ANCIENT HIST
JBATTLES. . lu.me 2. vo
' by
PETER .S IDE.s ·
~RICAL
BATTLES Vol2 by PETER SIDES
ISBN 1 874351 112 COPYRIGHT GOSLING PRESS FIRST PUBLISHED 1995
GOSLING PRESS 35 CROSS STREET UPTON PONTEFRACT
WF91EU
Page- 1
CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 ._, 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
INTRODUCTION ACRAGAS 406BC CROCUS PLAIN 353BC CRIMISUS 34 lBC SUESS A 340BC CAUDINE FORKS 321BC HELLESPONT 321BC P ARAITAKENE 317BC GABIENE 316BC RIVER THATIS 310BC SENTINUM 295BC BAGRADAS 253BC TELAMON 225BC SELLASIA 222BC TICINUS 218BC TREBIA 218BC EBRO 216BC MAGNESIA 189BC PYDNA 168BC CORINTH 146 BC ARAUSIO 105BC AQUAE SEXTIAE 102 BC CHAERONEA 86BC ORCHOMENUS 86BC TIGRANOCERTA 69BC BIBRACTE 59BC VOSGES 58BC SAMBRE 57BC ALESIA 52BC PHILIPPI 42BC TAURUS 39BC ANGRIVARII BOUNDARY 15AD NAISSUS 268AD MURSA 35 lAD CHALONS-SUR-MARNE 451AD DARAS 53 lAD DECIMUM 533AD TRICAMERUM 533AD TAGINAE 552AD CASILINUM 553AD YARMUK 636AD
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Page - 2
INTRODUCTION Ancient Historical battles book Il. is the third book in a series that covers all the major battles from 1479BC to the end of the middle ages in 1485AD. Ancients II is intended to cover the gaps in book Ancients I and to extend the period of ancients to link up with Medieval Historical Battles in this series. This series of books have been written for the wargamer and in so doing' are primarily designed to give enough information for him to re-enact the battle using any wargame set of rules, though I would recommend W argame Research Gr:oups::pe Bellis Antiqutarti.s" or even better "De Bellis Multitu4U_l~s'.~ ,Q0µi ,e)(cell1;~t, s~ts .ofrul~s f~r hist()ric;il re~ enactment. Each Battle.is described in. a :ecmcise anq,co~p~ct, ,Yt~Y, ~pv~npg wh,Yit- took place; the forces engaged, given in DBA\DBM.style ~lements and actual numbers of men; a deployment guide and illustration of the initial positions for each battle; the victory conditions and the historical outcome. · I have described each battle in a compact form and I do not pretend this is a major piece of historical work. My intentions are to allow people to re-fight the battle and in so doing learn the lessons on the battlefield. Don't be fooled by shear numbers, all battles are won and lost on small margins so what may appear a hopeless case is often the exact reverse.(see Marathon book I). In selecting what battles to include in this book I have firstly aimed at the period of history between 378AD and 732AD which covers the late Romans , the fall of the Roman Empire and the Early Byzantine's linking up with the Medieval Historical Battles in this series. I have also tried to fill in the gaps and expand upon the earlier historical periods covered in Ancients I which I hope now will give the complete military picture for many of the great classical wars. You will find the Romans do feature heavily in this book principally because not only were they the major power of most of the classical period but they also had a wealth of historians tQ record (not unbiased) Roman history, but I have tried to keep the spread of battles as diverse as I can. : The battles range from small to massive affairs and are for both individual duels and large battles requiring the resources of an entire club, some of the bigger, more spectacular, actions making excellent demonstration games. There are no push-overs in this book, every battle requires to b~ hard fought and will be won or lost on very small margins.
Page - 3
ACRAGAS 406 BC CARTHAGINIAN INVASION OF SICILY The Carthaginian siege of Acragas on the south-west coast of Sicily , whose defenders were commanded by the Spartan Dexippus was almost brought to close by an epidemic that killed the Carthaginian commander. Hamilco assumed command of the siege when he was confronted by a relief force of Syracusans under Corinthian command and a pitched battle was fought outside the walls of Acragas. ARMIES EARLY CARTHAGINIAN SYRACUSAN 25000 Carthaginians 35000 Syracusans 2000 Mounted (2 Cav,R(O)) 4000 Mounted (2 Chariots.2 Cav. (4 Cav,R(O)) 18000 Hoplites, 12000 Hoplites (8 Spear,R(O)) 12Spear(6,R(0);6,R(I)) 9000 Others (7 Auxilia ,R(O); 4 Psiloi,R(O)) 10000 Auxilia .10 Auxilia,R(O) 1 General (@+ 1) Cav,R(O) 5000 Lights, 10 Psiloi,R(5 (0); 5 (S)) 1 General Cav. R(I) DEPLOYMENT: Deploy the Carthaginian force first and the Syracusan forces move first. Count the Rampart as difficult going. VICTORY CONDITIONS: Carthage must destroy 11 Elements and Syracuse must destroy 7 Elements.
cav. psiloi
CARTHAGINIAN ouxilia
C(N
auxilia
S[Z
psiloi
c::J c::::::J 11IJ11111111_ ...............-1 c:::J rampart psiloi
spear
psiloi
::======~II II II Ill! !I !I ~c==~ I
mv
llllP'louxilio
aux1lia
ir;...J
I
!:)cav
SYRACUSIANS
35 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: It appears the defenders of Acragas failed to sally out as the Syracusan relief army attacked the Carthage siege lines, and though the Carthage force suffered heavily during the battle, the relief army failed to break the siege. Following the battle the defenders of Acragas started to abandon the city and eight months later Hamilco took it without a fight. Page - 4
CROCUS PLAIN 353 BC MACEDON versus PHOKIANS Philip of Macedon, taking advantage of a religious dispute between Thebes and the Phokians, sided with Thebes and attacked Onomarchos in Thessaly but was beaten in his first battle. But Philip returned in 353 BC with a large Thessalian contingent in support of his force. AR1\.1IES EARLY MACEDONIAN 20000Foot (8 Auxilia,(5,I(I),3,R(0));6 Psiloi,1(0); 6 Spear,R(O)) 3000 Mounted (1 Knight,R(F);2 Cavalry,R(O)) 1 General Knight R(F)
LATER HOPLITE GREEK 20000 Foot (8 Spear,1(0);3 Auxilia,R(O); 10 Psiloi,I(I)) 500Mounted (1 L/Cav,I(O)) 1 General Spear,1(0)
DEPLOYMENT: Deploy the Phokians first and Macedon moves first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: Macedon must destroy 7 Elements and the Phokians must destroy 8 Elements.
SC?O
PHOKIANS
psiloi psibi L/Cov. ~~~............r111m11m11~1n11~11n1~~,...::.:::.:..:~-17l ouxilio spe or ouxi!io
tJ1 (!J
.c:
-~ psiloi
ouxilio
spear ouxiliq
psioi
---~~--WlllllD-------'' MACEDON TANS 37 inches
N N
r:::::::2
~ knights
>I
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Onomarchos's lack of cavalry was his undoing and his army was quickly beaten, trapped against the sea. Onomarchos was killed. Philip replaced the Phokians on the Amphictyonic Council that controlled the Delphic temples and greatly increased his power in Athenian Greece. This power soon led Philip into conflict with the Athenians and the Battle of Chaeronea (see Ancient Historical Battles book one) Page - 5
CRIMISUS 341BC CARTHAGINIAN INVASION OF SICILY Timoleon of Corinth with an anny of mercenaries landed on Sicily in 344BC in support of a rebellion by the Sicilian Greeks again~t Dionysius and remained on Sicily to face the Carthaginian counter ~vasion in, 341BC. ARMIES EARLY CARTHAGINIAN 25000 Foot. (4 Spear.R(S);4 Spear,R(O); 4 Auxilia, R(0};4 Warband,I (S); 6 PsiloiJ(S)) 5000 Mounted (2 Heavy Chariot.RCav(0);3 Cavalry,R(O)) 1 Gene:r<;l•. RCav(O)
LATER HOPLITE GREEK 15500 Foot (8 Spear,R(O); 2 Auxilia,R(S); 3 Psiloi,I(S)) 2000 Mounted (2 Cavalry,R(O)) 2 Generals (Timofoon + l)RCav(I)
DEPLOYMENT: Deploy the Carthaginians first. Deploy the Greeks within charge range. The Greeks move first. Dice~ ld6. This is the number of turns before all the ground becomes bad going. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Carthaginians must destroy 5 Elements: and the Greeks '
9 Elements.
uphill
6. GREEKS au xiii a psiloi ~
..c
.~
k
35
inches
>I
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Timoleon attacked from the cover of a dense fog as ttl.e Carthaginians advanced up a hill. This surprise attack coupled with a heavy downpour that quickly turned the ground to thick mud halted the Carthaginian advance. The Carthaginian chariots initially gave the Greek cavalry a hard time until the ground became too soft and they were destroyed, as were the Carthaginian heavy infantry. The Carthaginian citizens sacred band, unable to manoeuvre in the mud, were surrounded and killed by the lighter armed Greeks. Page - 6
SUESS A ROME & SAMNITES versus LATINS The First Roman-Samnite war polarised the many smaller factions into the Roman or Samnite camp. Bp,t the. resolution of the war left the Samnites and Rome the dominant forces in Italy at the expensy of their former allies. The Latins, Campani, Aurunci and Siclicini banded together to oppose the two super powers. The armies finally faced each other by a mountain near Suessa in Auruncan territory.
ARMIES CAMILLIAN ROMAN 30000 Legionaries - 4 Legions (4 Cav.R(0);8 Psiloi,R(I);4 Blade,R(O); 12 Spear,R(4(S);8(I)) 2 Generals, Cav,R(O) SAMNITE 20000 Samnites (18 Auxilia,R(S); 2 Cav.R(O); 1 General, Cav.R(O))
LATINS AND CAMPANI 30000 men' (2 Cav.R(0);3 Blade,R(O); 10 Spear.R(3(0);7(I);5 Psiloi,R(I)) 1 Generals,Cav~R(O). · AURUNCIANDSIDICINI 30000 men (25 Auxilia.I(O); 6 Psiloi.I(I); 2 Cav.I(O);l General Cav,I(O))
DEPLOYMENT: Divide the Romans into two eqUal halves each under a general. Deploy the Romans/Samnites first and the Latins move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans/Samnites must destroy 17 Elements; Latins and Allies must destroy 16 Elements.
