WI: Elamite Persia possible?

Recently i have thinking for this for a while and i seem to like to how this scenario works. I have seen that Elam is not mentioned very particularly, despite it is located on the Persia (which could be useful for Iranian TLs). So now i give it a shot with this question. Is Elamite Persian Empire (um, Elam conquers whole Iranian plateau, could include Afghan plateau) possible? I would look for the answers. The conditions are Elam is under it's strongest power.
 
Well, Elam had been an Empire before, but I'm not sure it was strong enough to reclaim the plateau.

Then again, I also say anything is possible - so perhaps if they were more successful when invading Mesopotamia they could turn those resources into Iran proper. Or perhaps the opposite, a robust peace with its neighbours could enable them to take control of the lands that would later become Persia.
 
Well, Elam had been an Empire before, but I'm not sure it was strong enough to reclaim the plateau.

Then again, I also say anything is possible - so perhaps if they were more successful when invading Mesopotamia they could turn those resources into Iran proper. Or perhaps the opposite, a robust peace with its neighbours could enable them to take control of the lands that would later become Persia.
Okay i got it - Now with this, i think the most possible date of formation of Elamite Persia seems to be the within 1235-1234 BC, in which Elam could well exploit the non-existence of Babylonia at the time to make a military campaign to conquer the Iranian plateau into the Caucasus Mountains. If it managed to happen, will Elam ever be affected by late 13th century BC destruction of Middle East? If it's isn't how Elam will affect the Mesopotamian region, Bible and probably the world, by 12th century BC?
 
I think the big issue here is having Elam strong enough to conquer Persia and fend off Mesopotamians, but not strong enough to conquer Mesopotamia. After all, why conquer Persia at this time if you can conquer the richer lands of Babylonia and Assyria?
 

PhilippeO

Banned
Usually, nomadic people conquer settled people. Settled agricultural people conquering plateau of nomadic people is unlikely. They didn't gain any profit; Their army smaller, less warlike and slower; and there almost no place that can be besieged to convince their enemy to surrender. Nomadic people had reverse advantage : They gain more productive land, They had more population in arms, They more experienced in combat, They can withdraw and choose their battle, They could targeted cities and palace to conquer settled people.
 
I think the big issue here is having Elam strong enough to conquer Persia and fend off Mesopotamians, but not strong enough to conquer Mesopotamia. After all, why conquer Persia at this time if you can conquer the richer lands of Babylonia and Assyria?

Usually, nomadic people conquer settled people. Settled agricultural people conquering plateau of nomadic people is unlikely. They didn't gain any profit; Their army smaller, less warlike and slower; and there almost no place that can be besieged to convince their enemy to surrender. Nomadic people had reverse advantage : They gain more productive land, They had more population in arms, They more experienced in combat, They can withdraw and choose their battle, They could targeted cities and palace to conquer settled people.

Both of these. Plus, we need to remember that cities existed before Babylonia, which can still put up a fight!

I know it is a bit of a meme and it is very much "Great Man History", but much as Philip did things for Macedonia, maybe you need a Philip of Elam. Someone who modernises the army in a really effective way.

So what were armies like in this period? Were they levies? In which case would a 'professional' army be the trick?
 
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