BYZ06 Aghdam (January 625 AD)

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Written by: Mark McG
Category: Byzantine–Sasanian War (602-628)
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Battle of Aghdam (January 625 AD)

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

After the victory at Ganzuk, Heraclius moved into the depths of the Caucasus. In response to the actions of the Byzantine emperor, Khosrow sent three armies to block the actions of Heraclius. The army of Shahraplakan moved from the Syria to Tigranakert (Tigranakert-Artsakh) later called Aghdam., blocking the route to Persia. The Byzantines managed to successfully retreat to the north, but Shahrvaraz rapidly came to Ayrarat, crossed into Gardman, and camped opposite him at the other Tigranakert. (Tigranakert were both cities names after KIng (or Kings) Tigranes. Exposed to a pincer movement of the two Persian armies, he could no longer retreat to Iberia along the Kur River for fear of being attacked by Shahr Varaz from the flank. Mid winter, the army of Heraclius was surrounded by two Persian armies, under the command of Shahrvaraz and Shahraplakan. Shahin was bringing a third army. Heraclius surprised the Persians turning against the army of Shahraplakan. He struck promptly with force, using a selected force of his best soldiers from his army, he abruptly moved to battle. Caught off guard, Shahraplakan's army was routed. (Note: I follow Constantine Zuckerman in thie version of events) https://www.persee.fr/doc/rebyz_0766-5598_2002_num_60_1_2261

BYZ06

War Council

Sassanid Army (Use Tan blocks)
• Leader: Shahraplakan
• 5 Command Cards
• 3 Inspired Action tokens

Byzantine Army (Use Purple blocks)
• Leader: Heraclius
• 6 Command Cards
• 4 Inspired Action tokens
• Move First Move First

Victory
7 Banners

Special Rules
*If a Byzantine unit is ordered on the Sassanid baseline and exits the board from the Sassanid baseline, it scores 1 banner. Leaders to not score banners for exit.
*At the start of each Sassan turn, roll 1 die. Sassan may place a new unit on the Sassan baseline according to the result. This unit may then be ordered by an appropriate Command Card. 
Green = 1 Light Cavalry
Blue = 1 Medium Bow Cavalry
Red = 1 Heavy Bow Cavalry
Helmet = 1 Leader or 1 Light Bow Cavalry if 3 Sassanid Leaders are already on board
Swords = 1 unit adjacent to an enemy unit may be ordered to battle. No move, and may Close Combat.
Flags = 1 unit may immediately retreat 1 hex without Panic roll.
*The Sassanid Medium and Heavy Cavalry units are armed with bows. 
*The Byzantine Medium and Heavy Cavalry units are armed with bows.

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Posts in discussion: BYZ06 Aghdam ( January 625 AD)
Mark-McG replied the topic:
#1008
1 month 4 weeks ago
Any scenario with randomly variable reinforcements will always be impossible to balance. High replayability, but low consistency of results. The Sassanids (nor the Byzantines) will never be sure what reinforcements if any are arriving. 

Thematically, the Byzantines were breaking out of a strategic encirclement, and the Sassanid generals were very concerned about the Byzantine army heading deeper into Persia. Shahraplakan had to race his army through mountainous terrain to intercept Heraclious, with forces strung out on the march. When he did intercept, he had to accept battle on ground of the Byzantine choosing. This was exacerbated by Byzantine false flag deserts spreading news that a 3rd general, Shahin, was coming with a 3rd army, which heightened the competitive urges of the Sassanid generals to claim sole victory and not share the glory. Shahraplakan gambled here and lost. 
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