ROMANS monilius cov.
c:;;;a
rrrm Will
: SAMNITES ... ·
decius
spear
DJilJ blo de
:·.:·. - :c::;a COY.
mmn UUillJ
rrmm
ouxilio
r===-fsiloi ......----.
cov
c::::::J psiloi rr:rm::::u:t blade
[]]]]]spear
1
mrm
,...._...__.________-. .' r:3 cov
CAM PAN I
k
.____ _ ___, psiloi
1
· ·
AURLJNI & SIDICINI
56 inchE's
ouxilio I
-
•
,
-
. >I
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Romans had bolstered their legions with 'the unreliable Accensi (spear R(I)) forming a fourth line in front of the Hastati. The Latins and Campani drove back the Roman Hastati , Decius, leading the Princeps in a counter attack, was killed. This halted the Roman centre. The Latins pressed on against Manilius who threw the Accensi against them. The Latins defeated these but thinking this was the last line were utterly routed by the sudden attack of Manilius with his best foot the Triarii. Page - 7
CAUDINE FORKS 321BC SECOND SAMNITE WAR Roman expansion in Italy brought them into conflict with the many tribes and nations that made up Italy at that time. Rome's main enemies during this period were the Etruscans to the north and the Samnites to the south. The colonisation of Fregellae lead Rome into new hostilities with the Samnites and the second Samnite war. ARMIES TULLIAN ROMAN 24000 Romans (14 Spear,R(O);) 6 Psiloi,I(I) 5000 Latin Allies (2 Spear,R(I); 1000 Cavalry ( 1 Cav.R(O)) 4 Psiloi,R(I)) 1 General RCav(O)
SAMNITE 30000 Samnites (26 Auxilia,R(S); 4 Cav,R(O)) 6000 Italian Allies (1 Spear,1(0);2 Aux.ilia,I(O); 3 Psiloi,I(O);lCav.R(O)) 2 General RCav(O)
DEPLOYMENT: The Romans deploy first and the Samnites move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 12 Elements, and the Samnites 9 Elements.
SAMINITES All..IES
I/) (!J
psiloi
_c
t:
~
35 inches
11I
l
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Roman army, under consuls Calvinus and Postumius advancing into Sarnnite territory through mountain passes in pursuit of the Sarnnite army, were ambushed by Pontius. The Romans, unable to deploy and surrounded, were forced to surrender after several days of attempting to fight their way out. Page- 8
HELL ES PONT MACEDONIAN CIVIL W~ Alexander's. death th:rew his empire into a state of political and military turmoil with his generals and governors claiming independent kingdogis. Phllip AIThidaeus is declared Alexander's successor with Perdicas as regent of the As~atic.Empire.and Anti.pater regent of the Western Empire. Krateros Antipater's general crossed into Asia and was opposed by Eumenes of Kardia ,Governor of Kappadokia, at the Hellespont. ARMIES KRATEROS EUMENES . 20000 Foot SOOOM,ounted 20000 Foot 2000 Mounted. (8 Pike R(O); 2 Spear R(I); 4 Auxilia R(O) (4 Pike R(S); 10 Auxilia R(O); 8 Psiloi 1(0); 2 Psiloi R(O); 2 Cavalry R(I)) . 4 Cavalry R(l); 2L\Cav. 1(0)) 1 General Knight R(F) 1 General Knight R(F) DEPLOYMENT: Krateros deploys and moves first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: Krateros must destroy 9 Elements and Eumenes 6 Elements.
cav. auxilia I
CJ
KRATEROS pike
spear auxi!ia
llllllllllllllllllllll psiloi
.cav.
' - - 1_ _ _ _ ,
psiloi
CJ
Vl
C!J
..c. u
psiloi
.S LO
1111111 L/cav. cav,
1~
auxilia
pike BJMENES
auxili a
cav.
L /cav.
33 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Krateros, hoping the Macedonian elements amongst Eumenes' cavalry might desert on being faced with other Macedonians, or being unsure of his own infantry, charged at the head of his outnumbered cavalry. Krateros died early in the charge and his second in command Neoptolemos, a personal enemy of Eumenes, sought him out and fought hand to hand, wounding Eumenes but dying at Eumenes' hand. Krateros' infantry, until now unengaged, were surrounded and leaderless. They surrendered. Page- 9
PARAITAKENE 317 BC SUCCESSOR WARS Eumenes of Kardia, allied with most of the eastern satraps of the now fragmented Alexandrian Empire, faced the rising power of Antigonos One-eye. Eumenes was an able commander and Alexander's military secretary. He had been cold shouldered by the 'Macedonian' successors and was aided by the Eastern and Indian kingdoms. After initial manoeuvring against Antigonos, Emenes finally confronted him in Media.
ANTIGONOS
ARMIES ASIATIC EARLY SUCCESSOR
10500 Cavalry (6 Cav.R(I); 1 Knight R(F); 7 L\Cav. I(F)) 21000 Phalanx (12 Pike R(O); 2 Spear I(O)) 7000 Light Troops (2 Auxilia,I(O); 10 Psiloi R(O)) 64 Elephants (2 Elephants I(O)) 2 Generals (Knight R(F))
EUMENES
6500 Cavalry (3 Cav.(I(I);7 L\Cav.I(O)) 15000 Phalanx (10 PikeR(O)) 3000 Argyraspids (2 Pike,R(S)) 18000 Light Troops (36 Psiloi,(20,1(0);16,I(S)) 125'Elephants (5 Elephants,I(O)) 2 Generals (lKnights,R(F); 1 Warwagon ,R(I))
DEPLOYMENT: Eumenes deploys first; and Antigonos moves first. Eumenes was ill during this battle and is represented by the warwagon, as he was carried to the battle in a litter. VICTORY CONDITIONS: Eumenes must destroy 14 Elements and Antigonos must destroy 21 Elements.
I
~
llill!iiililil~
-=====:J
pike
elephants and psiloi
/
28
low hill
il'"d"'cs
/
plain
psiloi ouxi lia elephants
I
1.0 inches
A
>i
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Eumenes deployed his army on the plain witl1 the intent of refusing his left and attacking with his right. Antigonos deployed on the high ground in an echelon formation to counter Eumenes but when his light cavalry advanced, it contacted Eumenes' line first. Initially Antigonos' left flank did well, but Eumenes transferred some light cavalry from his opposite flank and broke Antigonos light cavalry. Antigonos's centre, now in the plain, faced Eumenes' phalanx, but was driven back when Antigonos, seeing a gap develop between the enemy centre and it's left flank, drove into it and routed the entire left flank of Eumenes army. At this, both armies halted to reform and night fell before they could resume the fight so Antigonos claimed the victory as Eumenes withdrew ,but in reality it was a draw. Page - 10
GABIENE 316 BC SUCCESSOR WARS Eumenes of Kardia desperately trying to keep alive the united Empire of Alexander had fought and was narrowly defeated by Antigonos at Paraitakene. The following year Antigonos emerged early from winter quarters and force-marched to Gabiene near Susa in order to catch Eumenes off guard. Antigonos succeeded, but Eumenes' army quickly rallied and prepared for battle on a broad sandy plain. ARMIES ANTIGONOS ASIATIC EARLY SUCCESSOR EUMENES 30000 Foot 9000 Mounted 65 Elephants 36500 Foot 6000 Mounted 114 Elephants (8 Pike R(O); 4 Spear R(I); (16 Pike R(8(S);8(0)); 12 Auxilia R(O); 8 Auxilia(4 R(S);4 I(S)); 7 Psiloi I(S); 3 Knights R(F); 2 Cav.R(I); 2 L\Cav. I(O); 5 Elephants I(O) ) 8 Psiloi R(O); 2 Knight R(F); 6 Cav.R (4(1); 2(0));2 L\Cav R(O); 2 Generals Knight R(F) 3 Elephants I(O)) 2 Generals Knight R(F) DEPLOYMENT: Eumenes deploys and moves first. The battle was fought on a dusty plain and so if you have rules for dust raised by troop movements I would apply them. VICTORY CONDITIONS: Antigonos must destroy 16 Elements and Eumenes 13 Elements. Count the loss ofEumenes' Baggage as 3 Elements. ANT!GON05
ontic;pnos
ri
kn~ ii:1
sp
l/cov
r:::;:i
e leph01is. ouxilio. psiloi
~
I
;;;;« 21
~
-
-
.
.
.
-
elephants,________ psiloi c::::u:J==l-.... , ,. ,_
c=:::::Jiillilillilillll!lliiit=?
v.n;ghts L/c.011 auxilia eumenes
pike
oux1ho
c::;;i CCV
philip
baggage
SO inches
~I
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The battle started with Eumenes attacking Antigonos' right flank and with a general engagement of light troops and elephants. Under cover of dust clouds raised by the army's movement Pithon outflanked Philip and captured Eumenes' baggage. Antigonos now attacked Eumenes' left flank and quickly destroyed it. Eumenes' centre had driven back Antigonos' phalanx at the expense of its flanks. Harassed and surrounded by Antigonos cavalry Eumenes' Argyraspids seized Eumenes and negotiated a surrender with Antigonos. Eumenes was executed. Antigonos now dominated the eastern satraps. The Argyraspids were sent to the central Asian frontier, never to return. Page- 11
RIVER THATIS 310 BC BOSPHORAN WAR OF ACCESSION On the death of the Bosphoran King, Paerisades, the throne passed onto his eldest son Satyrus in 309BC but the claim was contested by his brother Eumeles. Eumeles was seeking allies to support his claim . He recruited the Thataen's aid. They had only recently been made vassals.of the Bosphoran kingdom and their king Aripharnes hoped to gain his freedom from the Bosphoran king by putting Eumeles on the throne.
ARMIES SATYRUS SYTHIAN 10000 Sythian Foot(S Bow,I(I);lO Psiloi,1(0)) 6000 Greek Mercenaries (4 Spear,I(O)) 8000 Thracian Mercenaries (8 Auxilia,I(S)) 10000 Sythian Cavalry(4 Knights,I(F);12 LJCav.I(F)) 2 Generals (Satyrus +1) Knight I(F)
EUMELES SYTHIAN 22000 Thataens Foot (12 Auxilia,1(0);20 Psiloi,I(O)) 20000 Cavalry (6 Knights,I(F);28 L/Cav.I(F)) 2 Generals. Knight I(F)
DEPLOYMENT: Eumele's Sythians deploy and move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: Eumeles Sythians must destroy 17 Elements and Satyrus 22 Elements. Satyrus camp equals 1 Element for victory conditions.
THATAENS
L/Cov.
auxilia
Psiloi Uc.ov
l2:j,....~~...,J~---! I cz::::L/Cov
bow
psiloi
L/Cav
Knights
p
L/c.av
I ;=-;--j llJJ]JP-------"""'d;;;;......
Knights
L/Cav
spear
ouxilio
L/Cov.
