Cavalry Commander
He subsequently spent 10 years from 221 BC in Crete as a mercenary captain. Returning to Greece in 210 BC, Philopoemen was appointed commander of the cavalry in the Achaean League.
In the same year, in one of the battles associated with the First Macedonian War between Macedonia and the Roman Republic, Philopoemen faced Damophantus, whose army was composed of Aetolians and Eleans, near the Larissa river (on the border of Elis). During the battle, Damophantus charged directly against Philopoemen with his spear. Bravely, Philopoemen didn't retreat, but waited with his lance, which he mortally thrust into Damophantus' chest. Immediately, the enemy fled from the battlefield. By this action, Philopoemen’s fame increased across Greece.
Read more about this topic: Philopoemen
Famous quotes containing the words cavalry and/or commander:
“To fight aloud is very brave,
But gallanter I know,
Who charge within the bosom
The Cavalry of Woe.”
—Emily Dickinson (1830–1886)
“Frenchmen, we do not accept your surrender. You surrender only to the enemy. If you’re Vichy, fight us. If you’re Frenchmen, join us.”
—Samuel Fuller, U.S. screenwriter. American commander (uncredited)