Heaven Can Not Brook Two Sons Nor Earth Two Masters

Okay, sorry for a lack of updates. I will bring you one later today or tomorrow.

Also, I noticed an inaccuracy in what I did with Greece. At this time, Lysimachos was not in Thrace, Thrace was controlled by Antipater at this moment. Lysimachos was still one of Alexander's bodyguards at this time. It wasn't until after Alexander's death, that Lysimachos was given Thrace. Just forget his part in the situation that unfolded there. It won't affect what happened.
 
Chapter 3:The Arabian Campaign Part 2: Invasion

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Alexander killing the Saba king in battle.


Antigonus was not enthusiastic about traveling to Arabia. For one, he enjoyed his position. He had successfully repelled a Persian counter-offensive in this region before, while Alexander was farther east, and nevertheless, the last Persian holdouts still remained in Cappadocia. This was an area, like many others in Alexander's Empire, that had never been fully subdued, and had been passed over by the King. Antigonus knew better than most, that the Persians in Cappadocia still had a very large force at their disposal, and with Antigonus moving out with his men, the forces in Anatolia would be weak enough for yet another counterattack while the Arabian invasion was going on.


Still, when he heard that Alexander abandoned the idea of having another army invading the other side of Arabia simultaneously with his invasion, Antigonus meant the news with mixed feelings. Why had Alexander thrown this idea out the window? It was a logical and rather practical plan. While he did not understand Alexander's reasoning, he settled his mind by assuming that Alexander knew what he was doing. In any case, he was delighted that he would get to keep his post in Anatolia. Alexander instead ordered the 10,000 man force Antipater had been instructed bring to him himself before Craterus' untimely death, to be sent to Alexander to Egypt regardless, but of course, without Antipater himself.

In the spring of 320, an advance force under Perdiccas landed in Arabia, and captured the strategic oasis at Lathrippa. Alexander himself and the rest of his army was in transport to Arabia, and within a month, the full 40-65 thousand man Macedonian army was in Arabia. The resistance of the Ma'in was little and futile. At first, Alexander was greeted with open hostility. After a grueling campaign in the mountains, and a few sacking of cities the Ma'in got the message. Resistance all but collapsed, and the few remaining strong holds were raided and brutally destroyed.

After this, the sources do not go into much detail on the rest of Alexander's adventures into Arabia. In Lathrippa, he founded another Alexandria; Alexandria-In-Arabia, before continuing into Saba lands. From what we can gather, it appears that the process went the same way there. However, it was here that Alexander would fight his only major battle, (or the only one worth noting, judging from our sources) crushing the Saba forces. Contrary to belief, the Arabians, especially the Saba, did have an organized fighting at the time, and were not foreign to pitched battles. The outcome was not very much in doubt, but it is notable for Alexander plunging into the Arabian ranks, and killing their leader himself. Saba opposition from that point forward virtually collapsed. Once again, after another rough campaign in the hills and mountains, most of the Saba submitted to him.

Alexander prepared to move into southern Arabia, and conquer the lands of the Qataban. The Qataban, having observed Alexander's brutality to those who resisted him, and clemency to those who peacefully joined him, knew what to do. The king himself went to see Alexander, and after a long talk, it was agreed that he would submit to Alexander as a client king, much like what had been done in India, after the battle of Hydaspes.

It was clear Alexander wanted to get his campaign in Arabia over with. Arabia had always been a matter not of first rate importance to him, as far as his dreams of future conquest were. It was chiefly a matter of getting more control over the rich frankincense and myrrh trade, and he had accomplished just that. He had called off Antigonus' invasion from the other side, chiefly because he had abandoned the idea of conquering all of the Arabian coast. After his deal was concluded, Alexander promptly marched his army back to Lathrippa, or as it was now called, Alexandria, and boarded Nearchus' ships back to Egypt. Left behind, was a ravaged land not technically under his control, but not fully subdued, and virtually no administration intact to keep it together. Clearly, more far-reaching glories and triumphs, were already on his mind.
 