~
Ocomp
River Thotis
70 inchl?s
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Eumeles started the battle with an attack on Satyrus' mercenaries on his right flank, initially driving them back. Satyrus countered this with a determined attack on the Thataens centre and routed it. Then Satyrus turned his victorious centre against the Thataens left flank and destroyed Eumeles flank trapping it against the Greek and Thracian mercenaries who, though pushed back, had not been broken. Page - 12
SENTINtJM ROME versus:.SAMNITES. The Samnites combined with Etruscans, Umbri and Senonian Gauls under the Samnite General Gellius Egnatius to defeat the rising power of Rome. Rome's initial force under Consul Fabius Rullianus was reinforced by a further force under Consul Decius (son of the Decius killed af Suessa ). But this force was still too small to face the Samnites and could only hope to match it once the Etruscans and Umbri had been drawn off by Roman reserve forces raiding into Etruria. ARMIES SAMNITE CAMILLAN ROMAN 22000 Samnites 4 Roman Legions 22000 Romans ( 1 Cav.R(O); 21 Auxilia,R(S); (4 Cav,R(0);4 Psiloi,R(I);4 Blade,R(O); ·:1 General Cavalry R(O)) 8 Spear,R(4(0),4(S)) 1000 Campanian Cavalry. (1 Cav.(0)) 22000 Latin Allies.(8 Psiloi R(D;22 Auxilia I,(0)) SENONIAN GAULS 24000 Gauls 2 Generals Cavalry R(O) (2 Cav.1(0);4 Chariots,(Cav)I(O); 6 Psiloi,I(S) 15Warband,I(O) 1 General Chariot(Cav),I(O) DEPLOYMENT: Samnites and Gauls deploy first and the Romans move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 18 Elements; The Samnites/Gauls 17 Elements. samni1c> camp
cmriots
p:c ~ e::J ...._______,
SAMNITES
..._______.......,....., c::5 cav.
CO>/.
psi lo i
psiloi
l.c==Pfl
c:::J WIWJ ~--. c:::::::J
._a_u_x 1-a....,i
ililif]
LICO>/.
COY
1,.,..l
auxilia
blade; sp!?or
DECIUS
1
m
WlIIl
cav L/cav.
c=J P': 1;;?1
N N
auxilia bladt"/spear
r
E:)
FABIUS
knight
k
52 inchC?s
>I
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Decius faced the Gauls with Legions V and VJ. Leading the cavalry charge, he initially defeated the Gallic cavalry but most. were routed by the enemy chariots. This disordered the Roman line and the Gauls charged, driving back. Fabius had held back from attacking the Samnites but now he drove off their cavalry and outflanked them, driving them back to their camp. Seeing Decius in difficulties Fabius re-inforced him with his Campanian cavalry attacking the Gauls in the flank and with some of his legionaries bolstering Decius's force. This halted the Gauls and they were finally defeated when Fabius stormed the Samnite camp, killing Gellius and taking the Gauls in the rear. Page - 13
BAGRADAS 253BC lst PUNIC WAR The lst Punic war was brought about by the Mamertines who used the Carthaginians to rid them of their Greek oppressors and then used Rome to remove the subsequent Carthage garrison force imposed upon them in Sicily. In order for Rome to defeat the Carthaginians in Sicily, she had to build a substantial navy and with this new power proceeded to take the war to Carthage itself. Carthage employed a brilliant Spartan general, Xanthippus to face this Roman invasion. ARMIES POLYBIAN ROMAN 15000 Legionaries (8 Blade,R(O); 2 Spear,R(S)) 10000 Allies ( 6 Psiloi,R(O); 7 Auxilia,R(l)) 1500 Mounted ( 2 Cav.R(O); lL/Cav.I(O)) 1 General. RCav.(0)
LATER CARTHAGINIAN 20000 Foot (8Spear,R(0);4Auxilia,R(0);8Psiloi,I(S)) 4000 Mounted (2C~avalry ,R(0);4 L/Cav.I(O)) 100 Elephants (5 Elephants,I(I)) 1 General@+ 1 RCav(O)
DEPLOYMENT: The deploy Romans first. and the Carthaginians move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 10 Elements and the Carthaginians 8 Elements. ROMAN - - spear CIIIll
,,
cav. auxilia
!I I I I! I I I I I ouxi!ia
WI.
r11, "
PlZ!
1"
blade?
1 1
Ucov.
psiloi Vl OJ
psiloi
.c u -~
Ucav. ccrv. i..---------cav. L/cav.
LZP"I auxilia
!ELEPHANTS
omn
spear
IJJl1
P1/?1
['-.
N
ffi1I Oauxilia Ulllspeor
C,1-R"Tl-IAGINIAN
...........____.---....! ~--------.,i>I 27 inches
l I
7J
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Xanthippus deployed his anny in columns behind his massed elephants and covered the flanks with cavalry and light troops. With the Roman centre pinned down, holding off the elephants, Xanthippus defeated the Romans on both flanks with his cavalry and double enveloped the Romans. The Roman General Regulus was forced to surrender. Though Carthage had beaten this Roman invasion, they were to lose the war through Rome's command of the seas. Page - 14
TELAMON 225BC GALLIC INVASION OF ITALY Ever since the Gauls sacked Rome in 390BC, the Romans had been on their guard against another Gallic invasion. So in 225BC when the threat of invasion arose they sent Consul Papus to guard the invasion routes. However, the Gauls outmanoeuvred this blocking force and penetrated into Italy. Consul Regulus returned from Sardinia and trapped the Gauls between the two Roman armies.
ARMIES GALLIC
POLYBIAN ROMAN 42000 Legionaries (18 Blade,R(O); 6 Spear,R(S);12 Psiloi,R(I)) 30000 Allies (24 Auxilia,R(I);12 Psiloi,R(O)) 4500 Mounted (3 Cav.@+1.R(S) ;3 L\Cav.R(O)) 2 Generals RCav(O)
50000 Foot (36 Warband,I(F); 20 Psiloi,I(S)) 20000 Mounted (8L\Chariots,ICav(0);16Cav.I(O)) 1 Gene;ral. I warband (S)
DEPLOYMENT: The Gauls deploy first and the Romans move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 26 Elements and the Gauls 26 Elements
coast road warbands
psiloi
auxilia ROMANS 90 inches·
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Regulus, realising the Gauls, though outnumbered, had a superior cavalry force, blocked the route they were followfug and managed to draw off and defeat the main cavalry force (at the cost of his own life). This left the Gallic infantry surrounded and outnumbered to be dealt with by the better armed Romans. Few Gauls escaped and though they were to fight for Hannibal there was never a threat of a Gallic invasion again. Page - 15
SELLASIA 222BC SPARTA versus ACHAEAN LEAGUE Sparta had always remained aloof from Macedonian rule, so much so that Macedon had defeated Sparta in battle to curb Sparta's opposition. On Alexander's death, when the Greek states formed power blocks in alliances and Leagues, Sparta was isolated from other Greek states by her former opposition to Macedon and attempted to re-establish its once dominant position in Greece, by coming into conflict with the most powerful Greek league, the Achaean League. ARMIES SPARTA MACEDONANDACHAEANLEAGUE 13000 Macedonian Foot. 6000 Spartans armed as Phalangites (4 Pike,R(O)) (6 Pike,R(O); 4 Auxilia.R(O)) 14500 Mercenaries 9000 Greek Allies (2 Spear,R(O); 2 Auxilia,I(S); (2 Cav. R(S);lL\Cav. I(O);lO Auxilia,R(S); 4 Psiloi,R(O)) 4 Psiloi, R(S);2 Cav.R(O)) 1 General CavR(S) 6000 Mercenaries(3Auxilia,R(S); 4 Psiloi,R(O);l Cav.IR(O)) 1 General Cav. R(S) DEPLOYMENT: The Spartans deploy first and the Macedonian/Greeks move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: Sparta must destroy 9 Elements, and Macedon/Greek 7 Elements
T
MACEDONIAN/ GREEKS
P1
I
auxi!ia
pike
spear
..
llllllllllllllfH uxr1r 0
psiloi
cav.
PI Vl
.c
PI cav ps1101
ouxr!ra
11111!!!1 pike
auxilia
I
.~
VI
~
psiloi L!cav
SPARTANS
·...,.---,-----~
43 inches
7j
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Antigonus Doson, the Macedonian Commander, initially attacked on the flanks, having superior numbers ,and drove back the Spartans on one flank, turning the Spartan position. Cleomenes, the Spartan Commander, seeing his position was now in mortal danger, made a desperate attack in the centre driving back the Macedonians, but as his attack lost momentum under the weight of numbers, he was encircled and destroyed.
Page - 16
TICINUS 218BC 2nd PUNIC WAR This was the first battle. _of the 2nd Punlc War to be fought on Roman soil . Hannibal, having crossed the Alps and after resting his army, started his campaign by capturing the town of Taurini. This delay allowed Cornelius Scipio to return from Spain and gather what forces he could. During Hannibal's crossing of the Alps the Cisalpine Gauls had attacked and defeated the Roman force under Manilus sent there to block Hannibal's advance. These inexperienced troops and Scipio's own forces were all Rome had to halt Hannibal's invasion.
ARMIES POLYBIAN ROMAN 10000 Legionaries(4 Blade,R(O); 2 Spear,R(S);2 Psiloi,R(I)) 15000 Allied Foot (11 Auxilia,I(I); 8 Psiloi,R(O)) 5000 Cavalry (5 Cav.R(O)) 1 General Cavalry R(O)
CARTHAGINIAN 35000 Foot (8 Spear,R(O); 10 Aux,I(S); 10 Warband1I(S);6 Psiloi,I(S)) 12000 Mounted (6 Cav.I(0);12L\Cav.I(O); 2 Elephants,I(O)) 2 Generals (Hannibal +l)Cavalry I(O)
DEPLOYMENT: The Roman.s deploy first, and Carthage moves first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 14 Elements and Carthage 10 Elements.
worbcmd
.!XZZ;;£1= fJ I ! psiloi
L/cov
il!!!!ll!lli ouxilia
spear
nuxilio
L/cav
psiloi
I:;;1<2J•~~:J:id2'.J
psiloi
ouxilio
psitoi
psiloi
c:::l
1.8 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The battle started when both scouting forces encountered each other. The result was that the first line of Scipio's army was his allies' troops, supported by cavalry . This proved Scipio's undoing. Hannibal had placed his cavalry in the vanguard and their initial charge drove Scipio's first line back into his legions, throwing them into confusion. Scipio still managed to hold his centre but could then not prevent Hannibal's Numidian light Cavalry outflanking him on both sides. His army, now surrounded, managed to fight its way back to camp. Scipio was wounded in the process. Page - 17
TREBIA 218BC 2nd PUNIC WAR Hannibal having crossed the Alps, quickly defeated a Roman army at Ticinus lead by Scipio who was wounded during the battle. Hannibal then pursued the Roman army until it halted at the River Trebia. The new Roman commander Sempronius was eager to get to grips with Hannibal, who was also eager to bring the Romans to battle, but on his terms. ARMIES POLYBIAN ROMAN 18000 Legionaries (8 Blade,R(0);3 Spear,R(S);3 Psiloi,R(I)) 20000 Latin Allies (2 Warband,I (F);13 Auxilia,R(I); 8 Psiloi,R(I)) 4000 Cavalry (4 Cavalry,R(O)) 1 General RCav(O)
CARTHAGINIAN 20000 Foot(4 Spear,R(O); 6 Auxilia,I(S);4 Warband,I(F)) 8000 Balearic(16 Psiloi,R (0)) 10000 Mounted(6 Cav,I (O); 8 Lt.Cav,I (0)) 37 Elephants (2 Elephants,! (0)) 2 Generals - Both +1. RCav (0)
DEPLOYMENT: Deploy the main Carthaginian force first, then the Romans, then the Carthaginian ambush force. Special Rule: The Roman player secretly dices 2D6 - this is the number of turns he must play before his entire army counts as fatigued. The Romans move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 15 Elements and the Carthaginians 13 Elements.
wlbond ouxi1io spear auxilio w'bond cov.
