Fm Plataea 479 BC.zip- (7.16 KiB) Downloaded 317 times
Designer's notes:
The Spartans were harassed by the Persian cavalry, then had to endure the Persian infantry's arrows while the omens were consulted. The Tegean contingent was the first to stir at the same time as the omens, conveniently, turned positive. The preceding barrage of cavalry and infantry arrows is simulated by accessory units.
The Persian cavalry withdrew when the infantry came up and seemed to have gone to the rear. The horses may have been blown and/or the arrows were in short supply. They are only heard from again towards the end after much of the infantry fighting had already been done. They are set as reinforcements.
Artazabus, the Persian second-in-command who had advised Mardonius to retreat, did not participate in the fighting. He withdrew from the battlefield and may have taken most of the cavalry with him.
The Persian infantry led by Mardonius was tougher than that faced by the Athenians at Marathon. The Spartans will have a fight on their hand.
Plataea is really two distinct battles: there is a classic hoplite battle on the Greek left as Athenians and medizing Thebans faced off; and on the right, the Spartans' quality and armour against the Persians' arrows and immortals. Persian cavalry can play a late role.
The large amount of light troops is not modelled.
Sources: there are plenty of info available. The most impressive in terms of reading of the primary sources is George Cawkwell: 'The Greek Wars: the Failure of Persia' (Oxford University Press, 2005). The Osprey was also useful .
115 moving BGs
14 turns
