Pyrrhus vs. Carthage

Part 1 of a Dominion of the Spear Campaign

I decided to play a 3 game campaign pitting Pyrrhus vs the Carthaginians in Sicily.

Background

When last we left Pyrrhus, the Romans had defeated him. He decided to try his luck in Sicily.

He arrives as the Carthaginians besiege Syracuse. Pyrrhus goes to the aid of the city.

Battle of Syracuse

• Pyrrhus (blue) - Elephants (ferocious armored), archers, elite cavalry, armored pikes, spears

            Note: I accidentally used an elite marker rather than armored for the pikes.

• Carthaginians (red) - 2 armored spears, 1 chariots (elite armored), 2 spears (representing javelins)

Note: I bumped the armies up to 14 points.

Pyrrhus attacks the Carthaginians encamped by the walls of the city. 

Note: The walls are just for looks. They have no impact on play.

Pyrrhus's elephants rout the Carthaginian spears. But the Carthaginian heavy chariots run roughshod over Pyrrhus and his cavalry.

Note: I did not bother with leaders this time out. I assumed that Pyrrhus escaped the rout with his life.

The Libyan javelinmen fill the gap on the left and stop the elephants cold. Meanwhile, the Greek pikes stop the chariots, but they are also hors de combat.

More javelin men move into the line. They flank and rout Pyrrhus's archers.

Pyrrhus retreats back to his base at Messana.

Battle of Messana

The Carthaginians pursue. Pyrrhus reforms his army and makes a stand

• I used the same army lists as the first battle.

The Carthaginians attack with their chariots, but Pyrrhus and his cavalry hold them back. Meanwhile, Pyrrhus's elephants rout the enemy spearmen.

The Pyrrhus put the chariots to flight.

The elephants continue their rampage. To salvage the situation, the Carthaginian general presses his spears in the center. A hail of arrows rains down on them, obliterating their formations.

The Carthaginians retreat. A decisive victory for Pyrrhus!

Tune in next time for the thrilling conclusion!