The rise of the Sacred Segos. A Gaul-Hellenistic era ATL.
Thanks!
True. The rise of the Volcae will have some interesting impact in West Med(barring the butterflies).
I'm a little scared for the Volcae - their rise coincides with the Punic Wars, they are suddenly a ripe target for Roman or Carthaginian expansion efforts. If they're not able to become comparable within a generation or two, they're in big trouble, as they've become a juicy opportunity.
Are we going to see expansion along the Garoone or the Rhine? Both seem valuable, but the Rhine seems harder to control from Toulouse than Aquitaine might be.
Or are the Volcae going to make themselves the Gateway to Gaul - essentially taking control of the Gallic Coast from Italia to Hispania?
Are we going to see expansion along the Garoone or the Rhine? Both seem valuable, but the Rhine seems harder to control from Toulouse than Aquitaine might be.
Or are the Volcae going to make themselves the Gateway to Gaul - essentially taking control of the Gallic Coast from Italia to Hispania?
Hello my friend! Valid points as always! The situation in west med is pretty much the same with OTL. In the aftermath of the first Punic war, both Rome and Carthage were financially and demographically exhausted. So, as you already said, that earns Volcae a generation or two to step up. So basically in this ATL one of the major things to explore is the rise of a Gaulish kingdom and the effects of this new player in the war theatre of west med. Will the side with Carthage or Rome? Will the stay neutral and focus in Gaul instead?
Since their capital Tolosa/Toulouse is the major trade hub at Garonne river, i find it more possible to expand in this area.
Xenon's Greek connections helped him to establish a highly profitable trade network, especially with Emporion, with him as the middle man. So its possible for him to want total control of the area. Massalia and the greek colonies, are a considerable force that totally controls the sea in the area. Massalia is also a close ally of the Romans... So lets see there are lots of possible scenarios
Hello my friend and welcome on board!
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Chapter 09. A view in South Greece.
Chapter 09. A view in South Greece.
241 BC.
News/Events around the world part2:
South Greece
The story of Agis IV
Agis succeeded his father as king in 245 BC, at around the age of 20. The interest of his reign is derived by his reaction to the domestic crisis of Sparta at the time of his succession. Through the influx of wealth and luxury, with their concomitant vices, the Spartans had greatly degenerated from the ancient simplicity and severity of manners, and arrived at an extreme inequality in the distribution of wealth and property. Fewer than 700 families of the genuine Spartan stock (i.e. full citizenship) remained, and in consequence of the innovation introduced by Epitadeus, who procured a repeal of the law which secured to every Spartan head of a family an equal portion of land, the landed property had passed into the hands of very few individuals, so that fewer than 100 Spartan families held estates, while the poor were greatly burdened with dept.
Agis Reforms
Agis, who from his earliest youth had shown his attachment to the ancient discipline, undertook to reform these abuses, and re-establish the institutions of Lycurgus. To this end he proposed the abolition of all debts and a new partition of the lands. Another part of his plan was to give landed estates to the Perioeci. His schemes were warmly seconded by the poorer classes and the young men, and as strenuously opposed by the wealthy. He succeeded, however, in gaining over three very influential persons: his uncle Agesilaus (a man of large property, but who, being deeply involved in debt, hoped to profit by the innovations of Agis), Lysander and Mandrocleides. Having arranged for Lysander to be elected one of the ephors, he laid his plans before the senate. He proposed that the Spartan territory should be divided into two portions, one to consist of 4500 equal lots, to be divided amongst the Spartans, whose ranks were to be filled up by the admission of the most respectable of the Perioeci and strangers; the other to contain 15,000 equal lots, to be divided amongst the remaining Perioeci.
