The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe
Chapter 53 Crossing the River (Part 2)

Chapter 53: Chapter 53 Crossing the River (Part 2)

"The crossing point is located eight miles upstream from our camp. The river is approximately 85 meters wide, with its deepest part reaching waist-high. The riverbed consists of sand and stones, making it not too slippery and relatively firm. The bank on our side is flat, while the opposite bank is rocky," Chirisophus reported succinctly, summarizing the reconnaissance findings.

"This seems like an excellent crossing point! Let’s immediately gather the army and cross the river!" Timasion said excitedly.

"But we have to consider that Orontes’ forces might intercept us on the opposite bank. Forcing our way across could result in heavy casualties for our soldiers," Zantiparis cautioned.

"The Persians would never expect us to cross the river so easily! As long as we move quickly and rush to the other side, we can take them by surprise and launch a sudden attack!" Timasion responded confidently.

"Don’t forget, we still have the Carduchians at our backs. What about our baggage train? Furthermore, the Persians have more troops than we do, and they also have Carduchian warriors. If they manage to hold us at the riverbank for even a short time, we’ll be in trouble. Who knows how long the sand in the river will support our soldiers!" Xanthippus (赞提帕里斯) expressed his concerns, his tone reflecting worry.

Timasion shot back, "Then what’s your brilliant plan?"

"We need to carefully discuss how to cross the river successfully while minimizing our losses," Zantiparis replied.

"So, you don’t have a better idea," Timasion scoffed, giving him a sidelong glance.

"I have a suggestion," Xenophon interjected. "We can split off part of our forces to protect the baggage train. While the main army prepares to cross at the upstream point, this smaller force can pretend to cross at the old bridge location. The Persians will think we’re launching an attack from there and will divide their forces to defend. Once the main army defeats the enemy across the river, this smaller force can escort the baggage train to join us at the crossing point. What do you think?" Xenophon explained, his tone tinged with pride.

There was no denying that Xenophon’s plan had merit. The leaders fell silent, deep in thought. After a moment, Cleanor asked, "The baggage train is enormous. How many soldiers will you assign to protect it? If you send too many, it will affect our ability to defeat the Persians quickly. Moreover, having the baggage train and soldiers march back and forth will not only tire them out but also leave them vulnerable to Carduchian attacks. Have you considered that?"

"This..." Xenophon hesitated. After a pause, he said awkwardly, "There will always be casualties in war. As long as we minimize our losses, it’s worth it..."

At this point,Juleios spoke up. "Inspired by Xenophon’s plan, I have an idea of my own."

The moment he began to speak, everyone turned their attention to him. The youngest of the leaders, Juleios had proven time and again that his words carried weight and often resolved critical issues.

"Today, we won’t cross the river," Juleios began, glancing at the gathered leaders. Though they looked surprised, they remained attentive. "Tonight, after the Persians have returned to their camp and fallen asleep, we can send a small force across the river. They can hide and wait on the other side. Tomorrow, when our main army engages the Persians, this force can launch a surprise attack on their rear. This will disrupt the Persian formation, allowing us to strike from both the front and back. Not only will we rout them, but we may even annihilate part of their force, weakening them and making it easier for us to reach the Euxine Sea once we enter Armenia."

The leaders’ eyes lit up.Juleios’s suggestion was truly unique and unconventional. Greek military tradition, rooted in centuries of frontal assaults, had limited their thinking. However, Juleios’s strategy—combining stealthy crossings by small units with a full-scale frontal crossing—was inspired by tactics from his previous life, modeled on the great red army’s liberation of Hainan.

"Juleios, our soldiers lack experience crossing rivers at night. How many men are you planning to send? If they panic during the crossing, it could lead to chaos, drownings, or worse, alert the Persians. This would not only jeopardize the plan but also reveal our carefully scouted crossing point," Cleanor pointed out. His tone was far less confrontational than it had been with Xenophon , reflecting the respect he held forJuleios.

"Additionally, how will the force hide after landing? When will they attack the Persians’ rear? These are critical details that need to be addressed," Timasion added.

"These concerns are valid, but they aren’t problems for the right force," Juleios responded without hesitation. He then turned to Chirisophus .

Chirisophus nodded knowingly, signaling his agreement.

That night, 700 Spartan warriors successfully crossed the Centrites River under the cover of darkness.

At dawn the next day, the mercenaries began breaking camp and assembling into formation.

The Persians, seeing this activity, quickly gathered on the opposite bank in preparation.

The mercenaries slaughtered three lambs as a sacrificial offering to Oceanus , the Divine of the great river, and the entire army joined in singing hymns with solemn devotion.

Orontes , suspecting that the Greeks might attempt to cross the river, ordered his troops to remain on high alert.

After the ritual concluded, the mercenaries marched along the riverbank, heading downstream for several miles before stopping to rest. Then, they suddenly turned and began marching upstream.

The Armenian satrap, Orontes , a handsome man favored by the Persian King, watched their movements with confusion. He could not understand the Greeks’ intentions. Assuming they were aimlessly searching for a crossing point, he felt a sense of smug satisfaction.

The Persian army followed the mercenaries’ movements from the opposite bank, mirroring their march.

Finally, the mercenaries arrived at the crossing point marked by Chirisophus.

Without hesitation, they stopped, and following the pre-arranged plan, the entire formation pivoted rapidly toward the riverbank.

Before Orontes could comprehend what was happening, the mercenaries had already formed up facing the Centrites River . Their forces were divided into three groups:

The first group, consisting of 7,000 soldiers, was positioned at the riverbank in a narrow front and deep formation, prepared to cross and engage the Persians.The second group was the baggage train, closely following behind.The third group, comprising 3,000 soldiers, was stationed behind the baggage train, facing away from the river to guard against Carduchian attacks.

As the Persian army slowly adjusted its formation, the mercenaries blew the signal horn for attack. Without hesitation, 7,000 soldiers stepped into the Centrites River.

Orontes’s expression changed. He finally understood: the Greeks intended to cross the river here!

Panicking, he shouted, "Quickly! Send the infantry to block them! Archers! Archers, shoot!" He hoped the river’s current would slow the Greeks’ advance and that the archers’ volleys would sow chaos among their ranks, causing panic and drownings.

For a brief moment, Orontes felt flustered, but he quickly regained his composure. After all, he had personally tested the river’s depth and believed it could hinder the Greeks.

"This could be my chance for a great victory!" he thought, his heart racing with anticipation.

At the rear of the Greek formation, Juleiosadvanced steadily, stepping confidently on the firm riverbed. The icy water of early winter was biting, but the soldiers, filled with determination, paid no heed. One thought consumed them all: to reach the opposite bank as quickly as possible.