BYZ09 Battle of Nineveh (12 December 627AD)

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In mid-September 627, Heraclius invaded Sassanian Mesopotamia in a surprising, risky winter campaign. Khosrow II appointed Rhahzadh as the commander of an army to confront him. 

Heraclius feigned retreat to lead the Persians to the plains before reversing his troops to the surprise of the Persians.  Heraclius' Göktürk allies quickly deserted, while Rhahzadh's reinforcements did not arrive in time. On December 12, Rhahzadh deployed his forces into three masses and attacked. Heraclius had found a plain west of the Great Zab some distance from the ruins of Nineveh. This allowed the Byzantines to take advantage of their strengths in lances and hand-to-hand combat. Furthermore, fog reduced the Persian advantage in missile-shooting soldiers and allowed the Byzantines to charge without great losses from missile barrages. In the ensuing battle, Rhahzadh was slain. After eight hours of fighting, the Persians suddenly retreated to nearby foothills, but it was not a rout, but 6,000 Persians fell.

The Byzantine victory later resulted in coup in Persia, and for a period of time restored the (Eastern) Roman Empire to its ancient boundaries in the Middle East. The Sassanian losses significantly weakened the Sasanian Empire, contributing to the Muslim conquest of Persia.

War Council
Sassanid Army (Use Tan blocks)
• Leader: Rhahzadh
• 5 Command Cards
• 3 Inspired Action tokens
• Move First

Byzantine Army (Use Purple blocks)
• Leader: Heraclius
• 6 Command Cards
• 4 Inspired Action tokens

Victory
7 Banners

Special Rules
*The Sassanid Medium, Heavy and Super Heavy Cavalry units are armed with bows.
*The Byzantine Medium, Heavy and Super Heavy Cavalry units are armed with bows.
*No ranged attacks beyond 2 hexes due to Fog.