I
ITTIUJJ
p
!~ITT
psiloi
..
Vl
psiloi
c:::=:::::J
~
psiloi
c:=::J
psiloi
.;:
c::::=:J
c:
~ w~~~n~b:::;au~x~il1~a===i;~~~5l===~au~x;il10~==J~iJ~d~
v
" N
llllJlW:CJ1 spear SEMPRONIUS
L9 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The battle started with Hannibal's light troops attacking early in the morning before reveille. The Roman army, called to arms, immediately advanced and quickly drove off the Carthaginian light troops who moved back to the flanks. As the Roman centre advanced, its flanks were halted and driven back, when Mago with the Numidians came from their ambush site and moved into the Roman rear. The Romans now cold, exhausted and surrounded, fought a desperate fight and managed to break through the centre, 10000 escaping. The Carthaginians were prevented from pursuing by torrential rain, cold and exhaustion. Page - 18
2nd PUNIC WAR The second Punic war had started over territorial control in Spain between Carthage and allies of Rome. Carthage's occupation of Saguntum was the spark of war. Hannibal moved on to invade Italy and left Hasdrubal to continue the war in Spain. Gnaeus Scipio, the Roman commander, had not pressed Hasdrubal so far, but on learning Hasdrubal had been ordered to Italy and that Himilco ,with an equally large army, was to replace him, Scipio had to destroy Hasdrubal's forces before he could re-inforce Hannibal in Italy. Neither could Hasdrubal be held in Spain to be joined by Himilco.
ARMIES CARTHAGINIAN
POLYBIAN ROMAN 8000 Legionaries (4 Blade R(O);l Spear,R(S);l Psiloi,R(S)) 14000 Allies (12 Auxilia,R(l); 4 Psiloi,R(S)) 3000 Cavalry (3 Cavalry,R(O)) lGeneral (@+ 1) Cavalry R(O)
24000 Foot (8 Spear,R(O); 12-Auxilia,I(S): 4 Psiloi,I(S)) 10000 Mounted (5 Cav.1(0); lOL\Cav.I(O)) 1 General. Cavalry R(O)
DEPLOYMENT: The Carthaginians deploy first and the Romans move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 13 Elements and Carthage 8 Elements
HASDRUBAL L/cav.
cav
.
cav
spear
auxi!ia
Ill
psiloi
OJ
.r:::.
.~
psi Ibi
...,:
N
1111111111111111 auxilia
auxilia
IIlID
P1 COY
blade/spear
SCI PIO
~
53 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Hasdrubul had placed all his Spanish troops in the centre flanked by his African and Carthage mercenatj~s. Scipio had deployed with his Legionaries in the centre. When the Romans attacked, the Spanish (j_uiclqygave way, splitting Hasdrubul's army in two and although Hasdrubal's wings drove- back both Roman flanks, the Romans, still as one body, managed to defeat the two separate wings of the Carthage army. Page -
19
MAGNESIA 189BC ROME versus SELEUCIDS The Battle of Cynoscephalae 197BC (see Book 1) removed Macedonia as the major power in Greece and left Greece nominally independent of Rome. Antiochus III Emperor of Seleucids then invaded this unprotected region but Rome quickly drove him back to Pergamum within his Empire and forced a battle before he could expand his army. ARMIES POL YBIAN ROMAN 24000 Romans & Allies (4 Blade,R(0);2 Spear,R(S);8 Auxilia,R(I); 14 Psiloi,R(I)) 3000 Pergamene/Achaian (3 Auxilia,R(I)) 1000 Cretans!frallians (2 Psiloi,R(O)) 3000 Cavalry Roman/Pergamene (3 Cav.R(O)) 2000 Macedonian Allies(2 Auxilia,R(I)) 2 Generals RCav(O) (Cornelius Scipio + 1)
SELEUCIDS 15000 Phalangites (10 Pike,R(O)) 9000 Argyraspids (6 Spear,R(S)) 3000 Galatians (3 Warband,I(O)) 6000 Cappadocians(6Auxilia,I(O)) 10000 Skinnishers(20 Psiloi,I(O)) 6500 Cavalry(2Knight.,R(F); 3Cav.I(O) ;4L/Cav,R(O)) 54 Elephants(3 Elephants,! (0)) Scythed Chariot (1 Sch,I exp (0)) 1 General +1 R Knight (F)
DEPLOYMENT: The Romans deploy first and Antiochus moves first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 19 Elements and the Seleucids 12 Elements. Count the camps as 1 Element each. auxilia c:::::J roman ----camp
cav
S
pergamenC! m1x11io quxilio
I
ouxilia
'" blade '"'"" 11!
psilo1
psiloi
siloi
-Li'./;;".c.a~v:"".""""""::c~av"':.~ou-x-il-ia-1.=...Jo.1..U.~p~1~e...1..1..&..1...1 SE LUCID
w/lxlnd rov spear
Knights
ID
l8 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Antiochus started by attacking with both wings of his army. His left wing was quickly defeated but his right wing made it to the Roman camp where it was stopped and driven back. This now left the Seleucid centre isolated, to be defeated in turn. Page- 20
ROME versus MACEDON The Battle of Magnesia had removed Antiochus from influence in Macedonia but Rome fought a third Macedonian war against Perseus, the son of Philip V of Macedon, for overall control of the eastern Mediterranean World. ARMIES EARLY IMPERIAL ROMAN 11000 Legionaries (2 Legions) (2 Cav,R(0);4 Blade,R(0);2 Aux.R(S); 2 Psiloi,R(O)) 8500 Italian Allies. (8 Auxilia,R(S); 1 Psiloi,R(O)) 8500 Pergamene Allies (2 Knight,R(F); · 6 Aux.R(S);l Psiloi R(O)) 9500 Numidian Allies (10 L\Cav,I(O); 4 Auxilia,l(l); 1 Psiloi 1(0)) 35 Elephants (2 Elephants 1(0)) 2 Generals ,Cavalry R(O)
LATER MACEDONIAN 21000 Phalangites (2 Pike,R(S); 12 Pike,R(O)) 17000 Others (7Auxilia,R(S); 20 Psiloi,(10l(S);lO1(0)) 4000 Cavalry (2 Cav.I(O); 4 L/Cav.I(O)) 2 Generals , Cavalry R(O)
DEPLOYMENT: The Macedon!qns deploy first and the Romans move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Macedonians must destroy 15 Elements and the Romans 15 Elements.
COY.
c.;;il
OU >
c::::::J
---......-~---'.
.
....._!
psilo1
aux1l1a/psil~i
·•.
;~ ':
· ··
.__-~--.-i-1 00_1'.11111111d pergamene
· ·
..
.. ~gh terrain .
. .
· · aux11ta/blo_de • ·
- •. , . -. c:::iiii1I. romons. ·cov · · ·
·
· ·
. ·
.
•
i-isilo1
a~xilia ·.·
D. .
:·.·.
.
,
itolian ·
-
:·, ~ .
~1f:J
~p5i1oi
'
·.
:·
.
·
~i ·ioi ~ P5 1 •
· ouxtho . . L/cov • · · · . num1d1on . ·
romon cam
I
f
•
•
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Perseus offered battle on a flat plain near Pydna ,but Paullus the Roman commander declined to fight and set his camp on rough ground. The following day fighting broke out between Persues' Thracians and Paullus's Italian allies' watering parties. Persues responded by advancing his entire army at the Roman camp. Paullus deployed his army and started by launching an attack on the enemy left flank with his Elephants, supported by his Italian allies, which broke that flank. In the centre, the Macedonian phalanx drove back the Roman legions but as they advanced across the rough ground they lost their cohesion and the Romans cut the phalanx to pieces. Persues and the cavalry had been defeated earlier and now the disorganised phalanx was slaughtered. The battle lasted less than an hour. Page- 21
CORINTH 146 BC ROME versus ACHAEAN LEAGUE The peoples of the Peloponnese banded together to form the Achaean league to resist the Roman settlement of Greece after Rome had finally destroyed the last vestiges of Macedonian power at the battle of Pydna. The Achaean league in alliance with Corinth had initially been defeated by a Roman force. So Diaios, the Achaean general, gathered all his forces at Corinth to face the Roman Consul Mummius' army.
