Rhoekos

Rhoekos
Rhoekos in battle
Born	March, 233 Sena, Makedonian Empire
Died	~300 Unknown
Allegiance	Makedonian Empire
Battles/wars	Makedonian-Hannashka Wars

Rhoekos, also known as Rhoekos of Sena, was a Makedonian general (strategos) of the Ancient Makedonian army who served during the Makedonian-Hannashka Wars. He is best known for serving opposite Kamadyu the Magnificent during her reconquest of Khaltia for the Hannashka Empire.

The son of Makedonian nobles, Rhoekos was born in Sena in 233 CE. Like most Makedonian noblemen, he served in the Makedonian army as a cavalry officer starting at or just after 250 CE. Without a short period of time Rhoekos had distinguished himself as a capable commander, first commanding a squadron then a taxis (brigade) of shock cavalry. It was during that time that Anaxandridas, king of Makedon, took note of Rhoekos and assigned him to his bodyguard. Shortly afterwards Rhoekos was promoted to strategos and given command of most Makedonian troops in south-west Siduri, possibly brought about by an intimate relationship between Anaxandrias and Rhoekos.

Starting in 262 Rhoekos began leading Makedonian forces and their satraps against the Hannashka armies under Kamadyu. The fighting between the two sides waged back and forth throughout 262-270, marked by victories and defeats by both sides. Some of these engagements, like the Battle of the Ghalenna River, were marked by heavy casualties and loss on both sides. Such losses resulted in a number of agreements between Rhoekos and Kamadyu to respect burial of the dead and recognition of holy days on both sides. After several years of campaigns and battles Rhoekos succeeded in driving Kamadyu eastward in 270, but suffered a decisive defeat at the Battle of Pendzhikent. For the remainder of the Khaltian campaign Rhoekos would remain on the defense before being seriously wounded at the Battle of Nehilkhran and captured by Kamadyu. He narrowly avoided succumbing to his wounds and was nursed back to health by Kamadyu, after which he became her bondsman.

The ultimate fate of Rhoekos is unknown. By the end of Kamadyu's campaigns against Makedon a peace treaty would have allowed him to return to Syara, but it is uncertain if he ever did. Although accounts exist of his captivity under Kamadyu until the late 3rd Century, there is no official record of what became of him after the peace treaty was signed. Sources written several decades later report his death around 300 CE, although this has never been fully confirmed.

Rhoekos's reputation among his contemporaries varied significantly and his legacy remains debated to this day. His sudden rise through the ranks and perception that this was due to his relationship with King Anaxandrias, combined with his ultimate defeat at the hands of Kamadyu, led to a negative reputation in the Empire. Modern historians tend to view him more favorably, citing his successes against the Hannashka and skill-at-arms. He was portrayed by actor Vladimir Gjorgjioski in the Tennaiite film Empress of Blood and Buddha.