First chapter in a Mega Campaign
This AAR takes place in the Bronze Age. It´s from a campaign with the Mod: Bronze Age Reborn where I am playing Thera.
Thanks to the amazing modding community, there are now paradox games spanning the timeline of history from the bronze until this very day. This has led me to try realizing an old idea of a mega campaign. It will technically be new starts with new mods and starting dates as I move on, but with an AAR connecting it together. It will take time, and I don´t know for now where it´ll end. The is the first chapter in the story.
It is my very first AAR. I will gladly receive ideas from readers, and I am open to make it at least somewhat interactive. We´ll see what happens
Introduction
In 785, the Aegean world had not yet reached the level of societal organisation as Egypt or Middle East and the Cyclades were split into several small and competing city states. But the Cycladic islands were rich in naturals resources, on land and sea. They hosted several natural harbors and had a strategic position for trade. If the dispersed city states could be united under a single realm, it would have the opportunity to grow into a maritime empire. The southernmost of the Cycladic islands, Thera, were one of the most prosperous city states. The Therans were excellent merchants and had trade contacts all around the Mediterranean.
The Cycladic Islands at game start
Chapter 1 - uniting the Cyclades
The first know of the Theran kings were Hypseus, also the first ruler of the Drakanathe dynasty. Hypseus were certainly a man with ambitious, and he lived by the motto that there is nothing that cannot be bought with money, and that includes loyalty. Though highly unpopular among Aktroiris citizens, he was popular among his soldiers. And, above all else, he was military genius.
Hypseus – unpopular and corrupt
Hypseus launched a series of campaign against neighboring city states like Sikinos, Amorgos and Milos. At the same time, Syros came to control most of the north Cyclades. As the unavoidable clash finally came, Thera proved to be militarily superior to Syros. Hypseus martial ability was one factor, though not as important as fact that Thera´s vast trading incomes could be used to hire Pelasgian mercenaries. The Theran-Syrosian war resulted in Thera taking all of Syros land in the Northern Cyclades.
The Theran-Syrosian and the following Theran hegemony in the Cyclades.
The ruling elite of Thera were Minoans, but the Cycladic people were given full citizenship early, which was a crucial step for the growing realm. It guaranteed loyalty and led to a growing urban civilization as well as a larger pool of levies.
Integration of the Cycladic culture
Battle of Kudoni 827
The first Theran-Lambrian war ended in Theran victory. At this point however, Hypseus had died, and his daughter Adrasteia had succeeded him on the throne. Adrasteia couldn´t be more different than her father; just and with an outstanding charisma. But, she suffered from mental illness and a fickle temperament. She also survived the nation’s first civil war in 835.
The many faces of Adrasteia
Adrasteia died short afterwards. She was succeeded by her uncle Pylaois, age 74, who was a harsh ruler in the same style as his late corrupt brother. He died after a few years on the throne ad was succeed by his son Hephaistos. The dynastic turmoil had very little effect on Thera though. The population and economy kept growing and trading the contacts now stretched all around the Mediterranean.
Theras diplomatic situation and the Aegean world in 847
This AAR takes place in the Bronze Age. It´s from a campaign with the Mod: Bronze Age Reborn where I am playing Thera.
Thanks to the amazing modding community, there are now paradox games spanning the timeline of history from the bronze until this very day. This has led me to try realizing an old idea of a mega campaign. It will technically be new starts with new mods and starting dates as I move on, but with an AAR connecting it together. It will take time, and I don´t know for now where it´ll end. The is the first chapter in the story.
It is my very first AAR. I will gladly receive ideas from readers, and I am open to make it at least somewhat interactive. We´ll see what happens
Introduction
In 785, the Aegean world had not yet reached the level of societal organisation as Egypt or Middle East and the Cyclades were split into several small and competing city states. But the Cycladic islands were rich in naturals resources, on land and sea. They hosted several natural harbors and had a strategic position for trade. If the dispersed city states could be united under a single realm, it would have the opportunity to grow into a maritime empire. The southernmost of the Cycladic islands, Thera, were one of the most prosperous city states. The Therans were excellent merchants and had trade contacts all around the Mediterranean.
The Cycladic Islands at game start
Chapter 1 - uniting the Cyclades
The first know of the Theran kings were Hypseus, also the first ruler of the Drakanathe dynasty. Hypseus were certainly a man with ambitious, and he lived by the motto that there is nothing that cannot be bought with money, and that includes loyalty. Though highly unpopular among Aktroiris citizens, he was popular among his soldiers. And, above all else, he was military genius.
Hypseus – unpopular and corrupt
Hypseus launched a series of campaign against neighboring city states like Sikinos, Amorgos and Milos. At the same time, Syros came to control most of the north Cyclades. As the unavoidable clash finally came, Thera proved to be militarily superior to Syros. Hypseus martial ability was one factor, though not as important as fact that Thera´s vast trading incomes could be used to hire Pelasgian mercenaries. The Theran-Syrosian war resulted in Thera taking all of Syros land in the Northern Cyclades.
The Theran-Syrosian and the following Theran hegemony in the Cyclades.
The ruling elite of Thera were Minoans, but the Cycladic people were given full citizenship early, which was a crucial step for the growing realm. It guaranteed loyalty and led to a growing urban civilization as well as a larger pool of levies.
Integration of the Cycladic culture
Chapter 2 – into Crete
During the latest years of Hypseus realm, Thera started to grow a bigger interest in it´s southern neighbor, Crete. Crete was rich on natural resources, urban centers, people, natural harbors, and myths.. Crete was dominated by Lambris, that although its size, was militarily week. Once Thera had got a foothold on Crete, Lambris proved to be no threat to Hypseus well trained levies and mercenary armies. In the battle of Kudoni, an outnumbered Theran army crushed the Lambrian army, a battle that Lambris never recovered from.
Battle of Kudoni 827
The first Theran-Lambrian war ended in Theran victory. At this point however, Hypseus had died, and his daughter Adrasteia had succeeded him on the throne. Adrasteia couldn´t be more different than her father; just and with an outstanding charisma. But, she suffered from mental illness and a fickle temperament. She also survived the nation’s first civil war in 835.
The many faces of Adrasteia
Adrasteia died short afterwards. She was succeeded by her uncle Pylaois, age 74, who was a harsh ruler in the same style as his late corrupt brother. He died after a few years on the throne ad was succeed by his son Hephaistos. The dynastic turmoil had very little effect on Thera though. The population and economy kept growing and trading the contacts now stretched all around the Mediterranean.
Theras diplomatic situation and the Aegean world in 847
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