ARMIES POLYBIAN ROMAN HELLENISTIC GREEK(ACHAEAN) 20000 Foot , 3000 Mounted 20000 Foot , 1500 Mounted 2 Legions + Allies (4 Pike,R(0);4 Auxilia,I(S); Roman (4 Blade,R(O); 2 Spear,R(S); 8 Psiloi,(4,R(0);4R(S)); 2 Psiloi,R(S),2 Cav.R(O)) 1 Knight,R(F),l L\Cavalry,R(O)) Pergamenes (4 Auxilia,R(I),1 Knight,R(X)) 1 General Knight,R(F) Cretans (8 Psiloi,R(O)) 1 General,Cavalry R(O) DEPLOYMENT: The Romans deploy and move first.. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 6 Elements and the Achaia League 7 Elements
T
~ spear I 1 I I ii ii I cavalry
a..ixilia
blade-.!"'i"'l""l"i""'l I 111 I I I I I
..___ __,l cretan psiloi
auxilia
11111111 I roman psiloi
cretan psiloi
psiloi
knight
,____--illllllllll .. I [2J auxilio
pike
aux1l1a
L!covalry
ACHAJAN LEAGUE
k
17 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Diaios launched a night attack on the larger Roman anny causing heavy casualties amongst the camp of the advanced guard. Bolstered by this, he offered battle the next day. The Roman Consul Mummius started the battle with an attack on both flanks with his superior cavalry force which easily defeated the Achaean cavalry but failed to return from its pursuit. The Roman main battle line now engaged the Achaean pike and was held until the Romans outflanked the pike phalanx and broke it. Diaios fled to Arcadia and the Romans razed Corinth to the ground and sold its entire population into slavery. Page - 22
ARAUSIO GERMANIC INVASJON OF EARLY ROMAN EMPIRE Following the Punic wars, Rome set about establishing the territories it had captured beyond. the Alps. But at this time a major migration southwards of peoples in Northern Europe as far as Denmark brought conflict with Rome. The migration by the Cimbri, Teutons and Ambrones was at first defeated at Noreia in l 13BC but this did not stop the migration. Fonunately for Rome, the Alps proved a major obstacle preventing the migrating tribes froni going into Italy, but turning them towards the Mediterranean coast. Roman armies attempted to stop this migration and so a major force was assembled to halt it at the Rhone river. ARMIES POLYBIAN ROMAN lstARMY 14000 Legionaries (6 Blade,R(O); 3 Spear,R(S);3 Psiloi,R(S)) 20000 Allied foot (2 Blade, !(0);4 Spear,R(O); 6 Auxilia,I(S);lO Psiloi,R(O)) 6000 Cavalry (4 Cav.R(O); 4 L\Cav.R(O)) 1 General Cavalry R(O) 2ndARMY As above.
EARLY GERMANS 80000 Warriors (60 Warband,!(0);20 Psiloi,I(S); 6 Cav.I(O); 8 L\Cav.I(O)) 2 Generals Cavalry I(O)
DEPLOYMENT: The Romans deploy first by their camps and the Germans move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 31 Elements and the Germans 27 Elements. Each Roman camp equals 2 Elements. GERMANIC
2nd ROMAN ARMY
1st ROMAN ARMY
~
HORDE
tl)
Cl.>
..c
•
u
s
-.3 tn
river Rhone
110 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The two Roman armies were camped separately along the Rhone when the Germans struck. The whole German horde attacked the first army it came across the river. The Roman force was annihilated before the second Roman army could intervene. Then it was the tum of the second Roman army to be overwhelmed by the German horde. Shortly after this battle the German horde split into three distinct groups which eventually was its downfall.
Page - 23
AQlJAE SEXTIAE 102BC GERMANIC INVASION OF EARLY ROMAN EMPIRE The disaster at Arausio had left Rome wide open to the invaders but fortunately after Arausio the horde broke up and by the time the Teutons and Ambrones turned towards Italy Marius had been elected consul and had trained his new army. Marius marched from Spain and intercepted the Germans back at the Rhone. ARMlES TEUTONS 50000 Warriors (40 Warband,I(F);6 Psiloi,I(S); 4 Cav,I(0);6 L\Cav.I(O)) 1 General Warband I(S)
MARIAN ROMAN 32000 Legionaries and Allies (10 Blade,R(0);8 Auxilia,I(O); 8 Psiloi,I(S); 3 Cav.I(0);4 L\Cav.I(O)) 2 Generals Cavalry R(O)
DEPLOYMENT: The Teutons deploy and move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 18 Elements and the Teutons 11 Elements.
rise
TEUTONIC HORDE
k
72 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Marius had the previous day engaged and defeated the vanguard of the German horde killing most of the Ambrone warriors. Marius took up a position on a hill covering the line of the hordes advance and awaited the main body. The following day the main body of Teutons attacked uphill at the Roman force but were repulsed when Marius released his ambush party hidden in nearby woods into the Germans rear. The Romans now attacked down the hill and swept all before it. Page - 24
CHAERONEA ROME versus PONTUS Mithridates VI of Pontus, expanding his empire into Macedonia and Greece, brought a swift reaction from Rome who regarded these countries as buffer states. Sulla after a brief campaign faced a much larger Pontic army and initially prepared defensive positions, but under pressure from his junior commanders, he then advanced, contacting the Pontic army on the march and before it had time to deploy from a defile.
ARMIES PONTIC 60000 Pontic Infantry (12Pike,R(0);6Spear,R(O): 23Auxilia,I(0);20Psiloi,I(O)) 10000 Cavalry (8 Cav,I(O); 4 L/Cav.I(O)) 2 Scythed Chariots, I exp(O) 1 General. ICav(O)
MARIAN ROMAN 15000 Legionaries (8 Blade, R(0);6 Psiloi,I(O)) 1500 Cavalry (1 Cav,R(O); 1 L\Cav.I (0)) 2 Generals 1@+ 1 RCav(O)
DEPLOYMENT: The Pontic army deploys first and the Romans move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: Rome must destroy 24 Elements; and Pontus 5 Elements:
cov. psiloi
II
?\0,4e, I I I
t:;i2] L/cav.
r:::.::i
Ii I I I I I I ii
c::::l psifoj
pontic auxilia
~syth;d
c.ncmots
spror pike
r::;:J L/cov
- - - , 1Wlfflllllllllilllllllll1111111
psnol .__~--~I
cav.
sp20r 111Eiti'0.-11m111i111111.....,-J
llillJ
UlllJJJ
PONTIC
I
gsi101
...___~
~
L..:::::::.J
_ _,
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Roman advance contacted a detachm~m of the Pontic army covering the advance through a defile. Mithridates was forced to send his scythed chariots to support his vanguard but these were destroyed along with most of the vanguard. By now most of the Pontic army had managed to deploy and Mithridates attacked the Roman left flank with his cavalry who were driven back with difficulty. The Pontic centre then attacked to cover the transfer of its cavalry to the opposite flank but again they were defeated. The Romans then advanced and drove the Pontic army back into the defile from which only 10000 escaped. Page - 25
ORCHOMENUS 86BC PONTIC EXPANSION INTO ROMAN GREECE The defeat at Chaeronea of Mithridates VI Pontic army by Sulla was followed by a further battle within the Boeotian plain. Mithridates had managed to scrape together a large but poor quality army to face the Romans.
ARMIES MARIAN ROMAN 16000 Legionaries (10 Blade,R(0);2 Psiloi,R(O)) 10000 Allies(8 Auxilia,I(0);4 Psiloi,I(S)) 5000 Mounted (3 Cav,1(0);4 L\Cav.1(0)) 2 Bolt Shooters (2 Art.R(O)) 1 General (+ 1) Cavalry R(O)
MITHRIDATE PONTIC 70000Foot (12Pike,R(I);40Auxilia,I(O) 6Bow,I(I);20Psiloi,I(O)) 20000 Mounted (2 Knight,I(F);8 Cav,I(O); 18 L\Cav,I(O)) 2 Scythed Chariots (2 Expendables I(O) 1 General Cavalry I(S)
DEPLOYMENT: The Romans deploy first. The Pontic anny moves first. Difficult going only counts against mounted troops (as it represents hidden stakes and ditches) VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 36 Elements and the Pontic Army must destroy 11 Elements ~
[:;i~ode
difficult going
l~.ouxilio tliill!iiil ruxilio ~I ~ ~1111111-·iiilfB"t===l~ cov
dfftcult ao1ng
difficult going
cov
psiloi
psdo1 Llcov
~
t!i!)
SJd..,,,01
psdo1
bow
COV.
76 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Prior to the Battle Sulla prepared defenses as the ground offered no protection to his smaller army. Archelaus, the Mithridate general ,seeing he could become trapped between the Roman position and marshland near lake Copais, attacked with his scythed Chariots but the Romans fell back to reveal a row of stakes (difficult going) and followed it up with an attack by their light foot and horse. Much of the poor quality Pontic foot started to flee when under assault from bolt throwers and Roman legionaries. The main pike block of the Pontic centre collapsed. Archelaus attempted to rally his centre by re-inforcing it with his troops from the wings but this only led to the wings collapsing as well. Page - 26
1
69BC ROME versus MITHRIDATES The 11ithridates, though defeated at Orchomenos and expelled from Greece, had not been destroyed and continued to take advantage of any weakness Rome showed. So, as Rome was involved in Spain and Italy, the Mithridates invaded Bithynia pressing onto Byzantium. Lucullus, commanding the Roman forces, soon defeated the mock Roman Pontic armies and penetrated as far as Fontus. This latest failure of Pont:ic troops forced Mithridates to seek refuge with his son-in-law, the king of Armenia. When Lucullus demanded the surrender of the Mithridates, the Armenian king refused and Lucullus invaded.
ARMIES MARIAt'f ROMAN EARLY ARMENIAN 12000 Legionaries(6 Blade,R(0)6 Psiloi,R(O)) 40000Infantry2Blade,R(I);2pike,R(I) 3000 Cavalry. (2 Cav,I(O); 2 L\Cav,I(O)) 20 Auxilia,I(O)lO Bow,I(I)8Psiloi,I(O) 30000 Cavalry (15 K.nights,I(F); 2 Generals (1@ +1) Cavalry R(O) 30 L\Cav,I(F)) 1 General. Knight I(F) DEPLOYMENT: The Armenians deploy first and the Romans move first. The river is impassable except at the ford. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 29 Elements and the Armenians 5 Elements.
~ low hill
. I
kn~
ARM ENI1~N FOOT
L/cov.
kni51hts
1Eiloi
d
~ iblod• 8il/cov COY
1mpassoble river
71. inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The two armies were separated by a large river and the Armenians were happy to allow the Romans to march away. But Lucullus crossed by a ford further up river and flanked the Armenians engaging mostly cataphracts. By pinning down that flank he quickly outmanoeuvred the unsupported cavalry and broke them. They routed back through the army, which precipitated a general rout. Page - 27
Ill QI
.c u .£
!G
BIBRACTE 59BC GALLIC MIGRATION INTO EARLY ROMAN EMPIRE The Helvetii, a Gallic tribe, had been forced southward by the Germanic Suebi and had settled on the edge of the Roman world in northern Switzerland. Continuing pressure drove the Helvetii to ·migrate westwards. Rome, with its memories of the earlier Germanic migrations; refused the Helvetii permission to pass through its territories and built defences to prevent them. Caesar gather~d five legions during the negotiation to bar the Helvetii · illig:ration. The :tJelvetii realising Rome would not allow them through attempted to slip.past the Roinans. ARMIES
MARIAN ROMAN 45000 Legionaries & Allies (20 Blade,R(O);lO Psiloi,I(O); 5 Auxilia,I(S);5 Cav.I(O)) 1 General (+1) CavalryR(O)
GALLIC 90000 Warriors (65 Warbands,I(F); 30 Psiloi,I(S);lO Cav.I(O)) 1 General Cavalry I(O)
DEPLOYMENT: The Romans deploy first and the Gauls move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 35 Elements and the Gauls 10 Elements.
