After two indecisive victories at Paraitacene (317…
316 BCE
After two indecisive victories at Paraitacene (317 BCE) and Gabiene (316 BCE), Eumenes is betrayed to Antigonus by officers under his command.
According to Plutarch and Diodorus, Eumenes had won the Battle of Gabiene but lost control of his army's baggage camp thanks to his ally Peucestas' duplicity or incompetence.
Despite Eumenes' observation that Antigonus' infantry had been broken and that in cavalry the forces were fairly matched, the loss of the baggage has demoralized Eumenes' troops, as it also includes all the loot of the most decorated Macedonian veterans (called the Argyraspides, or Silver Shields)—treasure accumulated over thirty years of successful warfare.
It contains not only gold and gems but the Greeks' women and children.
Antigonus responds to a request for the return of the baggage train sent by Teutamus, one of their commanders, by demanding they give him Eumenes.
The Silver Shields do just that.
According to Plutarch, Antigonus starves Eumenes for three days, but finally sends an executioner to dispatch him when the time comes for him to move his camp.
Eumenes' body is given to his friends, to be burnt with honor, and his ashes are conveyed in a silver urn to his wife and children.
Eudemus, who had come from India as an ally of Eumenes and was responsible for the recruitment of Eumenes' elephants and light infantry, is also executed, as is the leader of the Argyraspides, Antigenes.
The Macedonians of Eumenes are now drawn into the ranks of Antigonus' army.
However, given the demonstrated fickle loyalty of the Argyraspides, Antigonus will never use them in a battle.
They are soon sent to the far-off satrapy of Arachosia (in modern Afghanistan), where the local satrap Sibyrtius is given special orders to send them out in two or three on dangerous missions, to ensure they don't survive to become a cohesive unit again.
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