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I don't know if they are a threat, but certainly not a push over as I had thought.
I thought I might keep an eye on them, as well as any others who seem to be potential opponents. The prophet seemed a nice way to let the Judeans know of events so far away
Ah! that could be a spoiler. And you will know soon enough. But I only play one or two years ahead of these posts, so you may have to wait a day or so to find out.
(This is not the only AAR I am currently doing: https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2865124/aar-campaign-game-2-turn-1-chits-1-4)
The Chosen People
Part 6: The Reign of Simon I – Year 5
Part 6: The Reign of Simon I – Year 5
You may remember that I mentioned that Samuel Maiman had started to deliberately antagonise the king. He has succeeded only too well. Simon now considers him to be a rival. This cannot end well. Dissension in the palace is the last thing Judea needs if it is about to embark on a risky period of expansion. Especially when object of suspicion is the Shohmer, the man responsible for palace security and maintaining domestic order.
There are few options to deal with the Shohmer. To assassinate him would require abandoning our policy of attracting stakeholders to Judea, while taking legal action would, in view of his influence, be unlikely to be successful. A bribe might be a good idea, but the resultant increase in corruption would not be helpful. The same applies to allowing him a free hand to do as he wishes. Perhaps a land grant somewhere far from Jerusalem?
Or should the king instead concentrate on the other disloyal member of court, the Kahen, Jacob Hyrcanus? A vexed question. I don’t know the answer, and from his troubled expression when either name is mentioned, neither does Simon.
However, before the end of winter, I was taking routine notes from the king when a man I had never seen before entered unannounced and whispered in the king’s ear. From the result, I assume this person was one of the king’s personal spies. Simon waved the man away angrily and then muttered to himself.
“Damn fools! What should I do with them?”
Although I am reluctant to claim to be the king’s confidante, he did explain to me that he had proof that Samuel Maiman had swung his support behind the pretender Eleazar Zadokite. Perhaps he feels that as I am not a member of any of the great families that I have no loyalty to anyone but him.
It was only weeks later that I saw the same anonymous man leaving the king’s quarters. I was not surprised when I was summonsed and found an irate Simon surrounded by several of the Zadokite family. The king was already in full flight.
“Samuel Maiman has gone too far! The traitor is now planning to have me assassinated! Apparently he sees himself as a modern day Ehud ben Gera, with me as the Moabite king. He plans to kill me and then lead a popular uprising to take the throne. The fool. He is as popular as a camel’s turd!
The Second Judge of Israel, Ehud, assassinates the Moabite King Eglon
“Are you sure?” Eleazar Zadokite interjected. “That is a grave charge to make against an officer of the court.”
Simon gave him a contemptuous look.
“It has not escaped my notice that the Shohmer is one of your greatest supporters, Eleazar. And yes, I am sure. The only question is what to do about it.”
At that there was a clamour of voices, some demanding that Samuel Maiman be killed himself, some advocating that a bribe might dissuade him, some calling for Simon to show some goodwill and befriend the would-be regicide.
Finally Simon had had enough.
“There are more important matters for Judea than a single lunatic. I have decided to use my own agents to disrupt his plans. With luck he will abandon them, but at any event I am confident of surviving the assassin’s dagger or poison.”
No more was said, but in the following weeks it was noticeable that the Shohmer displayed an even more obvious disloyalty. Either Simon made no effort to disguise his interference, or Eleazar told his supporter of the king’s speech. It was of little import – there is no risk of rebellion.
I had had enough of palace intrigues so it was with relief that towards the middle of the year I could bring Simon news of the distant Rome, a city that continues to fascinate him. The Umbrians, whoever they may have been, have surrendered. The Greeks of the west are now greatly concerned with developments.
It was not long after that our scouts near the coast reported that Egyptian armies were on the move again, but this time heading south. In the lead was the 1st Army of Nubia, led by the ailing Sesen I Wakekiye. Close behind were Peneus Djehid’s Cyrenaicians. What could this mean? Were the Egyptians retreating? Or was Ptolemaios so confident of defeating the Antigonids that he had dismissed part of his army? Was there a revolt somewhere in the upper reaches of the Nile?
Egyptian armies move south – what on earth is happening in the Egypto-Antigonid war?
We cannot tell, but this is the sort of information we must have If we are to decide on the moment to make our move. To make matters even more confusing, a month later the same armies were detected moving north! No wonder Simon delays committing us to action. (To further distract him, his much younger wife has presented him with a son, a step brother to Onias. Hagai Zadokite will not be the heir, but his existence does make the Zadokite hold on the throne more secure.)
Perhaps that is why Simon took such an interest in the statue put up in his honour by the citizens of Emmaous. It is said to be quite ugly and not reflect well on the king, and there was talk that he should order it to be destroyed. However he simply laughed.
“It cannot be uglier than the original. If this damages my popularity, so be it. What makes the people of Emmaous happy makes me happy”.
Somehow the sculptor’s attempt to make Simon a bringer of plenty did not quite work
When the regular delivery of stone from Palmyrene did not arrive, minor officials investigated. Luckily they had enough sense to notify the Chancellor of the results of their enquiries even if he merely sent a servant with the information. Palmyrene is besieged by the Seleucids! Somehow news that the Seleucids had declared war on the Antigonids had not reached us.