ROMANS
I Lothers !1!11111111 blade
others
·-rise
81. inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Helvetii had crossed the Jura mountains and slipped into the valley of the Saone. Caesar, in pursuit, attacked their rear guard as they crossed the river Arar. The pursuit lasted two weeks but when Caesar's army suffered supply problems the Helvetii went on the offensive. Caesar occupied an uphill position and allowed the Helvetii to charge uphill at him. The Helvetii were repulsed repeatedly and the battle raged till nightfall. The Helvetii retired to their camp which was then taken by storm that night by Caesar's legions. Page - 28
VOSGES 58BC ROMAN CONQUEST OF GAUL The victory over the Helvetii at Bibracte forced them to return to lower Switzerland and remain a buffer state between Rome and the Germanic peoples. Caesar now had to deal with the reason the Helvetii had to migrate in the first place - the Germans under Ariovistus King of the Sue bi.
ARMIES EARLY GERMAN MARIAN ROMAN 60000 Warriors (38 Warband,I(F) 21000 Legionaries (14 Blade,R(O)) 15000 other Foot (10Auxilia,R(S);10 Psiloi,I(O)) 12 Psiloi,I(S);12 Cav.I(O)) 1 General Cavalry I(O) 5000 Cavalry (5 Cav.I(O)) 2 Generals (1 @ +1) Cavalry R(O) DEPLOYMENT: Deploy the Romans first, in their camps for the first battle. Force 2 deploys outside its camp for the second battle. Place 1/3rd of the Romans in Camp 1, the rest in Camp 2. The Germans move first in both battles. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 20 German Elements. The Germans 13 Elements. Count the loss of a camp as 2 Elements. Fight both battles consecutively, totalling casualties
2nd ROMANOCAMP
'%?,
g,
~
s..
':50-
J -------11 CQ
i
91 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Ariovistus, facing Caesar's army in the plain of Alsace, pitched his camp across Caesar's line of supply. Caesar offered battle but Ariovistus intended weakening Caesar first. So Caesar marched past Ariovistus' camp and built a new camp with 2/3rds his force, re-establishing his line of supply. Ariovistus, seeing that Caesar had split his force, attacked the smaller camp with 2/3rds of his army. This battle lasted all day but Ariovistus failed to capture it. The next day Caesar led out his troops from the second camp. The Germans charged in dense columns. The German left was easily defeated and Caesar then re-inforced his own left flank and double enveloped the Germans. The pursuit lasted to the Rhine, from which few escaped. Page - 29
SAMBRE 57BC ROMAN CONQUEST OF GAUL Caesar defeated the Belgian tribes coalition by thwarting their main army by forcing it to fight on such unfavourable ground that a battle was impossible. Then ,as the Belgian tribes broke up, Caesar attacked them individually. After this the Belgians made peace except for the Nervii who held out against the Romans.
ARMIES
MARIAN ROMAN
GALLIC
48000 Legionaries (32 Blade,R(O)) 60000 Warriors (45 W arbands,I(F); 10000 Allies (6 Auxilia,R(S);8 Psiloi,I(O)) 20 Psiloi,I(S);5 Cav.I(O)) 8000 Cavalry (8 Cavalry,R(O)) 1 General Warband I(F) 2 Generals. Cavalry R(O) DEPLOYMENT: The Romans deploy first and the Gauls move first. The Roman force 2 is a: 1/4 of the Roman Army. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 23 Elements and the Gauls 18 Elements. Roman camp equals 2 Elements.
21.. blade 6 siloi
~nf~i;h~ 1 I
comp
1 I
I
\...---- _.,,,I
k
_. . . . . l r1
111111111111
8 blade 2 psiloi 2 auxilia 2 cavalry
-5 E
~
88inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Nervii, having learned of the Roman normal order of march, decided on a surprise attack. They charged from a wooded hilltop, driving the Roman vanguard back across the River Sambre and up the opposite slope where the Romans had halted to prepare its camp. The Roman army had 6 Legions ahead of its baggage and these held the Nervii until further Roman legions arrived. The Nervii having lost the element of surprise continued fighting but fled as the rear legions arrived on the battlefield. Page - 30
ROMAN CONQUEST OF GAUL Though Caesar had conquered Ga~l in 57BC, there had been a constant state of rebellion against Roman rule ever since. In 54BC Caesar was forced to lead a major campaign through Gaul to reconquer it. Caesar defeated the Gallic tribes each in turn but Vercingetorix, chief of the Arverni resisted all Caesar's attempts to defeat him and even destroyed a Roman force at Gergovia. Caesar eventually forced Vercingetorix back into his main fortress at Alesia and set about besieging it. Caesar, having encircled Alesia with earthworks and forts, attempted to storm it but failed. As they tried to starve the Gauls out a Gallic relief anny arri\T~d. ARMIES MARIAN ROMAN GALLIC , 40000 Legionaries ' In Alesia 57000 warriors (20 Blade,R(0);8 Psiloi,R(S);6 Cav,(0)) (30Warband,l(0)28 Psiloi,I(S)15 Cav.I(O)) Allies 10000(6 Cav.1(0);4 Auxilia,R(S)) 1 General(@ +1 Warband I(S) Artillery (4 Artillery,R(O) ) Relief Army 60000 W aniors 2 Generals (1@ +1) Cavalry R(O) (30 Warband,l(F)40 Psiloi,I(S)lOCav.I(O)) 1 General Cavalry 1(0) DEPLOYMENT: Deploy the Gallic relief attack first, then the Romans then the Alesian Gallic force. All camps and earthworks are considered fortified. The fort is a fortified built up area - rivers cannot be impassable. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Gauls must destroy 16 and the Romans relief army 26 Elements. The Alesian army must destroy 24 Elements
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: This depiction is the final battle where the Alesian force sallies out. Prior to this Caesar, having invested the fortress and having failed in an initial attack, was intent on starving them out. The immense Gallic relief army arrived at Alesia and failed to attack en-mass. Each small attack was defeated. Finally it made one last attempt, again with only a fraction of its force, and the Alesian defenders sallied out to break the siege. Caesar held the Alesian force and defeated the relief army by moving cavalry into its rear. The relief anny dispersed after this and Vercingetorix surrendered. Page - 31
PHILIPPI 42 BC WARS of the TRIUMVIRATE Caesar's assassination by Brutus and Cassius pltlnged the Roman world into a power struggle that lasted 11 years. The struggle started with an attempt to restore the Republic by removing the military ruler from power. The old republicans soon found themselves in the middle of a military struggle for power with Caesar's heir, Octavian, fighting to re-establish Augustan rule. ARMIES CASSIUS ANTONY MARIAN ROMAN 8 Legions - 44000 men 10 Legions - 55000 men (24 Blade,R(0)8 Psiloi,1(0)8 Cavalry 1(0)) (30 Blade,R(O)lO Psiloi,I(0)9 Cav.I(O) 1 General, Cavalry R(O) 2 L\Cav,I(O);l General, Cav R(O)) BRUTUS OCTA VIAN 9 Legions - 49500 men 7 Legions - 39500 men (27 Blade,R(0)9 Psiloi,1(0)9 Cavalry,1(0)) (21 Blade,R(0)7 Psiloi,1(0)7 Cav,1(0)) 1 General, Cavalry R(O) 1 General, -1 Cavalry,R(O) DEPLOYMENT: Deploy Cassius first with two thirds of his force facing Antony's outflanking force. Place about a third of Antony's troops in this position. Then deploy Octavian's troops and finally Brutus' force. Count the ditch and palisade as a fortification. VICTORY CONDITIONS: Cassius & Brutus must destroy 28 Elements : Antony & Octavian must destroy 28 Elements - Count the loss of a camp as 5 Elements for victory conditions.
k
92 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Antony, beset with supply problems, had to defeat Cassius and Brutus quickly. He outflanked the defensive line, building a causeway through the marsh and capturing high ground in Cassius' rear. Cassius extended his fortifications to counter this but Antony attacked the now weakly·. defended original front capturing Cassius' camp. Brutus, on seeing Antony's attack, marched ou(to take him the flank but was in turn attacked by Octavian's legions. Brutus defeated these and went on to capture the Oc.tavian camp. The battle ended with both sides .in untenable positions and retreating to their original lines. ·Cassius, believing ·Brutus had been defeated, had committed suicide. In a follow up battle afew days latter in the plain between the camps Brutus reluctantly fought another battle against Antony and the Octavians and was defeated and killed. Page- 32
TAURUS 39BC PARTHIAN INVASION OF SYRIA The defeat of Brutus and Cassius left Quintus Labienus in the lurch, having changed sides against Antony just before the battle of Philippi. At this time he was in Parthia soliciting military aid from the king. So now, unable to return to Rome, he urged the Parthian Prince Pacorus to invade Roman Syria. Labienus had no problem recruiting Romans in Syria to follow him but co-ordination between Labienus and Pacorus was poor, so it was Pacorus with an entirely cavalry army that faced the Syrian legions under Ventidius. ARMIES MARIAN ROMAN 39000 Legionaries(l6 Blade,R(O)) 10000 Light troops(20 Psiloi,I(S)) 5000 Cavalry (5 Cav.I(O)) 1 General@+l Cavalry R(O)
PARTHIAN 60000 Parthians (34 Knights.I(X);52 L\Cav.I(F)) 1 General. Cavalry I(F)
DEPLOYMENT: The Romans deploy first and the Parthians move first VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 28 Elements and the Parthians 13 Elements.
ROMANS.
psiloi
/ t'I OJ
steep hill
.c u
.£ LO -..t
Llcav PARTHIANS
~
9I. inches
c a ta phracts
~
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Ventidius, knowing the Parthian method of warfare, took up position on a steep hill in terrain that could not be encircled or attacked across with ease. The Parthian light cavalry were beaten off by the Roman slingers. The Roman legionaries were undefeated by the normal arrow storm. When the cataphracts charged they were routed. Page - 33
ANGRIV ARII BOUNDARY 16 AD ROMAN INVASION OF GAUL After Arminius's defeat at Id.istaviso (see book one) he attempted to ambush Germanicus with a new anny at a point where a narrow waterlogged plain between woods and a broad stream was blocked by an old boundary rampart.
