Macedon

In the 4th century BC, Macedon hovered on the brink of disaster. Critically weakened by a Persian invasion a century before and menaced by the surrounding warlike Thracian and Scythian tribes, she could only look on as the Greek city states to the south fought each other for domination of the Peloponnese. In 359 BC Philip II came to the Macedonian throne and immediately began to reorganize the army according to new principles, blending heavy phalanx infantry with the power and mobility of heavy cavalry. With his son Alexander at his side, Philip now had a weapon capable of dealing with the many threats on Macedon's borders, and perhaps further afield...

Persia

The mighty Persian Empire has existed for hundreds of years, its borders stretching to the ends of the earth, its treasuries flowing with riches, its resources limitless and its warriors without number.

The Greek lands would be an enticing addition to the empire, and a Persian military expedition to conquer them a century before was only thwarted by the narrowest of margins. Now Persia gives aid to one or other of the warring Greek factions so that all will be weakened and left open to a fresh invasion...

India

India is a vast and mysterious area of strange peoples, animals, customs and weather, and undoubted riches. Though not yet a cohesive nation, the fierce warriors and ancient strongholds of her various kingdoms are a formidable proposition to anyone considering campaigning beyond the Indus...

The Barbarian Tribes

The Scythians, Thracians, Illyrians and Dahae are fierce tribal peoples leading a precarious existence on the borders of more powerful states. They are saddled with the title 'barbarian' merely through not being Greek or Persian. Their warriors though are proud and dangerous men, eager in battle with any who dare threaten them or their tribal lands...