Simon grasped the situation immediately. “This is an important development. Rather than attacking Nabatea, which is looking quite powerful, Samaria might be a better target for our expansion. Who cares if an attack on their tribute state would lead the Antigonids to declare war on us? What can they do about it?”.
The change in the king amazed me. Suddenly he was a man of action.
“You!” He pointed to the nearest slave. “Run to the Mefahked, tell him to raise the levies. We will march on Samaria at once, and I want every man available.”
“You!” Another slave looked up in alarm at the tone of the king’s voice. “Get me the Chancellor and tell him to bring details of every mercenary group within 50 parasangs. And you! Find the Shephat – I need to know how much we have in the Treasury”.
Spotting the Kahen nearby, Simon waved him forward. “Get your priests and augurs to work. I don’t care if you study entrails or watch birds, make sure that all the signs are favourable for war.”
Augurs telling the future from the behaviour of birds
As slaves tore from the room and a buzz of excitement rose from those members of the royal household who had been within earshot, a final command. “And somebody organise a replacement source for that stone we need!”
The next few days were a blur: Jerusalem was converted from a fairly sedate capital where old men walked slowly exchanging greetings to a bustling military camp. At least 5,000 armed men were gathered together with horses for the cavalry and mules for the supply train. An inexperienced army, but keen to take to the field.
A contract had been made with the well-known mercenary leader Polygnotus Tryphid. For the sum of a hundred talents, he has agreed that he and his 4,500 men will fight for Judea for as long as required. (Though we all know that this really means until we run out of gold to pay his monthly charge of almost three talents). At the moment this force is in Apollonia Palaistinas. It will be of little use for some weeks – after killing time in the brothels and bars of the port the soldiers will need to recover some discipline. Nevertheless, Polygnotos has his force heading towards our territory to be ready for action. According to Simon, we need the 2,000 theraktai as we lack heavy infantry, and an extra 2,000 bowmen is always useful to have.
Not wishing to be considered a barbarian, a herald was sent to the Samarian king, Daliah I, to advise that Simon was to retake what was rightfully part of Judea. He did not wait for a reply – the herald had barely left before the king led his army out through the western gate and headed for Jericho and the Samarian border.
I was not considered to be of much value as a fighting man, but I was taken along to record, in Simon’s words, “the coming victories”. My last task as I left Jerusalem was to note that with the cessation of all trade with Antigonid territories, imports of leather and iron have begun. It would appear that Simon might have more than a simple border clash in mind.
Originally Simon intended to move from Jericho directly to the Samarian capital, but when he discovered that Daliah had taken his army to the east, he moved to Ephraim and then into the Samarian province of Akraba. When it was clear that Daliah was not going to stand and fight, our army moved to besiege the Fortress of Shekhem. Word was sent to Polynotos to intercept the enemy, but it seems our mercenaries are still unfit for combat and Daliah moved unopposed to Jerusalem.
Our men lack the heavy equipment of the theraktai, but when will the mercenaries earn their pay?
And so ended the fifth year of Simon’s rule. Our capital under siege, our army outside the enemy fortress and our mercenaries still to raise a hand in anger on our behalf. Simon appears sure that all is going to plan. I wish I were as confident.
- 1
It appears that Judea suffers from some internal problems. It might be a good idea to keep an eye on that.
Why are the Jews using augurs? That was a Roman thing.
Let's hope that the Antigonids don't get their act together.
Why are the Jews using augurs? That was a Roman thing.
Let's hope that the Antigonids don't get their act together.
Not just Romans. Augurs were widespread through out the Mediterranean, especially among the Greeks. The Sibylline Books (3: 260-79) could be read to indicate that the Hebrews did not recognise the telling of the future by the flight of birds. However Ecclesiastes X:20 ends with "... and a bird in flight may tell of the matter".
I have no doubt that the Jews of the time were quite used to ornithomancy and, while it may not have been as popular as other methods of telling the future, it would have been used frequently.
And don't forget, augurs were not restricted to those who practiced ornithomancy. Lots of other means were used by the Jews, even in Biblical times. Genesis 44:5, referring to Joseph's cup "Why have you stolen my master's silver cup, which he uses to predict the future?"
Perhaps my use of the word "Augur" was unfortunate, as it can be used to describe the official diviners of Rome, but is can also have a more general meaning of anyone who predicts the future.
There is not much choice in English however: "soothsayer" doesn't really mean the same, nor does "fortune teller" "diviner". "Predictor of future events"? Maybe. But "augur" is the only word we have with connotations of official use.
The Greeks only used the word Οἰωνός which refers to a large bird or a bird of prey, but like the Romans, the term spread to other ways of telling the future.
If anyone is really interested, A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities has an interesting discussion. https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hoppe...=augur-cn#:~:text=Augur or auspex meant a,Rom.
- 1
That makes sense. I just didn't realize that predicting the future was a thing for the Jews for anyone who wasn't a prophet.
No - you made a good point - the use of the word "augur" in the context of this period would suggest Roman. And from what I can gather, the subject of predicting the future by Hebrews in Biblical (and later) times was not clear. Sometimes it seems OK, other times it seems to be on a par with idolatry. That there were injunctions against it would suggest to me that many Hebrews used it. Why make a rule if nobody did it anyway? And Jewish kings were always breaking the rules. That is why there are so many prophets!