ARMIES EARLY IMPERIAL ROMAN
EARLY GERMAN 45000 Warriors (33 Warband,1(0);14 Psiloi,I(S); 3 Blade,I(F); 3 Cav.I(O) ) 2Generals (@-1) Cav,I(O))
28500 Legionaries (18 Blade,R(O);l Psiloi,R(O)) 25000 Aux.ilia ( 18 Auxilia,R(S); 14 Psiloi,R(O)) 3000 Allied Auxilia (3 Warband (0)) 7000 Cavalry (6 Cav.,R(O); 2 L\Cav,R(F)) Bolt throwers (2 Artillery R(O)) 2 Generals (1@+1) Cav.R(O))
DEPLOYMENT: The Germans deploy first and the Romans move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 17 Elements and the Germans 21 Elements
\\ GERMANICl.fi 11111111111111111 lllillliiilliilH
ouxilio l.!oiU
WI 'ilJJf.
.....
~rampart
ill
.I.II.It
bad going .J11LJ1111...
Jiii. Ju
JJJ1J
J;JJ/
uti.
JI:!
_g u
.£ I,[) (""')
worbonds & blade
ARMINIUS
55 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Arminius intended allowing the Romans to become fully engaged in the marshy ground to his front, and then to flank him with his force in the woods. Germanicus suspected a trap and attacked into the woods as well as frontally. Initially, the Romans failed to take the old rampart but a second assault carried the position. The Germans under pressure had been forced into the woods and so held out until dusk when they could escape in safety.
Page- 34
---------------------------~-~~---~----~~--~------~
NAISSUS 268 ROME versus THE GOTHIC INVASION The Goths, a Germanic people of Scandinavia, had started migrating southwards and soon came against the Roman frontier. Gallienus, the Roman Emperor, had increased the cavalry arm in numbers and armour in response to a need for a more mobile army to protect his frontiers . ARMIES MIDDLE IMPERIAL ROMAN 12000 Legionaries (8 Blade,R(O)) 8000 Auxilia (6 Auxilia,R(0);2 Auxilia,R(S)) 8000 Auxilia Archers (4 Bow,R(0);8 Psiloi,R(O)) 8000 Equites Alares (8 Cavalry,R(O)) 5000 Dalmatian Cavalry (10 L\Cav.R(O)) 3 Generals ,Cavalry R(O)
EARLY VISIGOTHS 50000 Goths (3 Knights,I(F)40 Warbands,I(O) 14 Psiloi,(6 I,(0);8 I,(S)) 1 General Knight I,(F) 20000 Ostrogoths (10 Knights,I,(I); 10 Bow,I(I)) 1 General -1 Knight,I,(0)
DEPLOYMENT: The Goths deploy first and the Romans move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 25 Elements and the Goths 15 Elements. The Gothic wagon lager equals 3 Elements if captured.
ROMANS
~ 1~boH--~o-u-x~.li_o......,~b~lad~e...,._ou-x~i~l10--~b:M.i-I '"" ' " " ' I I
cavalry
IP
L/Cov.
~
ostrogoth allies
ps1lo1 war bands GOTHS
kni hts ow
ostr()]oth allies
HISTORICAL OUTCOME.: The Goth's advance guard of knights was cut to pieces by the Roman Dalmatian light cavalry who then withdrew to the flanks as the main Gothic centre advanced. The Goths initially drove back the Roman centre but the Ostrogoths on the flanks failed to advance and the Roman counter attack flanked the Gothic centre and drove it back to its wagon lager with heavy losses. At this point the main Roman force to marched off. The remaining Romans could not storm the Goth's camp, but besieged it. Eventually the Goths having failed to break out, and facing starvation, surrendered to the Romans. Page - 35
MURSA 351AD WESTERN ROME versus EASTERN ROME While Constantius II was campaigning in Persia, his brother Constans, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, was deposed by Flavius Popilius Magnentius. Constantius hurried back to confront Magnentius, contacting him at Mursa, the junction between the Drava and Danube Rivers.
ARMIES LATE IMPERIAL ROMAN MAGNENTIUS CONSTANTIUS · 30000 Legionaries(8 Blade,R(O); 25000 Legionaries 8 Auxilia,R(S)20 Psiloi,R(12(0)8(S)) (4 Blade,R(0);8 Auxilia,R(S) 20000 Cavalry(2 Knight,R(X); 8 Bow,R(0);6 Psiloi,R(S)) 10 Cav.R(0);16 L\Cav 15000 Cavalry R(10(0)6(F)) (8 Knight,R(X);4 Cavalry,R(O); 6 L\Cav.R(O)) 3 Generals ,Cavalry R(O) 2 Generals, Cavalry R(O) DEPLOYMENT: Constantius deploys ~d. moves first. The Ambush in the Stadium is known to Constantius. The stadium counts as unfortified but as a built up area. VICTORY CONDITIONS: Constantius must destroy 21 Elements and Magnentius 14 Elements.
EASTERN ROMAN ARMY psiloi
~
psiloi& auxil
i'C:=::i
~~ stadium
law hill
Cov.
I 231"
(.:;di
*' 1-s;;J Cov.
g;;g;
L/Co11. · knights
knight
ouxilio
UCov
psilo1 WESTERN ROMAN ARMY
82 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME : Magnentius had placed an ambush force in old abandoned stadium, but Constantius had spotted the trap and started the battle by surrounding the stadium and wiping out the enemy inside. The battle was a long affair with neither side gaining an advantage until after dusk when Magnentius's right flank collapsed . Seeing his centre now attacked from front and flank, Magnentius tried to withdraw in good order but many units were destroyed during the retreat. Page - 36
CHALONS·SUR ..MARNE INVASION OF THE WEST BY THE HUNS Emperor V alentinian ill attempt's to buy Attila were rejected and Attila unleashed his attack on Gaul. Aetius, the Roman commander, gathered an army which was composed of many nations not normally allied together to resist this common enemy. He advanced on the Huns as they besieged Orleans. Attila broke off the siege and advanced to fight Aetius.
ARl\lllES
PATRICIAN ROMAN
ATTILA'S HUNS
Patrician Roman. 25000 men (5 Cav.R(0);2 L\Cav.R(F);4Blade,R(O); 6 Auxilia,R(I);2Bbw,R(0);10Psiloi,R(O) ; 1 General. Cav.R(S) Visigoths 30000 men. (1 Knight I(F);lO Cav.I(O); 10 Wband,1(0);6 Bow,I(I);6 Psiloi,I(O); 1 General.Knight,I(F)) ; Goths. 15000 men. 1 Knight,I(F); 10 Cav,1(0);3 WBand,I(O); 2 Psiloi,I(O); 1 General,Knight I(F)) Alans,Franks,,Saxons,B urgundians, American Britons.30000 men. (1 Knight,I(F);3 Cav,I(0);4 L\Cav,I(S); 14 WBand I,(6(S),8(0)) 3 Spear I(I); 10 Psiloi,I(O). 1 General. Cavalry I (I))
Huns 40000 men.1 Gen.Cav.I(S) (4 Cav I(S); 72 L\Cav.I(S)) Gepids,Rugians,Hurli. 30000 men (lOKnight,I(F);lCav,I(O); 11 WBand,I,(0)5 Bow,I(I); 6 Psiloi I(F) 1 Gen Knight(F)) Thuringian,Franks;B urgundian 30000men (2 Cav,1(0);25 WBand,I(6(S), 19(0)) 8 Psiloi,I(4(0),4(F)); !Gen. Cav.1(0))
DEPLOYMENT: Deploy the Romans first and the Huns move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 49 Elements and Attila 42 Elements. HUNS
Huns !huringions. franks t:urgun oi ons
AROARIC
ATIILIA
gepi ds,rugions.hur1 i
AETIUS IJll
f
I JI I 111111
romans
ROMAN:;?
k
~
goths Torismond
1111111111111111 alans. f ranks.soxons burgund;ons. ormricon britains.
TH(::.OOORIC
II
"' QJ
.c
.~ ~
I visigoths 11, " ' " " " '
~
113 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME.: Attila led the attack and drove back the centre, he then turned his victorious centre onto the flank of the Visigoths. The situation was saved by the Goths on the hill charging the now exposed flank of Ardaric; and the centre recovering and attacking the flank of Attila .. Attila withdrew back to his camp at this point but was allowed to leave Gaul unmolested. Page - 37
DARAS 531 AD BYZANTIUM versus PERSIA The border. between ·Rome and Persia had been contested for hundreds of years with each side _defeating but not conquering each other. By 531 AD the Sassanid Empire, having defeated an invasion by white Huns, attempted to continue an exhausting war against the Byzantines. This was a war in which neither side won, but, as a result, the Persians were so weakened they were swept aside by the Mohammedan Arabs in the 7th century. ARMIES EARLY BYZANTINES 12000 Cavalry (12 Cav. (2 R(S); lOR(O) ) 12000 Infantr; (6 Blade,R(I); 6 Psiloi,R(O); 3 Auxilia,I(O) ) 1000 Huns (2 L\Cav. I(S).) 1 General , Cav. R(S)
SASSANID PERSIANS 30000 Mounted (30 Cav. (24 1(0); 6 I(S)-Immortals) 10000 Infantry (5 Auxilia, I (0); 10 Psiloi, I (0) ) 1 General, Cav. I (S)
DEPLOYMENT: The Byzantines deploy first and the Sassanids move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Byzantines must destroy 15 Elements and the Sassanids 9 Elements. BYZANTINES
t::::;iil ca.olry cavalry
.
. psiloi
cavalry
I 111ii111 ,I -LI_.J.1____ Ii
auxilia
blcde
ouxilia
HIJ'JS
~
L/Cav.
IOIN hill pers1on infantry
I
id
immortals. cavalry PERSIANS
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Belisarius defending the fortress of Daras advanced out into the open to bring the Persians to battle. He positioned his troops behind defensive ditches in hope of gaining an advantage, but I h.ave ignored these as they either advanced past them or they were ineffective as they pl~yed no part in the battle. Belisarius also positioned his Huns on the Persian flank in a position of concealment. The battle started with the Persians attacking the Byzantine left flank and breaking it, but this breakthrough was foiled by the Huns taking the pursuing troops in the rear . The Persian commander then used his Immortals to support an attack on the Byzantine right flank and drove it back. Belisarius flanked the advancing Persians with his reserve and wiped out half of the Immortals. At this the Persian foot threw down their shields and fled. Page - 38
DECIMUM BYZANTIUM versus VANDALS In 429 AD the Vandals, .having migrated through Europe and Spain, crossed into Africa
and in a short time had conquered all of old Carthage. The vandals then took to open piracy in the Mediterranean, even sacking Rome in 455 AD. The Vandal threat continued until the Byzantine General Belisarius, under the Emperor Justinian, embarked with a small army to recapture North Africa and drive the Vandals from the Mediterranean. ARMIES EARLY BYZANTINE AFRICAN VANDAL 10000 Infantry (4 Blade,R(I): Gelimer Knight I(F) 2 Bow,R(I); 4 Psiloi,R(S).) 22000 Mounted. (22 Knights I(F)) 5000 Byzantine Cavalry Ammatas Knight, I(F) (3 Cavalry,R(O); 2 Cav. R(S)) 6000 Mounted (6 Knights I(F) 1000 Huns (2 L\Cavalry ,I(S)) Gibamundus Knight I(F) 2 Generals Cavalry R(S). 1 General L\Cav. I(S) · 2000 Mpu.nted·, (2 Knights I(F) ) .DEPLOYMENT: The Byzantines deploy and move first. Gelimer dices to enter each turn. 1D6 needing a 6 to march on. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Byzantines must destroy 10 Elements and the Vandals must destroy 5 Elements.