The senate could not at first come to a decision on the matter. Lysander, therefore, convened the assembly of the people, to whom Agis submitted his measure, and offered to make the first sacrifice, by giving up his own lands and money, telling them that his mother, Agesistrate, and grandmother, who were both possessed of great wealth, with all his relations and friends, would follow his example. His generosity drew the applause of the multitude. The opposite party, however, headed by Leonidas II, Agis' co-monarch, who had formed his habits at the luxurious court of Seleucus II Callinicus, got the senate to reject the measure, though only by one vote. Agis decided to rid himself of Leonidas. Lysander accordingly accused him of having violated the laws by marrying a stranger and living in a foreign land. Leonidas was deposed, and was succeeded by his son-in-law, Cleombrotus, who cooperated with Agis.
Soon afterwards, however, Lysander's term of office expired, and the ephors of the following year were opposed to Agis, and looked to restore Leonidas. They brought an accusation against Lysander and Mandrocleides, of attempting to violate the laws. Alarmed at the turn events were taking, these two convinced the king to take the unprecedented step of deposing the ephors by force and to appoint others in their stead. Leonidas, who had returned to the city, was assassinated. Agesilaus persuaded Agis and Lysander that the most effective way to secure the consent of the wealthy to the distribution of their lands, would be to begin by cancelling the debts. Accordingly, the debts were cancelled, and all bonds and registers, were piled up in the market place and burned.
Agesilaus, having achieved his goal, contrived various pretexts for delaying the division of the lands. Meanwhile, the Achaeans applied to Sparta for assistance against the Aetolians. Agis was accordingly sent at the head of an army. The cautious movements of Aratus of Sicyon gave Agis no opportunity to distinguish himself in battle, but he gained great credit by the excellent discipline he preserved among his troops. During his absence Agesilaus so angered the poorer classes by the continued postponement of the division of the lands, that they assassinate him in the agora. Finally upon Agis urgent return the land distribution was complete.
The story of Araus
Early life
Aratus was born in 271 BC in Sicyon. At the time of his birth, his father, Cleinias, was governing Sicyon as the city-state's magistrate. Cleinias was bringing order and peace to the city-state after ending a long succession of tyrants. In 264 BC, Abantidas led a revolt against Cleinias. Cleinias was slain during the revolt and Abantidas sought to kill the 7 years old Aratus. Aratus escaped after wandering into the home of Soso, Abantidas' sister, who was married to Prophantus (Cleinias' brother). She was so emotionally moved by the child's circumstance that she hid him until nightfall, and then sent him off to Argos.
In Argos, Aratus was educated with liberal notions by other exiles, many of whom had been friends of his family. Aratus grew to hate tyranny. Aratus also attended the Argos' palestra regularly, developing an athletic body, which was later noted in statues. He even won the pentathlon once. Soon, Aratus became a political leader in exile. He was admired because of both his aristocratic birth and his enthusiasm.
Liberating Sicyon
In 251 BC, Nicocles had just become the latest tyrant of Sicyon. His reign had begun four months previously, and was marked by the brutal suppression of all opposition. He feared Aratus so he commissioned spies to follow him in Argos.
Aratus considered his future, and nothing in Macedonia, with king Antigonus II, nor in Egypt, with King Ptolemy II, looked promising. Consequently, Aratus decided to liberate Sicyon with the help of the other exiles. The revolt had to be swift, avoiding any protracted conflict, which they could not afford.
Aratus and his men slipped into Sicyon quietly at night, climbing the steep wall on the rocky side with ladders. Right before the dawn, Aratus captured the guards, and he sent orders to spread the news of the revolt to the local people so they might join in. At dawn, the populace of Sicyon surrounded the palace and, after a herald harangued them, they thronged into the palace which was set afire. The flames could be seen from Corinth, 12 km away. Nicocles escaped through an underground passageway. Aratus divided the spoils from the palace between his soldiers and the people. Only one citizen was killed in his revolt.
Pacifying Sicyon
Aratus had brought most of the exiles back, but after fifty years of tyranny, most of the exiles had become destitute. They claimed their former properties which had been given away. Fearing a civil war, Aratus decided that Sicyon would join the Achean league. Once inside the league, Aratus served in the cavalry. His commanders were surprised because he responded as dutifully as the lowest soldier.