The Chosen People
Part 7: The Reign of Simon I – Year 6
Part 7: The Reign of Simon I – Year 6
As winter drew to an end, a messenger arrived from Polygnotos Tryphid. Not good news: his men are still only at 20% preparation for combat. Our families in Jerusalem must wait longer for the Samarians to be driven off. He did mention that a huge force has been sighted moving north. Local villagers say it is the Aigyptiake Taxis, commanded by Magus Mahid. More than 16,000 men! That is almost double our total force. Simon’s orders to improve our relations with Egypt were prescient.
Northern Judea and Samaria: twin sieges
Our siege of Shekhem continues. Some of the more impetuous have urged an assault, but Simon refuses to do so. He is backed by Gadish Hyrcanus, the Mefahket, who shows considerable sagacity for one so young. (He is only 22 years old, yet in charge of Judea’s military preparations!).
“We have plenty of time, but limited manpower. To throw away our soldiers’ lives merely to achieve victory earlier is not a wise thing to do”.
At the sight of the king’s beaming endorsement of the Mefahket’s statement, those wishing to continue the argument wisely held their tongues.
Spring brough good news from Jerusalem. Daliah had abandoned his siege and was heading west. For some reason he is now occupying Lydda, our easternmost province, close to Polygnotus’ army.
There was more good news though. In Simon’s absence, his consort Judith had taken a leading role in managing both the city and the state. Her loyalty has been demonstrated to have increased, as has her prominence with the people. But has her willingness to assume control gone too far? She has advised Simon that, in response to some negative auguries, she asked the priests to investigate. Not surprisingly, they told her that the Lord was displeased with Judea and would only be placated by the expenditure of a considerable amount of money – more than 10 talents. Failure to do so would lead to a loss of confidence in religion and omens, as well as a drop in loyalty from both Judith and the Kahen, Jacob Hyrcanus. It was the last point that decided Simon. If the High Priest became disloyal and joined Eleazar Zadokite (and his supporter Samuel Maiman), there might be civil war. A messenger went back, with a polite letter approving the expenditure. Privately Simon railed against what he termed “these extortionists masquerading as priests”.
Priests celebrate the King’s donation of ten talents of silver to the Temple
Having eliminated resistance in Lydda, Daliah marched south. Polygnotos, now more comfortable with his men’s willingness to fight, moved into Lydda. He sent word that he intended to restore order, then pursue the Samarian army and bring it to battle. Simon could concentrate on the siege of Shekhem. (The siege is going well. Although the garrison has enough supplies for years, there are signs that morale is plummeting.)
In fact, only days later, in mid-spring, the fortress surrendered. In an act of magnanimity, Simon restricted his men to limited looting of the city. Though perhaps a measure of self-interest played a part. He wants Samaria to become part of his realm. Why pillage your own people? Even so, 34 talents of gold were sent to the Treasury (I am told a similar amount was placed in Simon’s personal vault) and two thousand slaves were dispatched to Asophon.
There was some discussion over our next move. The morning after the surrender the royal tent was packed with soldiers and advisers, many still showing the effects of a night of revelry. Some wanted to return to Judea and, with Polygnotus, trap and destroy the enemy’s army. Others wanted to parade through the defenceless Samarian provinces, making it clear that they were now under Judean control. It was the young Gadish Hyrcanus who won the debate however, when he pointed out that the Antigonid provinces of Gerasa and Rabbat Ammon were isolated.
“Why should the Egyptians simply walk in and take them?” he asked the gathered men, all far older and more experienced than himself. “Why not seize the moment and expand our borders to the north as well the west?”
There were cheers as Simon stood and embraced his Mefahket. “Commanders, to your posts. We march on Gerasa this very morning!”
The army was still on the road when a messenger on horseback raced through the clouds of dust raised by the column of soldiers.
The Judean army on the march to Gerasa
Kneeling before the king’s chariot he shouted that we had won a mighty victory. Polygnotus had caught up with Dalih near Masada and, though the fighting tested the mercenaries almost to their limit, finally the Samarians had broken. Not one had escaped the pursuit. Our losses were less than a quarter of the 2,000 enemy killed.
Having thanked the Lord for his beneficence, Simon ordered the messenger to take a fresh horse and return to Polygnotus. The mercenary army was to head north and complete the conquest of Samaria. That should give them time to replace their losses and recover from the battle.
Simon’s own campaign in Gerasa and Rabbat Ammon was also blessed. The Antigonid defenders were easily persuaded to lay down their arms, and once again Simon was kind to those who accepted defeat early. Looting was restricted to one night, with no killing allowed. The king’s popularity (and personal wealth) continues to climb.
Several other Antigonid ruled provinces sent envoys swearing allegiance to Judea, but one, Philoteria in Galilee, stayed loyal to Basileus Antigonus I Monopthalmos. Polygnotus was eager to move at once, but Simon ordered to wait until he had received permission from Ptolemaios I. The Judean army may have won a battle and a major siege, but it was no match for the might of Egypt. The money invested in buying favour with the Egyptian authorities has been well spent, as permission to enter Egyptian territory was granted without hesitation. After that it was just a matter of weeks before the recalcitrant Philoterians accepted Judean sovereignty.
