In 266 BC, Antigone again raised his army and led his army north to attack Thrace as originally planned.

Thrace borders the northern frontier of Macedonia and has the fertile land of the three major cities of Tyris, Catal, and Byzantium.

Thracian horses are of a good breed and at the same time, they have very good riders. Therefore, the Thracians used to often invade the northern part of Macedonia and rob the property of the mountain people in this area.

Relations between the two countries have been tense, and Thrace has had a slight upper hand in a number of skirmishes over the border, often taking advantage of the Macedonians. Now that the Macedonian kingdom was strong, the Thracians began to fear retaliation from the Macedonians, so they turned to the left and right for help.

The first people to find the Thracians were their neighbors, the Dacians. Dacia borders the northwestern frontier of Macedonia and is a relatively large barbarian power.

It borders the Germans to the west and has just reached the intermediate level of barbarian social development. The Dacians and Germanic peoples were inextricably linked, and the two tribal alliances were very friendly and non-aggressive. Dacia has a much broader territory, including dozens of towns and villages, large and small, and is relatively strong, dominating Eastern Europe.

The resurgence of the Kingdom of Macedonia has become a fact, and this has indeed caused panic in the surrounding countries. So frightened neighbors try to unite against the stronger side.

Dacia, with the help of the Threist envoys and persuasion, agreed to sign the Covenant. However, there has been no consensus on the content of the covenant, and the two sides have not reached a deeper level of project cooperation except for agreeing on mutual non-aggression, mutual trade, and exchange of map information.

The reason for this is that the Dacians are not very optimistic about Thrace, and it is the same for them with or without Thrace. Moreover, Dacia had a lot of trade with Macedonia, and the tribal chiefs did not want to cut off this financial route now.

If it was politically motivated, the Daxian people needed Macedonian friendship more. Because they had encountered the same strong Romans in Central Europe, and the two sides had already fought for rebel cities and buffer areas, it was highly likely that a war would break out. And fighting on two fronts is extremely disadvantageous.

Antigone confirmed these circumstances from letters sent back by his spy Aegeses Larissa and others, and he was in a relaxed mood.

The Thracians, knowing that Dacia's promises were too conservative, turned to the Scythians of the East for friendship. The Scythians happily formed an offensive and defensive alliance with them.

Regarding Scythia, Macedonian diplomats made an expedition. He reflected that the Scythians were a fierce people, and the humanistic atmosphere in their daily life was particularly tough, and everyone could ride a horse and be good at riding and shooting.

Most of the land held by the Scythians was vast grasslands, and there were five main fixed towns, all of which were small and medium-sized towns. The cities were far apart.

The whole of Scythia was based on a tribal confederation. And most of the people have a nomadic lifestyle.

The cultural and economic backwardness of Scythia and the limited level of urban development make it impossible for them to withstand consumption. From the intelligence of the spies sent to Scythia, it is known that:

The Scythian army was mainly cavalry, equipped with a large number of archers, this kind of archers benefited from their nomadic nature, they had no armor but were mobile, their bows and arrows were powerful, long-range, and accurate, in addition to their courage to fight in close combat as archers; The Scythian heavy cavalry was very strong, and most of the cavalry of the general's guard came from Sarmatia, which was fully armored and had a strong impact force.

If there is a disadvantage of the Scythian army, it is that there are no decent infantry, their infantry is more like cannon fodder, just to make fighters for the cavalry to drag the enemy.

Upon receiving this information, Oonos reminded:

"Beware of the Scythians.

Although we do not have a border with them now, as the Thracian war progresses, encounters with the Scythians are inevitable.

Its army has strong combat capabilities, and the main archers rely on maneuver and bow strikes to gain superiority, which is difficult to entangle.

If there is a war with the Scythian army, we must prepare in advance, and according to the characteristics of the Scythian operation, we must make a special configuration of troops. in order to ensure the victory over this nomad. ”

The crowd agreed.

As early as the time of discussing the pacification of Greece, Oonos had already put forward the strategic idea of conquering the northern barbarians. This is required by the security situation in Macedonia. After completing the first steps to unify the Greek peninsula, the march into the north was put on the agenda. After Antigone returned to Thessaloniki, he had indeed been preparing for the second step.

