
Battle for the Cilician Gates
Had a terrific battle with Gareth on Saturday
Here is the scenario he put together. All the models/terrain are from his collection and are mainly from Aventine with a few Warlord and Black Tree mixed in. Olive press and temple by Grand Manner
Battle for the Cilician Gates 194 AD
The Battle for the Cilician Gates was fought between the forces of Emperor Septimius Severus and his rival, Pescennius Niger and was part of the Year of the Five Emperors. It was the prelude to the Battle of Issus. The Cilician Gates are a pass through the Taurus Mountains connecting the low plains of Cilicia to the Anatolian Plateau. The Gates are located on the border between Syrian and what is modern day Turkey. On a low desert plain in front of the gates, the Romans had built a magnificent temple to Mars the God of War. As a result, this was an important religious site and one that both sides valued.
Background
Pescennius Niger was the Roman governor of Syria who had been acclaimed Emperor by his troops, like Severus, following the death of Pertinax. Following its successive defeats at Cyzicus and Battle of Nicaea in 193, Niger's army successfully withdrew to the Taurus mountains, where it fiercely defended the Cilician pass.
Forces
Emperor Septimius Severus - 4000 pts (Western) Commanded by Rob
Emperor Pescennius Niger - 4000 pts (Eastern) Commanded by Gareth
Objectives for both sides
1. Pitch battle - at least 75% of the enemy formation must be destroyed or fleeing at the end of the battle.
2. Take and hold the Temple of Mars - secure the temple, ensuring no enemy formations are within 6 inches of the site.
Deployment
Summer
Pictures of the deployment and early moves (mainly taken from my perspective) - more info in the next post down