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Paeonian
Kingdom While we may assume that the Paeonian and Odrysian squadrons were equipped in a similar fashion to the regular squadrons of prodromoi, their general appearance and dress could have been markedly different as they were not part of the Royal Army. A Paeonian coin shows a warrior, dressed in a long-sleeved tunic, wearing a crested "Attic" helmet, and equipped with a spear, riding a horse with a pantherskin saddle cloth. He spears a warrior on foot who is shown wearing trousers. Coins of this series have been identified with an incident in the Gaugemela campaign when Ariston, the commander of the Paeonian squadron, speared Satropates through the throat.. The identification, however, is still far from certain. Alexander was in the process of crossing the Tigris; the infantry were wading across with considerable difficulty, but the king, together with a small advance party of light cavalry, had reached the far bank. Suddenly, a flying column of 1,000 Persian cavalry commanded by Satropates appeared to dispute the crossing. The situation was critical - only the advance party was formed up on the river bank and the unformed infantry, struggling in the water with their packs, would fall easy pray to a quick charge. Alexander immediately ordered forward the Paeonian squadron, with Ariston at its head. From the river, the whole army watched the drama unfolding on the steep riverbank. Ariston made straight for the Persian colonel Satropates, and promptly
ran him through the throat with his spear. The Persian turned and tried to
make his way back to safety among his comrades. Ariston overtook his
victim, unhorsed him, and, after a brief struggle, severed his head with a
sword-cut. The Paeonian prince gathered up Satriopates' head and galloped
back to Alexander, to the accompaniment of wild cheering from the army.
Throwing his trophy at Alexander's feet, the Paeonian shouted, 'Among us,
oh King, such a present is rewarded with a golden drinking-horn!' 'An
empty one, I suppose' replied Alexander with a laugh, 'but I promise you
one full of untempered wine.'"
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