Aratus turned to Ptolemy, King of Egypt, to help Sicyon. Ptolemy was a personal friend because Aratus often sent him Greek paintings, made by famous artists from Sicyon, which was then an important centre of art. Ptolemy had already sent 25 talents, but this wasn't enough. Aratus decided to visit him personally. After a hazardous trip, during which he was almost captured by the Macedonians, Aratus arrived in Egypt. Ptolemy presented Sicyon with 150 talents. This grant from Ptolemy greatly benefited Sicyon and its citizens and the exiles erected a brass statue on Aratus' behalf. The Macedonian King Antigonus began a campaign against Aratus, to destroy the friendship between Ptolemy and Aratus. Ptolemy sent diplomats to Sicyon to discuss the issue.
The Achaean Strategos
In 245 BC, Aratus was appointed Strategos of the Achaean League. At the time, the Achaean League's major rivals were Macedonia, who had garrisons throughout the Peloponnese, and the Aetolian League, which had formed a military alliance with Macedonia. His first military action was to aid the Boeotian army. Leading 10,000 soldiers, Aratus attacked both Locris and Calydon.
Capturing Corinth
Corinth had been garrisoned years before by Philip II of Macedonia. Aratus discovered a way to liberate the city, with the help of four brothers. One of them, Erginus, had stolen the Corinthian royal treasury and he decided to store his fortune at Sicyon. There, he revealed to Aratus that his brother Diocles, who was a soldier in the Macedonian garrison, had discovered a part of the walls which was only 4.5 meter high. It was accessible through some rocks, by a hidden path. Aratus guaranteed a 60 talent reward to all four brothers, pawning his own wife's silver jewellery to cover the cost.
Again as Strategos in 243 BC, Aratus led 400 men to Corinth, leading the finest 100 men personally right into the garrison, through the secret passage. The Macedonians were overwhelmed by the assault. The next morning, Corinth's garrison surrendered and the entire Achaean army arrived.
Aratus gathered all the Corinthians at the theatre. Aratus was wearing his armour and leaned on his spear, which he held in his right hand. Without his uttering a word, the multitude acclaimed him. Aratus spoke on behalf of the Achaean League, asking the Corinthians to join them. Then he returned the city's keys, which had been taken by the Macedonians. The Achaeans garrisoned Corinth with 400 men.
Expanding the League
Consequently,Megara, Troezen, and Epidaurus revolted against Macedonia and joined the Achaean League. Aratus invaded Attica and occupied Salamis. Aratus convinced his friend King Ptolemy to enter into an alliance with the Achaean League.
A recognized leader
Soon, the Achaeans recognized that Aratus' primary goal was to boost the league's power and influence throughout Greece. He was also a strong advocate for Greek unity. Thus, although it was prohibited by the law, Aratus was appointed Strategos in successive years, starting from 241 BC( until 235 BC in OTL). Aratus repeated the maxim that, although a single city may not be strong enough, together as members of the Achaean League, all the cities could survive as a whole. As general of the Achaean League in 241 BC defeats the Aetolians at Pellene and expand the influence of the League in large parts of Peloponnese.
Editor notes:
Both this characters will have their own PODs so a introduction post was necessary. In fact Agis POD happens in 241BC with the assassination of Agesilaus and the competition of the reforms of Agis upon his urgent return in Sparta.( OTL: Upon his return, Agis finds that his supporters are discontented with the rule of his uncle, Agesilaus, and are disillusioned by the delay in implementing the Agis IV's reforms. As a result, the Agiad king of Sparta, Leonidas II, gains power, supported by mercenaries. Rather than engage in a war with Leonidas, Agis takes sanctuary in a temple, but is enticed out, summarily tried and then executed, along with his mother and grandmother)
241 BC.
News/Events around the world part2:
South Greece
- The Eurypontid King of Sparta, Agis IV, is called away from Sparta when Aratus of Sicyon, temporarily Sparta's ally, requests Agis' aid in his war against the Aetolians. Agis finds that his supporters are discontented with the rule of his uncle, Agesilaus(by the continued postponement of the division of the lands) that they assassinate him in the agora. Finally upon Agis urgent return the land distribution was complete.
