Gabiene 316 BC

Successors (Antigonus) vs Successors (Eumenes)

Historical Background
After Paraitacene in 317, Eumenes was desperately trying to keep the united Empire of Alexander alive for his heirs. The following year, Antigonus emerged early from winter quarters and force marched across the desert to catch Eumenes off guard. Eumenes detected the move and the two armies closed on a salt plain near Gabiene. Antigonus' force had 22,000 infantry, 9,000 horse and 65 elephants. Eumenes’ army was down to 17,000 infantry, 6,000 cavalry and 114 elephants. Both sides deployed in a classic Alexandrian set up. The battle opened with the skirmishers and elephants engaging in a confused melee. Antigonus’ cavalry charged home against Eumenes’ left wing cavalry, routing it. In the center Eumenes’ Silver Shields prevailed again in an infantry attack that forced back the Antigonid phalanx. Meanwhile, Antigonus’ cavalry force was pressing in on both flanks and also captured Eumenes' baggage train (camp). It had been another close battle but Antigonus had prevailed. Antigonus negotiated with the Silver Shields to exchange their commander for their captured baggage, and Eumenes was betrayed and put to death. Antigonus was now the undisputed leader of the Asian satrapies, and would soon make a bid to reclaim all of the Empire of Alexander for himself.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. The rest is history.

War Council

Antigonus Successor Army (Use Eastern Kingdom blocks)
• Leader: Antigonus
• 6 Command Cards
• Move First

Eumenes Successor Army (Use Greek blocks)
• Leader: Eumenes
• 5 Command Cards

Victory
7 Banners

Special Rules
• The Silver Shields is a special unit. Place a special unit block in the same hex as the Silver Shields unit to distinguish it from the other units. The Silver Shields will score a hit for each leader symbol rolled in close combat and may ignore one flag.

• A unit from Antigonus' army that captures (enters) Eumenes' camp hex gains one Victory Banner for Antigonus. The unit must stop on the hex, not just move through the hex. The camp may only be captured once, and when the Victory Banner is gained it may not be lost.