Greek-Rexxaraeite War
| Greek-Rexxaraeite War |
| Date | aprx. 450 B.C. |
| Result | Rexxaraeite victory |
| Combatants | Ancient Rexxaraeites | Thebes, Greece |
| Commanders | King Asael | Unknown Theban Captain |
| Strength | Est. a dozen thousands | Unknown |
| Casualties | a few thousand | entire force, exact number unknown |
The Greek-Rexxaraeite War was a conflict between an ancient Rexxaraeite alliance and the Greek city-state of Thebes, occuring sometime in the mid 5th century B.C.
The war is considered by many to be the first event of importance recorded in Rexxarean history. Likewise, it echoed a loud "keep out" sign to the western world concerning Rexxarae, ensuring that the country will not be invaded by outlanders for another three centuries.
Cause of the War
At the dawn of the 5th century B.C. (aproximately 530s), the Greek explorer Phoespelse arrived at the land which would later be known as Rexxarae. He was immidietly taken to the city-state "Defa'ljü" (ruins recently discovered) where he enjoyed splendid hospitality and uttermost respect as a foreign guest.
For unknown reasons, the Rexxaraeites had very little cities and large settlements for the respectively unprimitive and wealthy civilizations they were. Some scholars believe this is due to a series of annhiliation wars - in which the larger city-states destroyed the smaller ones, plundering them and concentrating the wealth.
Phoespelse was exposed to the vast riches of southern Rexxarae, admiring the particularly large treasury of gems kept in Defa'ljü. The local authorities soon informed king Asael of the Greek's presence, and he invited him to the throne city (believed to be either Yapan or Gakha).
Though the wealth of the south-east impressed him greatly, Phoesplse was transformed by the sights of the cpitol. Thanking king Asael, he immidietly returned to Greece. His report was simple enough:
"... The folk of this northern land are barbaric and pleasent. They feature no great inventions or knowledge... Their cities are poorly walled... They are a peaceful and harmless race; but are highly enriched and keep vast treasures..."
An Expedition is Launched
To this very day, it is unknown whether Poespelse was Theban or not. The Theban account does describe the king's journeyman exploring Rexxarae, but it is unclear who this journeyman was.
The king of Thebes appointed a lord in-charge of a large expeditionary force, tasked with wrecking "Dromi" (from Rexxaraeite "royal") and bringing back her wealth. It is believed that this was considered an easy source of wealth designed to pay for the upcoming rise of Thebes in Greece.
The Battle
Believing Rexxarae to be divided into independant, interesantic city-states (like Greece and the rest of the northern hemisphere) the Greeks set to destroy Defa'ljü. They camped in the nearby farmland, feasting on the local production. As planned, an armed group - lead by the city's ruler - soon marched-out for them. The Greeks slaughtered them and proceeded to the city.
Shortly before Poespelse arrived, king Asael united Rexxarae in a pact. He, in fact, lead all of the city-states with full concent. News of Defa'ljü's fall soon reached the cpitol. The monarch quickly tried to rally his subordinates, demanding that each city supply it's quota of fighting men. At first this failed, and it seemed Asael could not amount a force strong enough to defeat the Greeks.
However, through slight intimidation (even perhaps violence), Asael managed to gather his army, also mustering a force of noble cavalry. He left for the south immidietly.
The Greeks plundered and exploited the city ruins and nearby farmland for as long as they could. Just as the area started to dwindle, the Rexxaraeites arrived. Half-a-day's march from the city, the two armies finally clashed. Asael greatly outnumbered the Greeks, so he could afford to send a large portion of his force to outflank them from behind. The Rexxaraeite cavalry also played a crucial role in breaking the Greek's formation. Eventually, the Greeks were defeated, and their leader was dead - but at a heavy toll.
After the battle was over, most of the city-rulers left back for their homes (taking their troops with them). Asael was left with scarecly any forces at all. He rallied and armed the nearby peasents, however, and attacked the Greek camp - killing any survivor and siezing valuable equipment.
Aftermath
In the aftermath of the Greek-Rexxaraeite War, Rexxarae was left in peace for a very long period of time. She had proven her power and zeal to the world, and nobody dared invoke her any longer. Nevertheless, the hardship and strife the Rexxaraeite army indured journeying from north to south, coupled with the lack of military activity during the next four centuries, lead to the reduction of Rexxarae's might and to her eventual conquest at the hands of the Romans.