- As general of the Achaean League, Aratus of Sicyon defeats the Aetolians at Pellene and expand the influence of the League.
The story of Agis IV
Agis succeeded his father as king in 245 BC, at around the age of 20. The interest of his reign is derived by his reaction to the domestic crisis of Sparta at the time of his succession. Through the influx of wealth and luxury, with their concomitant vices, the Spartans had greatly degenerated from the ancient simplicity and severity of manners, and arrived at an extreme inequality in the distribution of wealth and property. Fewer than 700 families of the genuine Spartan stock (i.e. full citizenship) remained, and in consequence of the innovation introduced by Epitadeus, who procured a repeal of the law which secured to every Spartan head of a family an equal portion of land, the landed property had passed into the hands of very few individuals, so that fewer than 100 Spartan families held estates, while the poor were greatly burdened with dept.
Agis Reforms
Agis, who from his earliest youth had shown his attachment to the ancient discipline, undertook to reform these abuses, and re-establish the institutions of Lycurgus. To this end he proposed the abolition of all debts and a new partition of the lands. Another part of his plan was to give landed estates to the Perioeci. His schemes were warmly seconded by the poorer classes and the young men, and as strenuously opposed by the wealthy. He succeeded, however, in gaining over three very influential persons: his uncle Agesilaus (a man of large property, but who, being deeply involved in debt, hoped to profit by the innovations of Agis), Lysander and Mandrocleides. Having arranged for Lysander to be elected one of the ephors, he laid his plans before the senate. He proposed that the Spartan territory should be divided into two portions, one to consist of 4500 equal lots, to be divided amongst the Spartans, whose ranks were to be filled up by the admission of the most respectable of the Perioeci and strangers; the other to contain 15,000 equal lots, to be divided amongst the remaining Perioeci.
The senate could not at first come to a decision on the matter. Lysander, therefore, convened the assembly of the people, to whom Agis submitted his measure, and offered to make the first sacrifice, by giving up his own lands and money, telling them that his mother, Agesistrate, and grandmother, who were both possessed of great wealth, with all his relations and friends, would follow his example. His generosity drew the applause of the multitude. The opposite party, however, headed by Leonidas II, Agis' co-monarch, who had formed his habits at the luxurious court of Seleucus II Callinicus, got the senate to reject the measure, though only by one vote. Agis decided to rid himself of Leonidas. Lysander accordingly accused him of having violated the laws by marrying a stranger and living in a foreign land. Leonidas was deposed, and was succeeded by his son-in-law, Cleombrotus, who cooperated with Agis.
Soon afterwards, however, Lysander's term of office expired, and the ephors of the following year were opposed to Agis, and looked to restore Leonidas. They brought an accusation against Lysander and Mandrocleides, of attempting to violate the laws. Alarmed at the turn events were taking, these two convinced the king to take the unprecedented step of deposing the ephors by force and to appoint others in their stead. Leonidas, who had returned to the city, was assassinated. Agesilaus persuaded Agis and Lysander that the most effective way to secure the consent of the wealthy to the distribution of their lands, would be to begin by cancelling the debts. Accordingly, the debts were cancelled, and all bonds and registers, were piled up in the market place and burned.
Agesilaus, having achieved his goal, contrived various pretexts for delaying the division of the lands. Meanwhile, the Achaeans applied to Sparta for assistance against the Aetolians. Agis was accordingly sent at the head of an army. The cautious movements of Aratus of Sicyon gave Agis no opportunity to distinguish himself in battle, but he gained great credit by the excellent discipline he preserved among his troops. During his absence Agesilaus so angered the poorer classes by the continued postponement of the division of the lands, that they assassinate him in the agora. Finally upon Agis urgent return the land distribution was complete.