Antigonus I Monophthalmous in his younger days – he still engenders some loyalty in his subjects
While militarily and politically all was going well, the incessant plotting among the noble families still caused problems. The latest was the determination of the Kahen, Jacob Hyrcanus, who has developed a strong dislike of the King’s consort, Judith. Jealousy, because she had performed so well in the king’s absence? Or selfish pride, because her religious devotion reflected badly on his own performance as the High Priest? Whatever the reason, he has been in contact with a group of assassins. Simon had little choice but to interfere with Jacob’s plans, and he made no secret that he valued Judith more than his Kahen. The arrest, torture and public execution of a group of would-be assassins was enough to ensure Jacob’s plans had no chance of success.
Although Simon made overtures of peace to the Antigonids, they stubbornly refuse to discuss anything but our surrender. This despite the elimination of their ally Samaria and their inability to defend any of their southern provinces. Simon had little choice bit to increase the pressure. He ordered Polygnotus to lead his men north, and to take control of any Antigonid province he located. There are not too many we hear – travellers tell of several Egyptian armies operating in the area. A little more concerning is that we increasingly hear that Seleucid armies are moving south.
Simon has tried several times to make an alliance with the Egyptians, but they still consider us unworthy of such a level of diplomatic negotiation. A concern, but perhaps nothing to worry about for now.
- 1
Internal struggle is still a thing, and there seems to be some conflict between the church and the state. That might prove problematic.
On the other hand, Judea has reunited the ancient Kingdom of Israel, so that should increase the ruling dynasty's legitimacy.
The Antigonids are stubborn. I suspect that it will take many sieges to bring down their empire.
On the other hand, Judea has reunited the ancient Kingdom of Israel, so that should increase the ruling dynasty's legitimacy.
The Antigonids are stubborn. I suspect that it will take many sieges to bring down their empire.
That really is seizing the opportunity. If it all works out and internal dissention is avoided, we'll be much stronger for it.
The Chosen People
Part 8: The Reign of Simon I – Year 7
Part 8: The Reign of Simon I – Year 7
Another year began with the Judean-Samarian War still unsettled. Polygnotus and his men were now far from our borders, in Iabrouda, Coele Syria, and reported that all access to Antigonid-held territories was blocked by the Seleucids.
The king’s advisers were unanimous: we could ask the Seleucids for permission to pass through their territory, but what would be the point? The Antigonids were retreating faster than Polygnotos and his men could advance. It would be best to conserve money and end our contract with the mercenaries and simply wait for the Antigonids to come to their senses and accept that they no longer had a place in Palestine.
Simon himself however was still concerned. We have no allies and while the Egyptians are becoming friendly, there is no chance of a defence agreement for years, if ever. The Seleucids are more advanced militarily than us and seem to have a large army. Is it wise to do away with almost half our total force?
He decided that for now we would keep the mercenaries, but they would return to Judea. In the mean-time we would invest in improving our relations with the Seleucids.
Amid all this news of war and plots, the arrival of a message from Samuel Maiman, who holds land in Emmaous, was both unusual and pleasing. (Samuel, having failed in his assassination attempt has decided to retire for now to his farms). A small group of Macedonian citizens from Alexandria and a group of Bohairic freemen from Memphis have arrived as immigrants from Egypt. The increasing trade between our nations is said to be the cause. Whatever the reason, it is good news.
About the beginning of winter, the topic of the warlike city of Rome dominated the gossip among the Greek traders in the marketplace. Apparently having captured the Greek city of Sipontum, its armies are now marching north into the lands of the Senones, away from the Greek held cities of southern Italy. But this is not seen as a good thing – merely a pause in Rome’s ambition of controlling the whole of Italy. Is such a thing possible? Most of the traders think not. Should Roman eyes turn south the assuredly the parent cities of the colonies would respond. The Romans might do well fighting assorted tribesmen and city dwellers, but the general opinion was that if they came up against trained Greek soldiers they would soon learn their place. Yet others say that these barbarians from the northern edge of the world are ferocious fighters, never defeated in battle, and that the Romans have met their match. Who knows? And, to be honest, who cares? It is far from the civilised world, and if the inhabitants wish to kill each other, that is their business.
Some say the Senones are fierce and numerous, and Rome will struggle against them
Although we are at war with the Antigonids and their allies, there are still diplomatic channels open, if not formally. Through them Simon has been made aware that the Antigonids would be prepared to hand over control of the city and environs of Rabbat Ammon in Decapolis in exchange for peace. Simon has chosen not to reply. In his words, “Let them wriggle on the hook a while longer. We are in no hurry.”
That decision may have been a bit rash, as not weeks after our agents reported that Seleukos I Nikator Seluekid had met with Antogonus I Monophthalmos and agreed to an end of hostilities. The Antigonids are to release Megara, Athens and Eretria. It is true that the Antigonids remain at war with both Egypt and Macedon, but it must be a great relief to secure their eastern borders.