The Fall of Alexander "The Great"
A tomb now suffices him for whom the whole world was not sufficient.
-Alexander the Great


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Alexander The Great on his deathbed

Alexander arrived in Alexandria, Egypt, in 319. He did not plan on staying there long. Alexander had business to attend to in the east, taking him back to Babylon before he could resume further western conquest. In the two weeks he remained in Alexandria, issued some new construction. The most notable of these, would be a magnificent pyre for Hephaestion, his former best friend for life, and lover, who had died in Ecbatana in 324. It's construction would be similar to that of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, topped with a pyramid. This would effectively deify Hephaestion, and in Alexander's mind, be the tribute he felt Hephaestion deserved, and end Alexander's grief. Shortly afterward, Alexander set out east for Babylon.

He made it a priority of his to stop at Tyre along the way, in a part of a propaganda campaign to secure the loyalties of his eastern empire before he went on campaign. While in Tyre, he apologized for his harsh treatment and sacking of the city years earlier, but also reminded them all the troubles and hardships they had caused him and his men leading up to the sacking.

At his eventual arrival in Babylon, Alexander attended to the needs of his empire. A powerful Indian named Chandragupta Maurya, had completely taken over the Nanda empire by 320, at the age of only 20 years old. He looked west, where he had a very successful series of campaigns against Alexander's Indian possessions. Alexander contemplated travelling back to his Indian satrapies, and regaining what was lost, but for the moment, turned his attention to the administration of his empire.

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Chandragupta's Empire by 320 BCE

It had occurred to Alexander that his administration was probably not effective enough to hold itself together in the case of a prolonged campaign in the west. It could be years before his return, and the rivalries and ambitions among his satraps could cause chaos across his domain. Therefore, he planned on reforming the administration. But before he could bring his changes to fruition, the king fell gravely ill once again.

From what our sources tell us, Alexander had the same symptoms as those he had in 323. It is safe to assume that poison was not the culprit, but his bodyguards and generals certainly suspected it. As it was, one of the administrative changes Alexander was planning on putting into effect, was the replacement of Antipater as regent by Polyperchon, which should have happened anyway, but probably through backdealing between Antipater and Polyperchon, did not. Polyperchon was originally supposed to take over in the case of Craterus' death, and Alexander, still getting strongly worded letters from Olympias, was intending to make sure that is what happened. Antipater was getting old anyway, so he did not think the old man would mind. However, the most likely cause of Alexander's death was a recurrence of malaria, which was probably also the cause of his illness in 301.

Whatever the cause, Alexander would not recover. His troops once again forced their way in to see him, and the sight of him not being able to talk, and barely being able to move, brought back memories of his condition 5 years earlier. They still held out false hope that their king would recover, but it was just that. False hope. It was not before long, that Alexander feebly gave the signet ring to Perdiccas. Then, on May 10-16, 318, just shy of 5 years since his miraculous recovery, the master of the known world died. The age of Alexander was over. It was now his successors time to shine. The period that would be known as the wars of the diadochi, had begun.
 
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Dividing The Spoils: The Question of Kingship​

Who seeks shall find.
Sophocles


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The Royal Palace in Babylon​

Alexander's generals, bodyguards, and advisors, as well as anyone else important that happened to be in the area at the time, turned their attention to what was to be done with Alexander's; or what was Alexander's; kingdom. Perdiccas suggested that a meeting be held in the royal palace in Babylon, so they would be in the divine presence of Alexander. Absent from the meeting would be the aging Antipater*, who could not make it, as well as a few other prominent people not in a close enough proximity to Babylon.

There was indeed, much to discuss and ponder. Chief among their immediate concerns was who would be proclaimed king, and who would be the king or king(s)'s regent(s). Nearchus of Crete, commander of the powerful Egyptian fleet, suggested that Heracles, Alexander's illegitimate son from Barsine. (whom he had denied of being his son at all) be proclaimed the future king. Despite the only two other claimants being a half-wit and a five year old, everybody scoffed at the idea of an eight year old illegitimate child inheriting the empire. Debate went on as to whether Alexander's mentally disable half brother, Arrhidaeus, or his five year old son from the Bactrian noble, Rhoxane, should be proclaimed the future king.