The story of Araus
Early life
Aratus was born in 271 BC in Sicyon. At the time of his birth, his father, Cleinias, was governing Sicyon as the city-state's magistrate. Cleinias was bringing order and peace to the city-state after ending a long succession of tyrants. In 264 BC, Abantidas led a revolt against Cleinias. Cleinias was slain during the revolt and Abantidas sought to kill the 7 years old Aratus. Aratus escaped after wandering into the home of Soso, Abantidas' sister, who was married to Prophantus (Cleinias' brother). She was so emotionally moved by the child's circumstance that she hid him until nightfall, and then sent him off to Argos.
In Argos, Aratus was educated with liberal notions by other exiles, many of whom had been friends of his family. Aratus grew to hate tyranny. Aratus also attended the Argos' palestra regularly, developing an athletic body, which was later noted in statues. He even won the pentathlon once. Soon, Aratus became a political leader in exile. He was admired because of both his aristocratic birth and his enthusiasm.
Liberating Sicyon
In 251 BC, Nicocles had just become the latest tyrant of Sicyon. His reign had begun four months previously, and was marked by the brutal suppression of all opposition. He feared Aratus so he commissioned spies to follow him in Argos.
Aratus considered his future, and nothing in Macedonia, with king Antigonus II, nor in Egypt, with King Ptolemy II, looked promising. Consequently, Aratus decided to liberate Sicyon with the help of the other exiles. The revolt had to be swift, avoiding any protracted conflict, which they could not afford.
Aratus and his men slipped into Sicyon quietly at night, climbing the steep wall on the rocky side with ladders. Right before the dawn, Aratus captured the guards, and he sent orders to spread the news of the revolt to the local people so they might join in. At dawn, the populace of Sicyon surrounded the palace and, after a herald harangued them, they thronged into the palace which was set afire. The flames could be seen from Corinth, 12 km away. Nicocles escaped through an underground passageway. Aratus divided the spoils from the palace between his soldiers and the people. Only one citizen was killed in his revolt.
Pacifying Sicyon
Aratus had brought most of the exiles back, but after fifty years of tyranny, most of the exiles had become destitute. They claimed their former properties which had been given away. Fearing a civil war, Aratus decided that Sicyon would join the Achean league. Once inside the league, Aratus served in the cavalry. His commanders were surprised because he responded as dutifully as the lowest soldier.
Aratus turned to Ptolemy, King of Egypt, to help Sicyon. Ptolemy was a personal friend because Aratus often sent him Greek paintings, made by famous artists from Sicyon, which was then an important centre of art. Ptolemy had already sent 25 talents, but this wasn't enough. Aratus decided to visit him personally. After a hazardous trip, during which he was almost captured by the Macedonians, Aratus arrived in Egypt. Ptolemy presented Sicyon with 150 talents. This grant from Ptolemy greatly benefited Sicyon and its citizens and the exiles erected a brass statue on Aratus' behalf. The Macedonian King Antigonus began a campaign against Aratus, to destroy the friendship between Ptolemy and Aratus. Ptolemy sent diplomats to Sicyon to discuss the issue.
The Achaean Strategos
In 245 BC, Aratus was appointed Strategos of the Achaean League. At the time, the Achaean League's major rivals were Macedonia, who had garrisons throughout the Peloponnese, and the Aetolian League, which had formed a military alliance with Macedonia. His first military action was to aid the Boeotian army. Leading 10,000 soldiers, Aratus attacked both Locris and Calydon.
Capturing Corinth
Corinth had been garrisoned years before by Philip II of Macedonia. Aratus discovered a way to liberate the city, with the help of four brothers. One of them, Erginus, had stolen the Corinthian royal treasury and he decided to store his fortune at Sicyon. There, he revealed to Aratus that his brother Diocles, who was a soldier in the Macedonian garrison, had discovered a part of the walls which was only 4.5 meter high. It was accessible through some rocks, by a hidden path. Aratus guaranteed a 60 talent reward to all four brothers, pawning his own wife's silver jewellery to cover the cost.