As if we didn’t have enough going on around us to satisfy the most zealous political enthusiast, we have a new topic of discussion from the far west. This time it is the Phoenician traders making all the uproar. Always proud of their African colonies, now they are boasting of the expansion of Carthage. We already knew that it had far eclipsed its parents in terms of territories, wealth and power, expanding along the African coast as far as man could go. Now it has moved north into Europe, if Europe can be said to exist so far west. The market guards had to intervene when some of the Phoenicians started to tell the Greek traders that the Greeks in Italy need not fear Rome: Carthage would be the one to take Italy!
Carthage: it is beginning to expand according to Phoenician traders
The King is displaying outward resolve in holding out for a better offer from the Antigonids but I (and no doubt others) suspect that the strain is beginning to tell. His reaction when told that the King of Macedon, Kasasandros, had died was to immediately demand details of his successor and how this would affect Macedon’s war with the Antigonid Empire. Unfortunately we know little of Phillipos IV Antipatrid other than that he is very young, still in his teens, and in poor health. (He appears to suffer from dysentery). While said to be both wise and energetic, he is also selfish and lustful. Simon ordered our agents to find out whether the Macedonians might see this as an opportune time to end their war. Then he left, alone, for his quarters.
Nevertheless, from what I hear the clandestine discussions with the Antigonids are going well, and a deal granting Judea the whole of Samaria is almost within the king’s grasp. The last thing he needed was to be told that his consort was now plotting to assassinate the Jacob Hyrcanus, the Kahen.
As I happened to be present when one of his personal spies brought this news, I saw his reaction.
“Dear Lord! What have I done to deserve this!” Arms flung high, he beseeched heaven to hear his plea.
“You, spy. Take this purse of gold and make the problem go away. I cannot waste my time on these endless palace intrigues. The fate of Judea is hanging on my decisions and my wife wants to get her own back on a priest who dislikes her. She is lucky I cannot spare the effort to settle this once and for all!”
Then it was back to the apparently endless procession of envoys coming and going with diplomatic scrolls.
It was a cool evening at the end of autumn when a shout of triumph rang from the Royal Quarters. Simon ran into the public area of the Palace waving a scroll and telling all and sundry “We have it! The Antigonids have agreed! Samaria is ours!” So much for diplomatic protocol and reserve.
But who cared about such things? After years of apprehension, of worry that the next day would see an Antigonid army with a siege train appearing at the walls of Jerusalem, we have peace. And peace not just with honour, but with profit! Judea is no longer a minor power, it is a regional power! Simon’s ambition is on its way to being achieved!
The next morning, cooler heads were required, even if many of them, including the king’s, were affected by the previous night’s celebrations. Simon must make fresh decisions now that the political situation had been changed so much.
Unfortunately for me, I had some bad news for Simon and his advisers. While they caroused, I had carefully read the peace agreement. While at first glance it appeared Judea now controlled all Samaria, there was a small clause buried in the detail that had obviously been overlooked by our negotiators. The settlement of Kefar Shuni in Galilee was to remain under Samarian control! Samaria remained as a client state of the Antagonids, with Daliah I as its Adonis. Not only that, but we had publicly declared a 5 year truce!
Greater Judea and the last remnant of Samaria
To say Simon was angry would be to downplay his state. Luckily he contained himself. Not only the slaves looked worried that they might be the object of his wrath: several of the king’s councillors backed away nervously.
It must have been only a few moments, but then Simon shook himself as if to dislodge an insect on his back and addressed the silent room.
“Antigonus Monophthalmos has shown that age does not reduce cunning. He has bought time for his Samarian tributary. There is nothing to be done but wait until the truce expires. The last thing we want is to get a reputation as a truce-breaker. Not when we need to keep both the Egyptians and the Seleucids on side.”
(It was some weeks later that we discovered that when Simpon spoke these words that Antigonus was dead. His last service to his people was to use his guile to keep a small piece of Palestine under Antigonid control. What can we expect from his successor, Basileus Demetrios I Poliorketes Antigonid?)
That did not end the meeting, but it did point it in a different direction.
What were we to do with our expensive mercenaries? With no wars and no imminent threats, should we simply tell Polygnotos that we no longer require his services? Or could we take advantage of having so many hardened veterans?
Several advisers leapt to their feet simultaneously. “Nabatea!”
There was a buzz of excitement as focus turned on out southern neighbour. It does not appear to have any allies and we already have a semi-legitimate claim on some of its territory. It is true we have no idea of the strength of its army, but surely it cannot match our forces?
It was decided to send our armies south to the border. The Treasury will continue to pay the monthly fee to the mercenary leader. Almost as an aside, a license was given for local merchants to import marble from Myos Hormos in Egypt. Not only will that make the great families happy, it may improve our relations with Egypt just a little. All our efforts to achieve an alliance have so far been in vain – they like us, but not enough to make a formal agreement.
Hard on the heels of the messenger who told of the death of Antigonus Monophthalmous came a series of rumours which, extraordinary though they were, turned out to be largely correct. The Antigonid Empire has shattered under the twin blows of the death of its leader and its military defeat. Basileus Demetrios I has retreated to Chalkis on Eubeoa. Thrace and Macedon have seized some areas of the former empire, and two relatively large powers (Phrygia and Paphlagonia) have arisen, but a score of tiny states have declared independence, even if some still pay tribute to the Antigonids. (There may be opportunities for us to cause dissension here, by supporting pretenders to the throne).