The events with the Thracian organization of the Union were nothing more than a provocation to the Kingdom of Macedonia.

With the support of Scythia and the friendly neutrality of Dacia, they became unscrupulous again. Drive the army to the border between the two countries to show off their might.

The Macedonians finally had enough to bear. A new account and an old account, Macedonia declares war on Thrace!

This time it was again under the command of King Antigones, with Memont as his deputy. Mei Meng's nickname is cold-blooded, and he is a fierce general who can fight and kill. He followed Antigone for many years and was always loyal.

The main army of this expedition has been further improved in terms of size and weapons and equipment compared to the first Greek hegemony war.

The previously large number of Greek-style militia gun formations had become auxiliary units, deployed in the second line.

The main force of front-line infantry consisted of Macedonian phalanx pikemen and conscripted pikemen. The main weapon in the hands of this phalanx soldier is the extra-long spear, which has been processed by the forge to make the spear head sharper, and the wooden body of the spear is stronger and not easy to break.

In addition, the spear phalanx had light infantry to cooperate in combat, which to a certain extent made up for the shortcomings of the phalanx's lack of flexibility and maneuver when turning and pursuing. This has undoubtedly enhanced the overall combat effectiveness of the infantry units.

In addition, the Macedonian light cavalry force was increased to six squadrons. Gain additional bonuses to weapons and equipment. The strength of the legion is close to full strength.

A new war has broken out.

Antigone led the Macedonian army northward, crossing the Balkan Mountains of Upper Macedonia and encountering enemy forces at the exit pass.

The commander of this group was Byzantis, the heir to the Thracian camp, who was ordered to lead the troops on the edge of the town to intercept the invasion of Macedonian troops.

When the two armies met, they immediately set up a position to confront each other. Antigone came to the front of the battle to observe the situation of the enemy army:

On the Thracian side, the javelinmen were deployed in the front row, and there were many of them, and they formed the first line of battle in a row;

The heavy troops of the second line had 6 phalanxes of long-sword soldiers in the center and 4 squares of Greek militia-type spearmen on both sides.

Further out, there were Thracian cavalry, armed with light cavalry, armed with small shields and javelins.

Standing last must be the Byzantis's cavalry guards.

It was a full regiment, and because of the dispersion of the light infantry stations on the front, the Thracian army had a particularly wide front.

The Macedonian army occupied a favorable position and was on the higher side of the battlefield. The core of the formation is a phalanx of pikemen, followed by light infantry (the Macedonian light infantry is in the rear, and once the battle begins, it will take the initiative to distract or lure the enemy), and then the archers. The cavalry was in the third line, deployed on two flanks.

After Antigone analyzed the situation of friend and foe, he had a certain number in his mind. He rode to the center of the formation, and encouraged the soldiers in a loud voice:

"Warriors of Macedonia, do you still use me to inspire your bravery?

You are born with this noble quality.

What about the tight phalanx of the Greeks?

How about the invincible camp in Thebais?

And what about the Spartan reloaded phalanx?

Aren't they all defeated by the spears in your hands?

Now the Thracians on the opposite side use the skills of the spear phalanx, and they are no more than students of our Macedonians. Today on this nice plain, we are going to give them a textbook lesson. Let them know what a real Macedonian phalanx is. ”

The soldiers laughed heartily and let out a thunderous roar.

Memon:

"Today we will be the masters of this battlefield, cheer up! Lads. ”

There was another shouting and the sound of weapons being beaten.

Antigone went on to say:

"Don't hesitate to feel that there are many enemies, they are nothing more than a rabble. Do they really think they can withstand the heavy onslaught of my Macedonian phalanx of super-long spears? Will they be able to withstand the collective charge of the Macedonian cavalry?

No, they will be afraid. As long as you act courageously and decisively, no army can stop you from moving forward.

Strategically do you trust your commander-in-chief, your king, I, Antigones! ”

All the soldiers raised their weapons in their hands:

"Yes!"

Their voices are so neatly united,

"Swear allegiance to Macedonia!"

So much so that a flock of birds arose in a nearby grove, and I wonder if the sound of this war cry also frightened the Thracians.

Antigone also burst out louder with a louder preaching:

"Believe me, then! The effectiveness of my strategy and tactics, and the value I have for the lives of each and every one of your soldiers.

