Both sides close rapidly, the Spartans' allies keen to impress King Arichilles, sprint ahead. The cavalry charging headlong into the serried ranks of Athenians, the archers sprinting to get a firing position...
disaster strikes within seconds, Athenian Hoplites counter charge. The archers are massacred, the cavalry thrown into routed confusion!
A wavering Spartan right flank is saved by a measured advance of the allied Phalanx. Which in turn forces an enemy unit to break and run.
This small victory is soon forgotten, the rout of the archers has left the Spartan elites dangerously exposed. The Athenian unit, elated at the butchery inflicted upon the hapless archers, takes the Spartans in the flank. Another Athenian unit smashes into the head of the Spartan line!
King Arichilles' perfectly honed strategical genius, senses the crisis of the struggle is upon him. The Spartan King shoulders his way through the struggling masses, he's spotted a smug looking Divtroclus, urging his Athenians on. Arichilles knows if he personally slays the Athenian General the day can still be his!