Achaemenid Greece: Southern Italy 386 BCE By Daeres Watch

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This map ties in to my alternate history involving an Achaemenid-ruled Greece following a successful 480 BCE campaign. In this scenario a large number of Greek exiles ended up in the Italian colonies, which has altered the playing field considerably, leading to a refounded Sybaris as Dikaia/Megathenai, a strong First (and there will be several) Italiote League including Syracuse after some wrangling, and a lot of poleis with larger populations than in real history. This is now almost a century after the point of divergence.



Syracuse's dynastic rulers have long since fallen and been replaced by a democratic regime, who now only control a certain portion of Sicily. The League has expanded significantly into the lands of the Iapyges, to the especial benefit of Taras who monopolise most of Messapia. Laos, Elea, Poseidonia and Pyxous are all directly part of the Dikaian state as equal members of the citizen franchise. Membership in the League has recently been extended to Kanusion, in recognition of its wealth and Hellenic culture but also because of its importance in guarding the frontier against the Dauni. The Samnites, known as Saunitai to the Italiote Greeks, are the main opponent of the League at this time, having attempted to expand into Kampania and Loukania, and generally making a mischief of themselves. The Iapygian cities controlled by the League, already highly influenced by Hellenic culture, are starting to become harder to distinguish from the Greeks.



Meanwhile, far to the north, the great threat to the League grows unseen. A great host of Gauls will gather to the banner of one Perseus, claiming descent from destroyed Sparta, and in time Perseus will set his eyes on the rich, powerful cities of Italia. This expedition, when it comes, will rewrite the delicate balance of the entire peninsula, and in southern Italy most of all.

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Published : Jan 29, 2018