping up resistance as the Rebels retreat into the desert after finding there is no place to hide since the local towns have shut their gates, after Alexander has won them over by his "hearts and minds" campaign.  The Rebels need the supplies to tide them over as they try to take refuge in the Karakuny desert.
 
The troops:
Macedonians:
Cavalry Forces:
One Strategos, with warhorse, sword, heavy armor, xyston.  He is the army general.
One Army Standard Bearer, with warhorse, sword, heavy armor.
10x Companion cavalry, sword, heavy armor, and xyston. (LMS)
10x Companion cavalry, sword, heavy armor, and xyston. (LMS)
8x Greek mercenary cavalry, sword, light armor, and javelins. (LMS)
8x Hippakontastai cavalry, sword, and javelins. (LMS)

Infantry Forces:
16x Hypaspists armed with javelins or thrusting spears, shield and light armor. (LMS)
24x Pezhetairoi armed with pikes, shield and light armor. (LMS)
24x Pezhetairoi armed with pikes, shield and light armor. (LMS)
12x Greek Peltasts, shield, and javelins. (LM)
12x Cretan Archers, sword, bow and shield. (L)
12x Agrianian Skirmishers, sword, javelins, and buckler (L)
12x Mercenary Skirmishers, sword, javelins, and buckler (L)
 
Rebels:
Persian:
One Rebel warlord. Use a Persian Satrap with warhorse heavy armor, throwing spear, bow, half barding.  The Satrap counts as the army general.
One Rebel Army Standard Bearer. Use a Persian ASB with warhorse heavy armor, bow, half barding. 
12x Bactrian Noble Cavalry (Levy Shock cavalry), sword, short bow, throwing spear. Light armor, half barding. (Since these are operating in their home turf they do not count as levies) (LMS)
12x Sogdian Noble Cavalry (Levy Shock cavalry), sword, short bow, throwing spear, and shield. (Since these are operating in their home turf they do not count as levies) (LMS)

Frontier Horsemen:
10x Sogdian Horse Archers, sword, bow. (LM)
10x Bactrian Horse Archers, sword, bow, and javelins. (LM)
12x Sogdian Footmen javelinmen, sword, javelin, buckler. (LMS)

Skythian Cavalry:
1x Army Standard Bearer, sword, bow, heavy armor, javelin, buckler, barding. 
(The Army Standard Bearer counts as a sub-general the troops below, they are unaffected by the Rebel Warlord.)
10x Noble Cavalry, sword, bow, javelin, light armor, barding. (LMS)
10x Horse Archers, sword, bow, javelin, buckler. (LM)

Plunder and Baggage:
5x Camels and or Pack Mules, led by 5 drovers with sword and bows.
 
Special Rules:
The Rebels have been caught flat footed and may not charge, or march, or double move on turn one.   The Rebel baggage may not march move at all during the game. Persians troops ignore Levy status since they are fighting on their home turf. The baggage is saved if it exits the North edge.  The baggage and pack animals are treated exactly as in Scenario Two (see above) but have no guards, just drovers.  If the baggage is captured or eliminated, the Skythian cavalry contingent desert the field and count as eliminated if they fail a leadership test, since the plunder was all that they were interested in!

Set-up:
The Rebels set up first and are deployed in the center, within 12" of their baggage and pack animals, which are deployed within 3" the center of the table. See map for more details. 
The Macedonians move first, their army is split and all troops enter on turn one.  The Infantry enter the south table edge. The cavalry enter either the west or east edge. No Macedonians may charge on turn one, however units that march move or double move may shoot.
 
Terrain:
There are up to two hills and one area of scrub of less that 12” in diameter allowed. The Rebel player places the terrain anywhere that is not within 6” of the centerline of the table. The hills may have rugged escarpments on half their edges, and these edges count as obstacles.
 
Victory:
This is a Pitched Battle use the normal victory points. If the Macedonians capture the baggage they gain and additional 100 pts.

    

References:

(** All quotes are from Arrian’s campaigns of Alexander:  http://websfor.org/alexander/arrian/book4a.asp )

 

Luke Ueda-Sarson’s interesting pages:

http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/se/~luv20009/Gabai.html

http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/se/~luv20009/GranicusNotes2.html

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/luke/ueda-sarson/Arrian4-4-6-7.html

 

    Alexander’s route of march from Persepolis to India.

 

The ruins of the city of Ai-Khanoum.  A major Greek outpost that overlooked the Oxus River, and guarded the trade routes from Bactria to  the Khyber Pass. Apparently the site was used as an artillery emplacment by the Northern Alliance during the Taliban war, but the multiple craters are not damage inflicted by modern artillery, but simply "are the result of ‘pot-diggers’ looting the archaeological remains." 
Thanks to Professor Holt for that information.

http://www.livius.org/aj-al/alexandria/alexandria_oxus-finds.html

 

 

 Other reading:

   

 

 

Stephen Pressfield also explores Alexander’s difficult “Afghan Campaign” along with his excellent “The Virtues of War” novel about Alexander the Great.

 

http://www.stevenpressfield.com/

 

 

 

Miniatures:

Plastic 1/72nd figures are an excellent way to start miniature gaming on a budget. These models have never been better!
http://www.plasticsoldierreview.com/PeriodAncient.html#Hellenistic

 

Interesting sidelights:

Baloch warriors of the 1800’s, from Baluchistan.  Certainly the Bactrian, Sogdian and Skythian foes of Alexander would have been as scary looking as these dudes!

 http://sarbaaz.com/photos/displayimage.php?album=2&pos=3

 

 

 

Modern Afghanistan with the modern names fought over by US and British commandos while supporting the Northern Alliance troops in 2001.

 

Modern Warfare goes back in time near Mazar-i-Sharif:

http://www.mmartltd.com/gallery.asp?category=5

 

US forces on horseback

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/571816/posts

 

The battle for Mazar-i-sharif

http://www.time.com/time/world/printout/0,8816,184047,00.html

 

A story of fanaticism:

http://www.bouwman.com/911/Operation/Qala-I-Jangi.html

 

Can foreigners ever understand Afghan politics? An interesting report on where the politics stood two years ago.

In our long war:

http://www.superpatriots.us/jack/lordsofwar.htm

 

email: jjonasartist@sbcglobal.net

 

www.ancientbattles.com