The political situation to the north has changed completely
Recent events have also led to some stresses in Judea. Our expansion has caused some notable citizens to seek elevation to the select group of prominent families. Three main contenders vied for for admission, but though the Chancellor Harqaq Yochanon made a strong case, the loyalty and influence of the far younger Ezekiah Kalatha won out. (The other ambitious young man was nowhere near the first two in merit). The Kalathas are a numerous family – one hopes they are all as loyal and industrious as their head. But of course their first action is to demand high ranking positions in government. Who should lose their job to appease the Kalatha family?
Our rise to become a regional power has also brought benefits. Can we use them wisely to grow stronger or will our success attract jealous or angry responses from our far larger neighbours?
Scroll prepared for Simon showing the benefits of being a regional power
As if that were not enough to deal with, our agents in Nabatea report that the ruler, Dharmar’ali Mashhid has died, and has been succeeded as Effete by his one year old son ‘Ammyitha’ I Mashhid. Could this be a golden opportunity?
Thus ended the 7th year of the reign of King Simon. Our armies on the border of Nabatea, the Seleucids our new northern neighbours, the Egyptians our friendly but non-allied western neighbours. And decisions to be made about the internal division of power that are sure to offend someone.
Even as I curl up alone in my tiny bed in my tiny room. I don’t envy Simon in his luxurious sleeping quarters with his beautiful wife. He has to worry what plots she is hatching, while working out a safe path forward for his people. As someone will no doubt say at some time in the future, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown”.
- 1
Now mostly boxed in by Egypt. At least our next hoped-for avenue is still open. And we are more ready for it.
Samaria has bought a few years, but their demise is inevitable.
Attacking Nabataea might be unwise. We'll see how it goes.
I wonder how the situation in the Western Mediterranean will go - will the Greeks, Carthaginians, or Romans triumph? Perhaps a fourth faction will emerge?
Attacking Nabataea might be unwise. We'll see how it goes.
I wonder how the situation in the Western Mediterranean will go - will the Greeks, Carthaginians, or Romans triumph? Perhaps a fourth faction will emerge?
The Chosen People
Part 9: The Reign of Simon I – Year 8
Part 9: The Reign of Simon I – Year 8
The King came up with a solution to the demands of the Kalatha family for more recognition of their status. Mattattias Kalatha is to be the new Shohmer, replacing Samuel Maiman, a man who has been causing a lot of trouble. (There is story he has been planning to steal the king’s own treasure room! Stealing from the Treasury is one thing, but from the king’s personal wealth!). Word is that Mattattias is a bit reluctant to pick up a sword, but he shouldn’t need to – the Shohmer is not expected to act as a personal bodyguard, more as an administrator.
Barely a day into the new year, the king sent a messenger to the Nabatean court. Judea would no longer ignore the wrongful possession of its territory by Nabatea. It would reclaim them by force. Simon himself led our levies into Toloha, while Polygnotos Tryphid and his mercenaries marched on Mampsis. Spies report that the Nabateans have raised a force of barely 2,500, mostly camel troops and that they are commanded by the one-year old ‘Ammyitha” I! When this news spread through the ranks of our soldiers, veterans of several years of war, it provoked loud laughter and some rather uncouth remarks which I chose to ignore. (Yes, once again Simon has ordered that I travel with the army. It is not all military work – I had to compose an agreement to allow the export of Samarian dates while we moved south).
Having subdued Toloha we moved to Petra and started to besiege the fortress. The enemy did not dare face Simon, heading west. It was no concern: Polygnotus would deal with them.
The Nabatean capital: Petra
Regular messengers kept us informed of Polygnotos’ activities as he unsuccessfully tried to bring the Nabateans to battle. It is very clear that they do not want to do so, constantly changing direction to avoid the mercenaries. The reason became obvious when, in the third month of the war, we heard of an approaching mercenary force approaching from the coast. Polygnotos was not impressed by the new arrivals.
“Amastan Vermina! That lunatic! I doubt the selfish incompetent could find much more than 2,000 idiots to follow him. I will send news of my victory within days”.
He was true to his word. The Verminids were completely destroyed while we lost not a single man. Polygnotos is now besieging the fortress of Quseima. Our siege is not going too well. Little progress seems to be made, and there is not enough food in the surrounding area to feed all our men. Simon shows no sign of giving up though, even when we heard from Jerusalem that Mannesseh Zadokite, a pretender to the throne, is sponsoring games. In fact the news brought a smile to Simon’s face.
“A fool and his money are soon parted! Mannesseh is as popular as a dead rat in a cooking pot! Let him have his games – it will keep the people happy while their king is away at war.”
The other news from Jersualem was that somehow the Nabateans had found enough money to hire more mercenaries. This time it was a much larger group, led by Danel Eshbaalid. Again Polygnotos was dismissive. “A coward and, if my sources are right, he is also suffering from some infection or other.” At the moment this new enemy force is on the coast, heading south. Simon has decided that both our sieges are to be maintained, at least for now.
