Zenodoros Pytheid

Zenodoros Pytheid was a Strategos of the First Republic and Mercantilist Party member who during the Liberation of Rhodes rebelled against the government and was later defeated.

Early Career


In late 479 AVC, the ex-Archon Giolchos Alcetid was removed from his post as Strategos when it was revealed that he was planning a revolt against his Uncle, Phocas Alcetid and the then current Archon. In his stead, Phocas appointed Zenodoros, a rising star in the Civic Party. In the legislative session of 479 AVC, the last to be held on an odd-year, the Militarist Party proposed war on Tylis with the objective of annexing Thrace. The Archon gave command in that war to the new Strategos, Zenodoros. Zenodoros lost his first battle and was forced to retreat. Shaken, but not defeated, Zenodoros returned to Crete to train new recruits and sets out for Thrace again in 481 AVC. This second attempt is much more successful with Zenodoros routing the entire Tylis Army and conquering Thrace. The war is quickly ended, with all of Thrace now under Cretan control. Zenodoros had made a name for himself.

During the Tylian War, Zenodoros had endeared himself to his men, who in turn sword their loyalty to him. This was have terrible consequences later. However, with the war over, Zenodoros was free to return home.

In 485 AVC, the Aetolian League went to war against Macedonia and called on Crete to assist. The Senate voted to aid the League in any way possible and appointed Zenodoros to Strategos of the 2nd Army. Zenodoros' exploits during this time are little known, with the war over very quickly. It was during this time that Zenodoros switched allegiances, becoming a Mercantalist Party member for the better pay.

Liberation of Rhodes and Revolt
In 490, the Senate voted to annex Rhodes and the Archon Meleager Omirid appointed Zenodoros Pytheid Strategos to lead the Army against Rhodes. Zenodoros was overwhelmingly successful, defeating Rhodes swiftly and with few casualties. With his men fiercely loyal to him, and a fortified island at his disposal, Zenodoros declared independence from Crete.

Zenodoros dream of ruling Crete himself was shattered by the ex-Archon and famed Strategos Meleager Omirid who defeated his Army and executed Zenodoros for his crimes in 498 AVC.