Siege of Atrax: 198 B.C.

Here are a few photographs, taken by Lynne, of the Roman siege of Atrax circa 198 B.C. as demonstrated with Classical Hack Ancient Warfare 600 B.C. to 600 A.D., Second Ed. at Fall In 2002. The scenario was designed after Livy's account of the Roman liberation of Greece from Philip of Macedonia. For some information about what other events that were put on at Fall In! You can go to the Courier Magazine site which runs some really nice descriptions of events at each major convention.

To View The Photographs

All you have to do is to click on the image and it will open to full size. It is not necessary to download and then open. To return to the Gallery just hit return. Do not close the window.

Scenario Game Description

Bacically the Romans were interested in curbing the power of the Late Successor Kingdoms and to achieve this the Romans hoped to change the balance of power in Greece by liberating all the city-states. This would yield the Romans their objective without the need to garrision Greece with Roman legions. Initially the Romans took city after city building a Romano-Greco Alliance. To the surprise of the Greeks the Romans kept their promise and at the end of the war Greece was liberated.

Along the route of liberations the Romans did face some set backs. At the city of Atrax the Romans found the city too strong to take. While the Romans made breaks in the city walls they could not dislodge the Macedonian garrision units. Behind the walls in the confined streets the Macedonians formed a phalanx where ever a wall section fell. Taking up formation in locked shields the Romans could not defeat the phalanxes which plug the breaks.

In addition to the problem of the blocking phalanx units in the breaks of the walls the Romans faced another set back. As with most sieges a ramp was built of logs, earth and stones. The Roman commander ordered a tower on wheels to be built as the ramp got closer and closer to the walls of the city. Once the ramp was finished the tower was to be pushed or pulled up the ramp. Unfortunately it toppled over as it reached the apex of the ramp. It fell toward the Roman soldiers below who scattered to safety.

With all their efforts turning to nothing the Roman commander decided the effort was not worth the high casualties and he lifted the siege to reorganize his army.

.