Some suggested that Perdiccas, the one given the signet ring, should be crowned king. Peridccas was no fool, and knowing that accepting the offer would put him in a dangerous position, respectfully declined. The consensus was that Alexander IV would become the future king, but it was at the insistence of the army, that Arrhidaeus was proclaimed joint king with Alexander. Arrhidaeus was shortly afterward given the honorary name Phillip, from now on being hailed as Phillip III.

The question of regency was now brought to the table. After much debate and quarreling, it was agreed upon that Perdiccas would become the regent over the young Alexander IV, and Alexander's former bodyguard, Leonnatus, the "protector" of Phillip Arrhidaeus. The time had come, for the division of the satrapies.




*In our timeline, Antipater died in 319, but he is still alive in this timeline in 318.
 
Hey this is a really good timeline. Well written. Subscribed!

I don't know this period as well as I ought to, but you indicate that Arrhidaeus suffers some kind of mental disability. What is known of this condition? Since it doesn't seem to have prevented Arrhidaeus from ascending the throne as Philip III I'm wonder if he is simply being used as a puppet by the army in order for Alexander to come of age.
 
Hey this is a really good timeline. Well written. Subscribed!

I don't know this period as well as I ought to, but you indicate that Arrhidaeus suffers some kind of mental disability. What is known of this condition? Since it doesn't seem to have prevented Arrhidaeus from ascending the throne as Philip III I'm wonder if he is simply being used as a puppet by the army in order for Alexander to come of age.

Well in real life, Arrhidaeus had some form of mental disability. We do not know exactly what, but he seemed unable to make his own decisions and think on his own. It's hard to explain. In reality, he was used as a complete pawn by whoever controlled him.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_III_of_Macedon

Also, glad you like it!
 
Also, if its a hint at anything, I am a huge Eumenes and Antigonus fan....

Eumenes?I agree;nice to spit on the Macedonian phalanx so successfully!
a very innovative military success by a non military(by profession) man.You can use him very successfully.
 
Eumenes?I agree;nice to spit on the Macedonian phalanx so successfully!
a very innovative military success by a non military(by profession) man.You can use him very successfully.

I'm thinking about maybe him teaming up with Antigonus. ;)


Also, what should I do about Meleager? I was thinking of replaying his bid for power early on, but not sure if there will be a good different way to go about it.
 
Is this going to go the same way as Support your Satrap?

No. For one, I can personally guarantee you that the empire is going to fall apart;as in there is going to be no uber argaed empire. I can't really see a plausible way that the empire could stay together as a whole, and be very stable and powerful. It would be faced with a lot of the problems the Seleucids faced in the east.


Anyway, no, it will not be like support your favorite satrap. To be honest, I am not sure yet whether or not I will continue after the Wars of the Diadochi. :eek:
 
Dividing The Spoils: Mutiny​
In war important events result from trivial causes
-Julius Caesar​

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Bust of Perdiccas

As mentioned earlier, the decision to proclaim both Alexander IV and Arrhidaeus (Phillip III) as joint kings, was decided after an insistence by the military. However, the events that lead to this conclusion were far more in depth than this, and are very telling as to the chaos and weird twists of fate that highlight the Diadochi period.

Originally, the plan had been to make Alexander the sole king, the generals agreeing that Arrhidaeus was not competent enough to rule. There was one problem though. The infantry and cavalry, were always in dissagreement and distrust of one another, and began to quarrel. The cavalry, always made up of the more well off, supported this decision wholeheartedly. However, the infantry, wanting a pure blooded Macedonian on the throne, were outraged at the notion that an adult son of the great Phillip II, was being passed over on the throne for a child who was half barbarian! The quarrels got heated, and a fight between the cavalry and infantry seemed inevitable. Only a couple days after the death of Alexander, the infantry was on the verge of a full fledged mutiny, and the army in Babylon was tearing itself apart.

Perdiccas sent a trusted general of his, Meleager, to dissuade the infantry from mutinying, and convince them to accept Alexander as their new future king. The thought process of Perdiccas surely was that since Meleager was extremely popular among the infantry, if anybody could calm them down, it was him. However, the soldiers wanted none of it. Meleager tried to dissuade them from mutiny*, but their mind was set, and they would have lynched him, had he not recognized his situation was hopeless, and fled back to Perdiccas.

