Baltic's Book

Zeus and Europa, part 5

Chapter 8

Success gives often birth to envy. Polynices (some know him better as Polyneikés), who was exiled from Thebes, married Argeia, daughter of Adrastus, king of Argos. When Polynices bribed wife of famous warrior Amphiaraos with the necklace and robe of Harmonia, she talked her husband into joining Polynices and so he had two powerful allies... other followed soon. With such strong force behind him, Polynices declared war on Thebes. Balticos didn't hesitate a minute - at once he dispatched half of his forces, accompanied by Ares, to conquer Polynices' city Orchomenos. Brave Theban soldiers returned victorious, and Balticos showed his generosity once again - he decided that no-one shall be punished for fighting against Thebes, and any city, as soon as it will surrender to him, will be treated as an ally and given a gift of what they most need. Word about it spread fast, and although it didn't make anyone to surrender instantly - after all, no real man would surrender without fight - it sure helped to make them loyal subjects once they were defeated and declared themselves Thebes' vassals. Both Calydon and Argos tried to attack, but were conquered before their armies reached Thebes. The war was over... Balticos hoped that people will live happily and in peace now, and ordered to build a sanctuary to Aphrodite, goddess of love, at the hill overseeing the city. After all, Thebes had strong protection from Ares, Artemis and Athena already, and to live in harmony one needs some more tender gods as well.

History of Thebes in numbers

Final Thebes MinimapAll numbers refer to the beginning of the respective chapter.

  • Start: Jan 1150 BC, 0 pop, 5000 Dr
  • Chapter 2 : Sep 1148 BC, 1004 pop, 572 Dr
  • Chapter 3 : Jan 1142 BC, 2808 pop, 8741 Dr
  • Chapter 4 (Cydonia): Sep 1140 BC, 0 pop, 13145 Dr
  • Chapter 5 : Dec 1138 BC, 3320 pop, 9427 Dr
  • Chapter 6 : Aug 1132 BC, 5596 pop, 31338 Dr
  • Chapter 7 : Jul 1128 BC, 6148 pop, 49762 Dr
  • Chapter 8 : Sep 1122 BC, 6616 pop, 103328 Dr
  • Finished : Sep 1120 BC, 6736 pop, 125709 Dr

Thebes Housing

  • Housing: 8 Estates, 11 Manors, 100+ Townhouses, 1 Apartment, 8 Tenements, 1 Homestead
  • Sanctuaries: Ares, Artemis, Athena, Aphrodite
  • Monuments: Population 3, City defense 1, Colony 1, Conquest 4, Happiness 4, Slain monster 5, Scholar 5, Athlete 4.
  • Production/Trade/Distribution buildings: Agoras - 4 Common, 2 Grand; 6 Granaries, 24 Wheat farms, 5 Dairies, 6 Carding sheds, 5 Olive growers, 8 Oil presses, 5 Masonry shops, 2 Horse ranches, 4 Armories, 5 Piers, 2 Trading posts... many storehouses (a lot more than I would want to count :)).