"Sir, I think this is the time to break through. Why not take this opportunity to go straight into the Middle East and let my troops march into Syria from the southern mountain passes. The course of the war will also be accelerated.

I don't understand, sir. I ask to move on.

Otherwise, I will resign from my position in the army. ”

"If you dare to act without permission, roll up your bedding and get out of here! Don't threaten me with taking people away.

I give you one last chance, either to lead your troops north to Sinop and connect to the Far Eastern theater of operations; Either accept military sanctions.

This is to remember your courage and sincerity. Be tolerant.

As the Supreme Commander of the Eastern Crusade, I have the right to directly dismiss you from all military posts without having to play. Your current actions are disobeying military orders.

Very serious reminder to you! ”

This is an exchange of letters between two generals in the Asian military group, who are at loggerheads over their next move.

Apalos proposed to continue south, into the Middle East to attack Antigonus. Of course, his opinion was supported by many, and these were most of the front-line Macedonian generals who were carried away by the victory.

Coach Thessaros resolutely prevented it, and he advocated taking it step by step and playing steadily.

In fact, just when the Macedonian camp was going smoothly and celebrating the victory in Asia Minor in advance, the Pontus army moved frequently, and a large number of soldiers drove to the front line in Asia Minor.

The king of Pontus finally gathered his scattered troops (mainly in the Crescent on the Middle East coast and the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt), and after unified preparation, he sent two large army groups north into Silesia to fight in an attempt to stabilize the land front. and then develop new operational directions.

In addition, he took a surprise trip by water, and carried out a secret mission codenamed "Leopard" under the escort of the Navy, and no more than three people knew the whole plan.

Another group of elite soldiers also sailed away by boat, and the secret code name was "Shooting Heart". Most of the participants only knew that the operation was an extremely dangerous mission, and there was not even a naval escort, only light boats.

Thessarus pressed the "eastward" against the consensus of the crowd and rebegan to deploy his troops at his pace.

The Invincible Legion takes Sinop in the north; The three Roman regiments contained the north side of the Taurus Pass; The Carthaginian legions and auxiliary legions were stationed in eastern Galatia, forming a deep line of defense in case the enemy counterattacked. His personal guard of the Seventh Regiment was freed up and did not take up the defense work. Because he's going to attack from a single point.

The first wave of the offensive in Pontus was carried out by more than 40,000 men from three legions, namely the headquarters of Toc, Aspgus, and Hingis. Launched a decisive counterattack, broke through the Taurus outpost in an instant, and a large number of troops went straight into the territory of Galatia. Macedonian spies had already penetrated deep into the city of Antioch, and the operations of Pontus had already been informed.

The response is simple, close the door and hit the dog. The three Roman regiments and the Carthaginian corps stationed at the mountain pass carried out a flanking attack to annihilate the advancing Pontic corps.

The Carthaginian legions and auxiliary forces, numbering more than 23,000 people, were ordered to garrison the area. After discovering the enemy, follow the plan and go directly to the battle. The three regiments that were originally hidden at the north entrance of Taurus Mountain were deliberately allowed to let the Pontic people easily enter Little Asia. While the Pontus troops were still in the formation of three columns, the three Roman regiments launched a surprise attack from behind.

As a result, Tok's legion, which was at the back of the Pontus army, did not have time to reorganize its formation and suffered heavy losses.

When the Pontus general Aspgus heard the news, he hurriedly ordered his troops to advance quickly and occupy the top of the hill not far ahead. only to gain a firm foothold, but saw a large group of people slowly approaching.

This is none other than the Carthaginian legion, commander Troy.

"Now that the enemy has occupied a favorable vantage point, then we are on the offensive side."

"The attack on the back is unfavorable, and the strength of the troops is unknown. General, we should be stationed and wait to check the enemy's movements. ”

adjutant

"We marched in a hurry, and the enemy was not on a foothold. Based on the speed of the march of this team, I judge that they do not have heavy weapons. At this time, the onslaught was taken, and there was not much difference between the two sides.

You see, there is a flat terrain on the slope next to the hill occupied by the enemy, and we are going to occupy it.

When the time comes, I can reach my opponent and they can't reach me. It's a big advantage and it's good for offense. ”

The Carthaginian legions slowly leaned up to occupy the top of the second peak, and the catapults were able to reach the enemy. Battle formation.

The six carts of trebuchets fired fire shells in unison, and the bombardment was so heavy that the Pontus people stood on the top of the hill and became good targets. Many of the soldiers dodged, the formation scattered, and the huge force seemed powerless.

After Aspropgus managed to get his troops back to the anti-slope, the general Hingis offered advice:

"General, our actions are a bit aggressive, obviously the Macedonians have set up a routine, and I see that the enemy has the intention of flanking us in front and rear. Moreover, the army in front of us has a long-range advantage, and when it drags on a little longer, the ambush troops just now will come from the rear, and our superiority in strength cannot be exerted. So we have to get out of this situation as soon as possible. ”

"What do you mean? What to do? ”

"I took my troops to stay behind and confront them by virtue of their geographical advantage; You and Teucer retreat back the same way, fighting hard, killing the bloody road and joining up with the reinforcements. ”

"I'll stay and keep an eye on them, and you go and open the way out. I'll look for a chance to catch up with you. ”

"Yes, General."

As a result, Hingis's corps began to retreat from behind, leaving the rest of the Pontus soldiers in their positions.

Seeing this, Troy could not wait and ordered an attack. He himself led the cavalry to the front, and the artillery units had to stop firing fire. He shouted as he charged:

"It's time to prove the strength of the Carthaginian legions."

The Pontus soldiers standing on the top of the hill did not retreat and resumed their dense formation. Archers and javelinmen opened fire with all their might.

Pontus's heavy javelins were so powerful that the first Macedonian attack was frustrated, and many were wounded and retreated.

Troy asked the catapults to fire their cannons again, and the archers approached to shoot at each other. Then he led the cavalry in a detour from the right side, and the phalanx attacked head-on. Everyone braved the danger and attacked the top of the mountain.

Aspugus also concentrated his cavalry, condescending and fighting to kill the part of Troy where he was. The blow was so powerful that Troy dodged it, and the cavalry squadron behind him was split through it. The Pontic cavalry was very strong, and the Macedonian cavalry did not show weakness, turning the horse's head and chasing. The cavalry on both sides fought.

At this time, the elite bronze shield phalanx soldiers of Pontus withdrew from the top of the mountain under the cover of their teammates and rushed over here. Seeing that it was getting closer, Aspugus retreated with his troops, and Troy had to gather his troops and let the enemy go, because there was no infantry to support him, so he returned to the top of the hill and annihilated the remnants of the enemy.

The general of the city, Tok, led the rest of his troops to fight to the death, delaying time for his allies. Annihilated by the Macedonian Carthaginian legions.

In this battle, the Macedonian troops lost several hundred men and killed more than 20,000 enemies. Pontus's legions managed to retain the main force and retreated to the Taurus Pass.

(End of chapter)