~ HUNS
BYZANTINES
k
50 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Belisarius believing Gelimer to be behind him marched along the coast towards Carthage. He placed John the Anninian with 1,000 men as his vanguard and 1,000 Huns as his flank guard. Gelimer had intended ambushing Belisarius at the pass at Decimum. Gibamundus and Ammatas arrived at the same time but were put to flight by the Byzantine flank and vanguard. Belisarius, on seeing the vanguard of Vandal forces defeated, advanced his cavalry to capture the hill beyond the Decimum pass, whilst his infantry fortified a camp in front of the pass; believing Gelimer was in his rear. But Gelimer came up with the main force and drove back the Byzantine cavalry. Gelimer failed to follow up and was defeated when the Byzantine infantry force came up to attack. Page - 39
TRICAMERUM 533 AD BYZANTINES versus VANDALS Belisarius's invasion of Africa, having defeated the Vandals at Decimum ,though failing to destroy the vandal army , now faced a vastly bigger Vandal force at Tricamerum. Gelimer, the Vandal king, had gathered all his forces together into one army.
ARMIES EARLY BYZANTINE 10000 Byzantine Infantry ( 4Blade,R(I);4 Psiloi,R(0);2 Bow,R(I)) 5000 Byzantine Cavalry (5 Cav,R(O) ) 1 General (+l) Cav.R(S) ,HUNS 1000 Huns 2 L\Cav. I(S) 1 General L\Cav. I(S)
AFRICAN VANDAL 50000 Vandals (50 Knights, I(I) ) 1 General, Knight I(F).
DEPLOYMENT. The Vandals deploy first, then the Byzantines and finally the Huns. The Byzantines move first. The Huns join in on the side that inflicts the first 4 Element losses on its enemy. or if both inflict 4 Elements, the side that inflicts the fifth one. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Byzantines must destroy 16 Elements, and the Vandals 5 Elements. The Huns do not count for victory points. VANDALS
~ cavalry
Ill
BYZANTINES blo de bOw
~
bow
hill
~
..c
.~
stream
r--------- r-----
alt~l"2~1iY~ .Qyian t 1-ne -dep!QY ment
60 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Gelimer had persuaded the Huns to remain out of the battle, and so the Huns remained aloof awaiting to see which side was likely to win. Belisarius initially tried to tempt the Vandals across a stream that lay between the two armies, but when Gelimer would not advance, Belisarius attacked. The Byzantines quickly broke the Vandal centre and at this point the Huns joined the Byzantines. Gelimer retreated to his base camp but fled when the Byzantine infantry stormed it [I have downgraded the Vandal knights because prior to the battle Gelimer instructed them to rely on close quarter weapons only and this contributed to their defeat.] Page - 40
TAGINAE 552 BYZANTIUM versus GOTHS The collapse of the Roman world in the west had left all Italy in the control of the Goths. The old Eastern Roman Empire under Justin I intended exterminating the Goths and their heretical Christian religion. For 20 years Justin waged war in Italy destroying much of the country and finally Totila, the Gothic King, having refused to surrender, prepared for a final confrontation at Taginae. ARMIES
ITALIAN OSTROGOTHIC 40000 Goths & Allies. ( 15 Knights,I(F); 5 Cav.R(O); 4 Spear,I(I); 8 Bow,I(I); 16 Psiloi,I(O)) . ' t General ,Knight I(F)
EARLY BYZANTINE 20000 Byzantine troops (9 Cav,(2R(S);7R(0),4 Blade,R(I) 4 Bow,R(I) 2 Psiloi.R(O)) 9000 Herul & Lombard Mercenaries. ( 6 Spear, I(S) ) 2 Generals, Cav,(R(S))
DEPLOYMENT.: The Byzantines deploy first and the Goths move first. Count the stakes covering the Byzantine flanks as difficult terrain. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Byzantines must destroy 16 Elements and the Goths must destroy 8 Elements.
ee
e;s
pi
l
knights covOlry knights psiloi "-I_______.I GOTHS
!Jfll!i
1..-............~bo_w __......;spe __ o_r__bo_w ________...........,___........,.......,....................ii
~
L.l. inches • "' ... •...1,:i; ~ :.. •{ •
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Narses deployed his army in a defensive formation designed to funnel the Goths into the centre of his position. At that point he placed his Lombards and Heruls , dismounting them and forming a phalanx of spears. The Ostrogoth King Totila had no respect for the Byzantine infantry and paid little heed to Narses deployment. Totila's only tac;tfo was a mass cavalry charge, glorious but useless. His cavalry was hemmed in by the stakes and archers on either flank and came to a halt against the phalanx's spears. Once the Gothic cavalry were fully engaged, Narses moved his cavalry ambush and attacked the Gothic supporting infantry in the flank, smashing them. The Goths were destroyed and Totila was killed. Page - 41
CASILINUM 553AD BYZANTrtJM versus FRANKS Following the defeat of the Goths at Taginae and the death of Totila, Narses continued his re~conquest of Italy and, having defeated the Goths, he turned against their allies the Franks. ARMIES EARLY BYZANTINE 50000 Byzantine and allies 20 Cav, (4R,(S);16 R(O)); 10 Knight,I(F) 8 Blade,R(I); 8 Psiloi,R(O); 4 Bow,R(I) 3 Generals Cav,R(S)
MIDDLE FRANKISH 80000 Frankish Warriors 50 Knights,I(F) 30 Warband,1(0) 1 General Knight,I(F)
DEPLOYMENT: The Byzantines deploy first and the Franks move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Byzantines must destroy 26 Elements and the Franks 18 Elements.
BYZANTINE:S
knights
psiloi cavalry
c:::J bow
11111111111ii111111111 blade
c::J bow
war
n s FRAf\KS
k
52 inches
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Frankish army deployed in a large column and charged straight at the centre of the Byzantine position. The initial charge drove back the Byzantine foot but Narses moved both his flanks of cavalry to trap the Frankish column on both sides and ,after softening it up with mounted archery, charged home and broke the entire column. Page- 42
ARABS INVASION OF BYZANTINE EMPIRE Following the final Byzantine victory over the Persians in 627 AD at Nineveh ,the Byzantine Empire was exhausted, which allowed a growing Arab nation under the new religion of Mohammed to exploit this power vacuum. The Arab invasion was akin to the Huns as they swept powerful Christian armies aside and. so in a desperate attempt to retain hold of Palestine and Syria, Heraclius despatched an army of over 50,000 men under Vahan to halt the Arab advance. ARMIES
ARAB CONQUEST 25000Men. (4 Cav,I(0);8 L\Cav,I(O); 10 Warband,I(S); 4 Bow,I(O); 6 Psiloi,I(S) ) 3 Generals, Cav.,I(O)
MAURIKIAN BYZANTINE 27000 Byzantine Cavalry (22 Cav.[11 R)(S),llR(O)] ; 2 L\Cav(I(S) ;4 Knight(I(F)) 13000 Byzantine Infantry (3 Blade,R(I); 8 Psiloi,R(O); 3 Auxilia,I(0);3 Psiloi,I(S) ) 10000 Ghassanid Arabs ( 1 Cav,1(0);2 L/Cav,I(0);6 Aux.,(0); 1 Bow,I(0),2 Psiloi,I(O)) 1 General, Cav,R(S).
DEPLOYMENT. The terrain on either flank is regarded as impassable. Use rules for dust storm (DBM) . The Byzantines deploy first and the Arabs move first. VICTORY CONDITIONS. The Byzantine force must destroy 9 Elements and the Arabs 18 Elements. NB If the Byzantine force loses 15 Byzantine Elements then the surviving Ghassanid Arabs change sides, counting as losses to the Byzantine force - but not increasing the number of Arab Elements that need to be destroyed f'or the Byzantines to win.
t
j':
sandstorm
1'
t
ARA8 ARMY
HISTORICAL OUTCOME. The Byzantine army had positionea itself in the Deraa Gap, a position it regarded as impossible to outflank. The Khalid had infiltrated small groups of Arabs through the rock strewn lava beds and gorges to ambush and harass the Byzantine rear. After four months of this, under the cover of a sand storm, the Arabs attacked head on into the Byzantine lines. The Byzantines where quickly driven back and as the battle turned against them their Arab allies changed sides. The only escape from this area was across the River Y armuk. But the Arabs had seized the only bridge early on and the entire Byzantine force was annihilated. Page - 43
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION VICTORY CONDITIONS The'vietocy conditions are based on a ihird of the army ( fractions rounded down ) being destroyed.· I ·have not counted General Elements or expendables or camps within the army total. In some cases this would mean if you destroy all the opponents light troops you will win , that is clearly ludicrous . So unless your rules state otherwise count all psiloi and light horse as only equal to 1/2 a victory point per element. DEPLO~NT
The maps in this book are all drawn to scale so a block of troops on the map. have the required frontage and you should deploy your troops to that frontage even if it. means deploying in a single rank as opposed to a double rank that might give tactical advantage.
TERRAIN On the battle maps areas marked as rough, marshy, swamp, woods and steep hills all count as bad going or rough going (Rg). Low hills give a combat advantage only. All rivers, unless marked as impassable, must be diced for their fordability. FIGURE SCALE Close order troops; Spear, Blade, Pike = 1,500 men per Element. Loose order troops; Amcilia, Bow, Warband, Knights, Cavalry= 1,000 men per Element Open order troops; Psiloi, Light Horse = 500 men per Element Elephants , Expendables = 20 per Element Artillery , warwagons = 10 per Element. COMMAND DICE If your rules use command dice I suggest that each general should add plus one to the dice score unless I have indicated that the general is a minus one. For example this would mean that an army with two generals would have a minimum score of 3 and a maximum score of 8 ( using a six sided die ) . If one of the generals was a minus 1 general your minimum score would be 2 and your maximum score 7. DBM TROOP DEFINITIONS For reasons of space I have had to abbreviate the definitions further. So Regular troops are an R. Irregular an I. Under DBM use its victory points system and all other rules as normal.
Page- 44
