This is the continuing recreation of the Ionian Revolt. The Ionian Revolt was a revolt against the Persian Empire by the Ionian Greeks and their allies prior to the Greco-Persian War. It took place from 499 to 493 BCE. It was a land and sea affair, so I am using a combination of Poseidon's Warriors and Men of Bronze to re-create the campaign. Both are from the Osprey Wargaming Series. In addition, Men of Bronze has a specific supplement for the conflict called The Ionian Revolt.
The Ionians were assisted by the Greek cities of Athens and Eretria, who sent 20 Triremes to aid them. Together, the Greeks managed to attack the Persian provincial capital at Sardis. They were initially successful, and pushed the Persian Garrison into the Citadel. However, they were unable to take the city. Eventually, the lower city caught fire and the Greeks had to withdraw with their booty.
In the attack, a nearby shrine to Cybele was destroyed. This incensed the local people against the Greeks. When the Persian Garrison emerged, the local populace flocked to their banner against the Greeks. The Persians pursued the Greeks and caught up to them outside Ephesus. The Greeks were brought to battle there, and defeated.
Despite the loss, the Ionian Revolt spread. The Ionians managed to gain the support of the Carians, and many other cities in the region. They all rose up against the Persians. The island of Cyprus also decided to rise up. All the cities except for one decided to rebel. The other cities laid siege to the lone loyalist city. However, the Persians sent aid tot he island, supported by a Phoenician fleet. The rebels reached out to the Ionians for help. They also responded with a fleet and an army. Today, we are going to be fighting the Naval engagement that occurred off the coast of Cyprus. Supposedly, this Naval battle was fought at the same time as a land battle against the Persian army. The Greeks won at Sea, but lost on land. This battle took place in 497 BCE, and we only know the outcome from Herodotus.
Once we get the results of the sea battle, we will also be playing the land battle using the scenario in The Ionian Revolt supplement for Men of Bronze.
Forces:Persians1 Slow Trireme unit with admiral and elite troops
4 Slow Trireme units
Ionians1 Fast Trireme with Admiral and
1 Fast Trireme
3 Slow Triremes
Set-up:
This battle will take place on a 6x4 table. The Western short edge will be the coast off of Salamis. The Persians will be coming from the South with the Ionians coming from the North.
Both fleets have deployed for a standard engagement, with the Ionians having their Fast Triremes on the left edge furthest out to sea. The two sides spread out across the ocean by Squadron.
Mission: This will be a straight up battle, with both sides looking to sink the opposing fleet. The basic scenario is found in the main rulebook.
Instead of my normal turn-by-turn breakdown, I am going to try to break the game down into the Maneuver Phase, the Battle Phase, and the End Game section. Something a bit different to ease the load of book keeping, and to avoid me taking too much time typing during the actual game!
You can read all the details on the Blood and Spectacles blog here if you are so inclined:
http://bloodandspectacles.blogspot.com/2023/05/battle-report-poseidons-warriors-battle.html