By mid-summer some were questioning if that decision were the correct one. Eshbaalid’s army had retaken several Nabatean regions and was heading north towards Jerusalem. The Nabateans had raised another raised army, from its territories in Lower Egypt. It was led by the Governor, Sharah’il Haramid. He is reputedly not much of a soldier, but he is far better than a one year old! Both armies to our south are smaller than our two armies, but if they join together … . Simon is now seriously considering whether to storm the besieged fortresses. It will cost many lives, but we need to free our armies quickly.
Lacking their own coinage, the Nabateans used Athenian tetradrachms to pay for their mercenaries.
By now we are used to scandals and inter-family squabbles that make the Royal Court such a cess-pool, but the latest report from the king’s spies is the worst I have ever heard of. The Consort herself, Judith, is said to be plotting to kill the heir to the throne, Onias! With him out of the way, the next heir will be her own son, Hagai. Only a few of us here outside Petra know of this, and we are sworn to secrecy. Simon, while shaken at the thought of such treachery, is not about to rush into rash judgment. He sent the messenger back with authority to spend as much as it takes to get more information. The matter must be investigated further before he will act. Officials at the Treasury, who had been planning some major building work, will have to wait. (There was also word that the Chancellor, Harquaq Yochanan, wants to assassinate one of the Maiman family, the researcher Levi Maiman, but his chance of success is tiny and the king expressed no interest in getting involved.)
The sieges dragged on, even though food shortages in Quseima weakened the garrison, and some of the defenders of Petra deserted. It was mid-autumn when Simon’s spies returned: one of the Consort’s handmaiden’s confirmed the details of the plot. Rather than intervening directly, the king opted to lay a trap and catch her in the act. Onias would feel a little let down by his father, but hopefully the stratagem would sort out this problem for one and for all.
At last Polygnotos is on the move. The fortress of Quseima has surrendered, slaves taken and our mercenaries are to join us at Petra. Not a moment too soon, as the enemy have concentrated nearby, in Kalgouia. Together, the Nabateans can put more than 7,500 men into the field. Our force might defeat them, but it would be a tough fight. Better by far if our mercenaries were at our side.
Our mercenaries move to support us in Petra
While we waited, maintaining the siege but also keeping a watch for an approaching relief force, Judiths’ plot to kill the heir came to an end. Hidden guards caught the Consort in the act, sneaking into Onias’ quarters in the middle of the night, armed with a sword. There were calls for her to be executed publicly to show what would happen to traitors, but the king exercised mercy and merely had her locked up in the palace prison. He said that this was because to do otherwise would be to appear to be a despot, but from his demeanour I suspect his feelings for his Consort might have also swayed him.
Unaware her servant was in the king’s pay, Judith prepares to kill the sleeping Onias
I for one was not surprised that less than a week later we heard that Judith was already planning to escape the prison. There appears nothing to do – the king will not have her killed or banished so any attempt to stop her will only be temporary. Is the fear of being seen as a tyrant keeping him from making the right decision?
Days before the end of the year, Petra opened its gates. The king is likely to gain the title “the Merciful” if he keeps up the practice of limiting the pillage of captured cities. He will not gain the loyalty of his army by restricting their reward for over 300 days of suffering hunger and disease. On the other hand, his reputation is increasing. A large number of slaves were taken, but half died before they reached Jerusalem.
The enemy fortresses in our hands, all that needs to be done now is force their armies to battle. That will be done in the new year.
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Nabatea has fallen, and Judea can now dictate terms.
Unfortunately, there's a lot of intrigue going on at court, and the king is unwilling to act against his wife...
Unfortunately, there's a lot of intrigue going on at court, and the king is unwilling to act against his wife...
Slight delay as I have decided to switch from Vanilla to Invictus mod. A bit tricky getting the situation the same - or as close to the same as I can.
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The Chosen People
Part 10: The Reign of Simon I – Year 9
Part 10: The Reign of Simon I – Year 9
The King spent most of the days waiting for the arrival of the mercenaries alone in his tent. Nobody dared interrupt him, though when I grilled the slaves who attended him they assure me that he was not ill. He merely sat looking into the distance.
When informed of the arrival of Polygnotos he left his tent with his regular confident stride. To his gathered military leaders, he was short and to the point. Gather your men, send out scouts and march to crush the Nabatean armies, where ever they may be.
But he also summoned his personal spymaster. He indicated that I should follow to take notes.
“Here”, the king said, passing a scroll to the man whom most disliked but to whom everyone was friendly “is an instruction to the Shohmer. He is to immediately but discreetly execute my late Consort. He is also to arrange a suitable marriage for me. News of the two events is to be released simultaneously, with emphasis on the latter. Is that clear?”
The spymaster obviously thought so, as he simply tucked the scroll into a purse attached to his tunic, ducked his head and left. The king looked at me as if for a comment, but for safety I kept my face blank and my mouth closed. He sighed and waved me to leave also.
Somewhere on the dusty roads of Nabatea the regular messenger brought the news that the newly widowed king had fortuitously fallen in love with the beautiful and loyal Julia Zabokite, and that the populace of Judea would celebrate his happiness. I don’t think that the name “Judith” has been used in the king’s presence since.
For some months we tramped back and forth chasing the enemy who were reluctant to stand and fight. Then they decided to lay siege to Petra and, while responding to that impertinence, we caught the Nabatean levies in Kalgouia. They fought well for a while, but finally shattered under sheer weight of numbers. We lost a few hundred men, while only a few hundred of theirs escaped.
