BATTLE OF MARSYAS - 497 BC

Persian vs Carian

Historical Background
After the Persian victory at the battle of Ephesus crushed the Ionian force which had sacked Sardis, a large royal army under the command of Daurises moved against the fierce Carians inhabiting southwestern Anatolia.  Gathering at their national assembly place known as “White Pillars”, the army of Carians was restless and divided, and in the end decided to let the Persians cross the Meander River (the border between Caria and Lydia), in hopes of pinning them against it and preventing their escape.  This was in direct contrast to the advice of the Carian elder Pixodarus, who advised the Carians to fight with the Meander at their own back to make the most of their martial spirit against the larger Persian force.
The battle as recorded by Herodotus (himself a Carian) proved that the professionalism of the Persian army could trump the courage of the Carians fighting on their home territory.  The Persians crossed the Meander River, and utilized their greater numbers to their advantage, likely utilizing their superiority in light troops to turn the Carian right flank.  The Carians suffered heavy losses, and were forced to retreat to their sacred precinct at Labraunda.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?

War Council

Persian Army
Leader: Daurises
6 command cards
Move First

Carian Army
Leader: Unknown
5 Command Cards

Victory
6 banners

Special Rules
The Marsyas River is fordable, but the Meander River hexes are impassable.