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'.~ ,Q0i ,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<?Or

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

!:)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

.~

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

mrm

,...._...__.________-. .' r:3 cov

CAM PAN I

.____ _ ___, psiloi

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

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.

llill!iiililil~

-=====:J

pike

elephants and psiloi

28

low hill

il'"d"'cs

plain

psiloi ouxi lia elephants

1.0 inches

>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<e ml"Qr
liilllilllli!iilil

kn~ ii:1

sp<!':!r

l/cov

r:::;:i

e leph01is. ouxilio. psiloi

;;;; 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

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

WlIIl

cav L/cav.

c=J P': 1;;?1

N
N

auxilia
bladt"/spear

r<OMANS

E:)

FABIUS

knight

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

['-.

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

MACEDONIAN/ GREEKS

P1

auxi!ia

pike

spear

..

llllllllllllllfH uxr1r
0

psiloi

cav.

PI
Vl

<lJ

.c

PI
cav ps1101

ouxr!ra

11111!!!1
pike

auxilia

.~

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.

ITTIUJJ

!~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~

"
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

...,:

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

pergamenC!
m1x11io
quxilio

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 ><ilia

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

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

~
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

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

-.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

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

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

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

~ 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

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

_. . . . . 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.

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

CHALONSSUR ..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

I JI I 111111

romans

ROMAN:;?

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

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

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

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

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.

j':

sandstorm

1'

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