Perdiccas was frantic. The infantry was rampaging through Babylon, with the intent to kill him and Meleager, and anyone who stood in their way. Shortly after their fallout with Meleager, the soldiers proclaimed Arrhidaeus as Phillip III, a sign that they wanted to return to the days of Phillip, when there was no mixture of Macedonians and eastern barbarians. They easily got him to sign a declaration condemning Perdiccas and Meleager to death, him being ignorant and unaware of what he was actually doing. Perdiccas and Meleager holed themselves up in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar, where Alexander's corpse was. The soldiers burst in, but they managed to escape with their lives just barely, as they fled just in the nick of time. Together with the cavalry, they managed to flee the city, and set up camp just outside of Babylon. In just one swoop, the infantry had proven their opinion would not be silenced, and taken control for themselves.

Perdiccas's position was tenuous, but it was not out of control. Shockingly, in the fray, no prominent general had taken up with the rebel cause. They had no strong leader, and could not remain in rebellion forever. Therefore, Perdiccas and Meleager surrounded Babylon with the cavalry, and cut it off from food and supplies. During all this, the former secretary turned cavalry commander, Eumenes of Cardia, had remained in Babylon. Now with the soldiers willing to negotiate, Eumenes emerged from the sidelines and proposed a compromise. He argued that as a Greek, he had nothing to gain from the power struggle, and thus could act as the mediator in the mutiny. Eumenes proposed to the soldiers, and to Perdiccas, both Alexander and Phillip be proclaimed as kings.

Sensing they probably were not going to be able to get a better deal, the infantry agreed to the compromise. Perdiccas grudgingly accepted it as well. As a part of the deal, Antipater was made protector of Arrhidaeus and Europe, a position which up until then, had been held by Perdiccas's friend and fellow former bodyguard, Leonnatus (other than the Europe part, which had been Antipater's position already). Perdiccas would resume his position of regent of Alexander, and assume the title as Protector of Asia. Perdiccas may have been reluctant to cast Leonnatus aside, but a part of making Antipater Phillip's protector, was sending Phillip to Macedon, and thus freeing himself from the trouble the man caused. In any case, Leonnatus would be rewarded with an important satrapy soon thereafter anyway. Perdiccas had survived his first test, but there were many more yet to come.
 
No. For one, I can personally guarantee you that the empire is going to fall apart;as in there is going to be no uber argaed empire. I can't really see a plausible way that the empire could stay together as a whole, and be very stable and powerful. It would be faced with a lot of the problems the Seleucids faced in the east.


Anyway, no, it will not be like support your favorite satrap. To be honest, I am not sure yet whether or not I will continue after the Wars of the Diadochi. :eek:

You could continue! to a great extent most generals will stand fast behind a common cause:most of them are Europeans and they are Europe-oriented;successively your targets could be Italy(and Rome)-matter of honour since the Greeks there had asked the help of Alexander in Babylon,
which the generals could take up,that would extend to the Phoenicians in Carthage and third-India with the colonization by Greeks of the Indian Ocean strategic military and trade posts;the repercussions could be enormous...and yes the empire can fall apart,but in a different way and different consequences.
Please give me your thoughts about it...
 
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You could continue! to a great extent most generals will stand fast behind a common cause:most of them are Europeans and they are Europe-oriented;successively your targets could be Italy(and Rome)-matter of honour since the Greeks there had asked the help of Alexander in Babylon,
which the generals could take up,that would extend to the Phoenicians in Carthage and third-India with the colonization by Greeks of the Indian Ocean strategic military and trade posts;the repercussions could be enormous...and yes the empire can fall apart,but in a different way and different consequences.
Please give me your thoughts about it...

It seems like to me that Alexander's generals first priority was to secure the empire,something Alexander really seemed to neglect, and more importantly, secure their own positions and power, before they even thought about future expansion. I think Chandragupta is just too powerful in India, and by the time they get around to him, he would have most of the Indian subcontinent under his control.
 
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