I've got a copy of the SPQR reprint on the way, so while I was waiting I broke this one out.

Staring from the beginning meant first up was Chaeronea.

The battle opened up fairly traditionally, with Alexander trying to squeeze around the flank (the edge of the map makes this a bit tricky) and Phillip demonstrating the value of doubled phalaxes vs. the HOplites in the middle.

Before too long there is enough room for Alex to squeeze some cavalry past on his left , which is not good for Thebes (or the other greeks for that matter).

However, the next turn, after forming up, our precocious youngster hits some hoplites (not the Sacred Band, they were already being attacked form multiple directions) in the rear. The resulting leader check roll means Alex = dead. Good thing for the Macedonians he's not worth 70 rout points in this battle...

Phillip however has been making short work of the Athenians and assorted other city states in the middle. Now it becomes a race to see if he can do enough damage to route the Greeks before the Thebans can mop up their right flank. With no leaders over there there's not much to be done by the Macedonians. The edge of the map makes even withdrawing when the hoplites close somewhat tricky, and traffic congestions means some will doubtless be caught.

Seeing his left flank collapsing Phillip throws caution to the wind and pounds the hoplites for all he's got. And with a three activation turn pushes the Greeks tenuously close to routing from the field.

More mopping up on the Greeks right means another turn or so and the Macedonians have had it.

Being now or never for Phillip, eh again hits with everything at his disposal. Including a few phalanxes that are near the breaking point themselves. And shatters two more hoplite formations while his troops hold on (barely).

Result: Victory for the Macedonians, but no Alexander the Great.

Notes:

-I have now played this battle at least three times. In every single on Alexander has lost his life in the very first combat he throws himself into.

-The map edge along the Macedonian left makes squeezing past difficult

-It also makes routing units on that flank disappear very quickly.

- This was played without the Spartans. Assuming Alexander died in the same fashion, they would easily have made the difference this time.

- Off to fight the Triballians with zombie Alex.