My commands are accountable to every brother around me. Therefore you do not need to doubt, but when you hear the command, you will immediately carry it out.

I tell you, at this time I want your foolishness.

Similarly, no one is allowed to withdraw from the battle or leave their post without permission while they are on standby. Your relatives are still waiting for your good news, and your brother is by your side. Be a loyal man!

Now, my kids are ready to fight! We will win.

Honor belongs to Macedonia! ”

"Roar~"

The Macedonian soldiers have become a real army, they are just war machines at the moment.

Antigone gave the order to advance.

At this time, the Thracian general Byzantis had also completed the pre-battle mobilization, and the Thracian soldiers began to call for battle.

When the Macedonian army advanced to a certain distance, after reaching the range of the archers. Antigone ordered his troops to stop and line up, and the archers fired a volley of arrows.

The Macedonian side was on the high ground, and the shooting was superior.

New Directives:

"Strike the Javelin Riders first!"

Before the words fell, I saw that the Thracian cavalry had been hit by arrows and fell off their horses.

The Thracian light cavalry was forced to charge on horseback, and the light infantry also set off.

The archers here did not let up, one by one.

Antigone saw the move and ordered the light cavalry to meet the battle, and three squadrons of Macedonian light cavalry immediately marched out of the infantry line in a neat formation.

When the Thracian javelins rushed through the center line and rushed over the archers in the front row. The archers did not retreat as they had been arranged.

The so-called fearless, the light cavalry squadron behind them quickly launched a counter-charge.

These Macedonian light cavalry stabbed at the enemy with their spears. The cavalry touched, and in an instant a group of Thracian light cavalry dressed in light blue was dismounted, and a clash broke up the formation of the Thracian cavalry.

The enemy soldiers turned and fled when they couldn't resist the parry, and in a panic, they knocked down the javelin infantry who trampled on their own side.

The Macedonian light cavalry, in hot pursuit, took advantage of the gap and entered the Thracian light infantry phalanx. A squadron of Macedonian heavy cavalry also came to the rescue, stabbing and slashing, widening the gap in the enemy position into a partial rout, and thus gaining an overwhelming advantage.

Thrace accordingly sent long-sword men to remedy, but the Macedonian cavalry moved too quickly and had already defeated the Thracian mobile forces.

When the long-sword infantry arrived at run, the Macedonian pikes had been reinforced, and the cavalry returned to the rear of the infantry line to regroup.

The swordsmen were no match for the Macedonian phalanx, and they were stabbed by the spears like a forest, and most of them fell. At this time, only the Thracian javelin infantry played some role, but were quickly dispersed by the hussars. The situation on the battlefield has become clear.

Antigone ordered an attack on all fronts, and sent some light cavalry to pursue the enemy's route.

All that remained in Thrace was the phalanx of spearmen and the cavalry guards, which had a certain combat effectiveness. The Macedonian phalanx, marching in a neat pace and lined up with a tight column of guns, approached the Thracian infantry phalanx.

The Thracian militia guns were not long enough and their morale was insufficient. After a head-to-head battle between the two columns of spearmen, the Thracian phalanx was defeated.

At the same time, the Macedonian cavalry, led by Antigoneus, charged and flanked the Byzantian cavalry, which was defeated and captured. Macedonia won.

After rescuing the wounded and cleaning up the battlefield, the Macedonians came to a plain to camp and rest, and it was time for lunch.

The scouts have set out to find out what is true to Tyris. Because, according to the captives, the city of Tyris was empty.

The news was confirmed.

After a short rest, the Macedonian army continued its march at full speed northward, with the goal of capturing the enemy's important city of Teris.

The Macedonian rapid march had good results and captured Tyres without encountering significant resistance.

Terris is a nice city with great scenery and abundance. The only thing is that it is autumn, and occasionally a cool breeze blows, and the Macedonians living in the south are not comfortable for a while. The temperature here can be colder than in Thessaloniki.

Antigone has always felt a chill in his body in recent days, and he is currently considering whether to continue to attack Catalan in the north, or turn south first to stabilize his territory and occupy the coastal city of Byzantium.

He was dizzy and unwell, and the old king was sick. He himself didn't think it was in the way, but he summoned Oonos, who was sending Onia to train his troops.