Again as Strategos in 243 BC, Aratus led 400 men to Corinth, leading the finest 100 men personally right into the garrison, through the secret passage. The Macedonians were overwhelmed by the assault. The next morning, Corinth's garrison surrendered and the entire Achaean army arrived.
Aratus gathered all the Corinthians at the theatre. Aratus was wearing his armour and leaned on his spear, which he held in his right hand. Without his uttering a word, the multitude acclaimed him. Aratus spoke on behalf of the Achaean League, asking the Corinthians to join them. Then he returned the city's keys, which had been taken by the Macedonians. The Achaeans garrisoned Corinth with 400 men.
Expanding the League
Consequently,Megara, Troezen, and Epidaurus revolted against Macedonia and joined the Achaean League. Aratus invaded Attica and occupied Salamis. Aratus convinced his friend King Ptolemy to enter into an alliance with the Achaean League.
A recognized leader
Soon, the Achaeans recognized that Aratus' primary goal was to boost the league's power and influence throughout Greece. He was also a strong advocate for Greek unity. Thus, although it was prohibited by the law, Aratus was appointed Strategos in successive years, starting from 241 BC( until 235 BC in OTL). Aratus repeated the maxim that, although a single city may not be strong enough, together as members of the Achaean League, all the cities could survive as a whole. As general of the Achaean League in 241 BC defeats the Aetolians at Pellene and expand the influence of the League in large parts of Peloponnese.
Editor notes:
Both this characters will have their own PODs so a introduction post was necessary. In fact Agis POD happens in 241BC with the assassination of Agesilaus and the competition of the reforms of Agis upon his urgent return in Sparta.( OTL: Upon his return, Agis finds that his supporters are discontented with the rule of his uncle, Agesilaus, and are disillusioned by the delay in implementing the Agis IV's reforms. As a result, the Agiad king of Sparta, Leonidas II, gains power, supported by mercenaries. Rather than engage in a war with Leonidas, Agis takes sanctuary in a temple, but is enticed out, summarily tried and then executed, along with his mother and grandmother)
Hello my friend! Valid points as always! The situation in west med is pretty much the same with OTL. In the aftermath of the first Punic war, both Rome and Carthage were financially and demographically exhausted. So, as you already said, that earns Volcae a generation or two to step up. So basically in this ATL one of the major things to explore is the rise of a Gaulish kingdom and the effects of this new player in the war theatre of west med. Will the side with Carthage or Rome? Will the stay neutral and focus in Gaul instead?
Since their capital Tolosa/Toulouse is the major trade hub at Garonne river, i find it more possible to expand in this area.
Xenon's Greek connections helped him to establish a highly profitable trade network, especially with Emporion, with him as the middle man. So its possible for him to want total control of the area. Massalia and the greek colonies, are a considerable force that totally controls the sea in the area. Massalia is also a close ally of the Romans... So lets see there are lots of possible scenarios
It is obvious - The Volcae should rule the Western Med. Fear them! BWhahahaha! All shall fall before their might!
I do find Agis potential really intriguing. It’s a great story for a Pod by itself.
Ok it’s obvious that we are not going to have the same universe with the OTL, but Rome is really powerfull during this era.
Hahaha! Well this ATL is based on the Volcae so a bit of plausible wank must be expected. This ATL is going to be kind of “dark” with lots of ups and downs.
Speaking of which,wasn’t there a Spartan timeline recently around the same period?Waiting for a Spartan wank
Lets see what happens...Waiting for a Spartan wank
Its possible but Rome is probably the strongest force in the Med by now.
Thanks you! Its in my plans with this ATL to explore a Greek-Gaul fusion, but its hard since our knowledge about druids is limited.