Perhaps a month later (it is all a bit of a blur – those days marching through the desert seem indistinguishable) we caught the Nabatean governor of Arabi with his levies. Shahr Ummashhid was luckier than his master in that the Battle of Toloha cost us more casualties, but the result was the same: the slaughter of the enemy as they broke and ran.
Simon decided to ignore the few thousand enemy who were trying to re-organise in the south of Nabatea. Some of the enemy mercenaries had dared to lay siege to Jerusalem: an insult and also an opportunity. Polygnotos was sent to lure them to battle, with the king and his levies a short distance behind. The plan worked, though our mercenaries took some heavy losses as they were outnumbered for some time. The arrival of 4.500 fresh troops however saw both the enemy mercenary armies flee. A thousand men for just over twice that number. Acceptable, but not really sustainable for a country our size.
Then once more we hit the road, pursuing an enemy who did not want to be caught. During this period Simon pondered whether to renew our choice of the Oracle of David as the official state position. There were some who felt the economy was doing well enough and that the Oracle of Joseph would be more apposite given we are at war. Simon surprised everyone by choosing Esther. Her Oracle will make those of other cultures happier, while encouraging them to become more Hebrew. I think, as do many others, that this means he sees the war with Nabatea as the last of his reign, or at least the last for a decade or so. If it means no more marching, I am for it. (I hope that the fact that Esther’s shrine is in Epiphineia Ecbatana, deep in the heart of Seleucid territory, does not mean that Simon has some intention, no matter how vague, of recovering it)
Esther, queen of Persia
This war may be over sooner that we think however. Having moved to suppress dissent in Mampsis (which had foolishly decided to return its allegiance to the Nabateans, we heard of enemy forces in neighbouring Ebodo. A forced march and victory was ours! Danel Eshbaalid and 3.500 mercenaries caught unawares and eliminated to a man! Surely the Nabateans must now enter serious negotiations. They cannot hope to defeat us in battle with the few men they have left and their treasury must be nearly empty.
The Army of Judea rests in the north of Nabatea, while the mercenaries ravage the south
Weeks passed, and the entire north of Nabatea is under Judean occupation. Still no sensible offers of peace from whomever is actually in power – unless the delay is because they are waiting for ‘Ammayitha’ I to grown up? He is three now. While morale among the troops is good, those members of the administration who have followed the king on campaign are keen to return to the capital. Simon obviously has listened to the rumblings of discontent, because he has sent Polygnotos Tryphid’s hirelings south, with orders to take every province he enters and destroy any enemy forces he finds. As the king said, we are paying good gold for their services, we may as well use them. Meanwhile we march north, back into Judea. The inhabitants of Adora have complained of a ravaging army passing through, and it seems as though Daniel Eshbaalid escaped the slaughter at Eboda and has somehow rebuilt his mercenary force.
When the army reached Adora, there was no trace of the mercenaries. Scouts were sent in every direction but found nothing. Could the Nabateans have run out of funds and their hired army simply gone home? Our agents on the coast soon confirmed that Daniel Eshbaalid had returned to Ptolemaois in Galilee and was “resting”.
The Nabateans, forced to rely on local levies, were easy meat for Polygnotos’s hardened mercenaries. He wandered through the southern regions, occasionally sending back a brief note that he had wiped out another band of hastily assembled villagers. Although resistance was negligible, he lost a lot men, dropping to below 2,000 fighters, but Simon was not concerned.
“My task is to protect Judea, and that means to keep the Judean army alive. If mercenaries die, that is their master’s problem”.
But as time passed, there were mutterings in the camp in northern Nabatea. The men had been away for a long time – when would we go home? No-one could say. When would the Nabateans see reason?
As we prepared for another year of idleness, hardly less inviting than a year of marches and counter marches, an exhausted and dusty envoy rode into camp. He had ridden almost non-stop from the enemy headquarters with an offer of peace. Total surrender. Without hesitation, Simon grabbed the scroll tendered by the envoy and placed the royal seal on it. Then the order was given – the army would return to Jerusalem! The war was over! We could rest! (Well, most of us. We were only a couple of parasangs along the road when we had to deal with a request from Egyptian merchants to purchase vegetables. The king agreed immediately. As he said, the time for war was over, now was the time for building. That would need gold and peace, and Egypt could give both.
We wee barely inside Judea proper when another dusty horseman approached. For some unknown reason, the Samarian stronghold of Kefar Shuni had bowed to the inevitable and had accepted Simon as its rightful king. Simon entered Jerusalem as the ruler of all the lands from Samaria to the border with Lihyan. A kingdom as large as that of Solomon and David!
So ended the nineth year of the reign of Simon I Zandokite.
Judea: Egyptians to the north and west, desert to the east and Lihyans to the south.
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It's nice that Samaria has submitted...
When will Nabatea surrender?
Does anyone realize what the King did with his wives? Did he piss anyone off with that stunt?
When will Nabatea surrender?
Does anyone realize what the King did with his wives? Did he piss anyone off with that stunt?
Nicely won! Though as always the avenues for expansion are limited unless some disaster befall the Greeks.