1479 B.C.-378 A.D.

BY PETER SIDES

First DUIJUSllled
Text and illustrations .-nll"ivrioht uu~1ua!:l'. Press

ISBN 1 874351 00 7

Press
35 Cross Street
uu;:,uru1;t;.

Pontefract
WF91EU

Page - 1

CONTENTS
page
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
41

42
43

Introduction
Megido
Kadesh
Mu
Che
Yen Ling
Marathon
Plataea
Cunaxa
Leuctra
Mantinea
Chaeronea
Gnmicus
Issus
Gaugamela
Hydaspes
Ipsus
Heraclea
Asculwn
Benevenmm
Raphia
Lake Trasimene
Cannac
Baecula

Mataurus
llipa
Zama
Cynoscephalae
Carrhae
Pharsalus
Thrapsus
Munda

Idistaviso
Boudicca's Revolt

Mons Graupius
Tusus
Lugdunum
Milvan Bridge
Argentoratum
Adrianople
The bit at the back

1479BC
1288 BC
1027 BC
717BC
575BC
490BC
479BC
401 BC
371 BC
362BC
338BC
334BC
333BC
331 BC
326BC
301BC
280BC
279BC
275BC
217BC
217BC
216BC
208BC
207BC
206BC
202BC
197BC
53BC
48BC
46BC
45BC
16AD
60AD
84AD
194AD
197 AD
312AD
357 AD
378AD

The idea behind this booklet wrui to allow the wargamer to :recreate major battles of
ancient history in a simple and easy to play form. This booklet contains descriptions and
army lists for 39 battles from 1479 BC to 378 AD. Each battle has a brief description of
why it took place, an army list in elements, an initial. dep!Oyment plan, a description of
the battle, details of who won and any special victory conditions. The book also contains
on how to convert other major battles to this simple format
The armies in this book are expressed in two forms: in elements and also as the total
number of the different troop types that were present. This makes them suitable for use
with most commercially available sets of rules including WRG ancients DBA. & DBM.
I have attempted to give an insight into how ancient battles were fought, but remember
will find that forces were
or
these battles are :recreations, therefore
balanced for a fair game, one side may
a huge
over the
even if that
side is supposed to lose. Although the forces for these battles are large, if you use the
element system, a normal 1600 point army should provide all the troops for one side.
This booklet recounting the ancient battles of history is not written in tablets of stone and
is based on my interpretation of the battles. I have tried to give as much
of
how I arrived at the army strengths and troop types as I can, but if you disagree amend it,
as this is intended as a guide. My final point with regard to historical recreations is. do
not be surprised if you find it hard to get the same result as the real general. Ancient
battles relied heavily on luck, so don't be suprised when historical victors lose.
I would like to express my gratitude to Phil Barker who's excellent rules De Bellis
Antiquitati.s provided the inspiration for this book and for thier kind permission in
allowing me to now update this book for the new De Bellis Multirudinis DBM troop

definitions.

Page - 3

MEGIDDO 1479 BC
PHARAONIC EGYPT
When Tuthmosis m became Pharaoh he was faced by a coalition of Asiatic Hykos under
the King of Kadesh who had joined forces with the Kingdom of Mitanni and the Hittites
of Asia. This coalition now stood at the Canaanite City of Megiddo, a great stronghold in
~e plain of Jezrecl

ARMIES
NEW KINGDOM EGYPTION

HYKSOS & EARLY CANAANITE

10500 Infantry 3500 Light chariotry

(7 Lt Cbariots.Rcav(S);l Blade.R(O);
4 Spear.R(O); 2 Bow.R(0);2 Psiloi.R(O)
1 Gencra!Rcav(S))

7500 Infantry 2500 Llgbt Chariotry

(5 Lt Chariots. I cav (0); 3 Spear R(O)
6Psiloi1 (0); 1 Geneial J cav(S) )

DEPLOYMENT: The Asiatics deploy first. the Egyptions move first. Count the Kina
Brook as shallow and easy banked The steep slopes a.re impassible to chariots. The
Megiddo citadel cannot be used by either side.
VICTORY CONDmONS: The Egypti.ons must destroy 4 elements, the Asia:tlc:s 5
elements. Count the loss of a camp as 1 element for victory.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Egyptlons broke the Asiatics but failed to follow up
the rout and looted the camp instead

-4

PHARONIC EGYPT
Ramses invasion of Hittite held Syria led him to the stronghold at K.adesh

ARMIES
NEW KINGDOM EGYPTION
Amun 4000 men
( 4 Lt chariots,R.cav.(S);2 Bow,R(O);
1 General -1 Rcav(S))
Re 3000men
(I .Lt chariot,Rcav(S);l Bow,R(O)
3 Psilio,R(O) 1 General Rcav(S)
Ptah 5500 men
(1 Lt cbariot,Rcav(S);2 Spear,R(O);
2 Blade,R(O)l Gen)
Sutekh 6500 men
(1 Lt cbariot.Rcav(s);4 ... .,.,..... ,..,,\VJ
;1 General Rcav(S))

HITTITE ~
21000men

(10 Heavy chariots,(R kn.(0).

5 Lt chariotsJ cav(0);3 Auxilia I (0)'
l BowJ(J);2 AuxilliaJ (0);2 PsiloiJ (0)
1 General R Kn (0)

DEPLOYMENT: Egyptians deploy first and the Hittites move first.

Dice each Egypti.on tum for the arrival of Sutekh ( 1D6 needing a 5 or 6). Once Sutekh
marches on tl1en di~ for the mival QfPtah ( l D6 :iieeding a 6) Egyptions not on the
field are ignored and exert no command points. Kadesh stands on Bad going and can
only be entered by the Hittites. who once in, cannot leave or be counted in the battle.
Such changes to the numbers of troops of both sides., do not affect the victory conditions.
Kadesh cannot be attaked. The river Orontes is -2 off effect dice and the stream is -3.
VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Egyptions must destroy Telememnts and the Hittites
must also destroy 7 elements. The Egyption campjs equa!Jo.-0ne element for the victory
conditions.

HUWES L/chariot

PTAH

arrival poirt
LI. inc:hes

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Hittite ambush on the unsuspecting Egyptions nearly

paid off, but the Hittites were forced to withdraw into Kad.esh on the arrival of the other
Egyption divisions.

Page - 5

. L ' ~=

)I

MU 1027BC
CHOU REVOLT
The Sharig kingdom under King Shou Hsin was made up of a complicated clan system.
One of the stronger vassels Wen the "count of the west" was trusted by Shou Hsin and so
when the King set out on campaign in the south east he left Wen to gaurd his rear.
During his absence Wen increased his power in the Shau kingdom. So the King on his
return imprisoned Wen and so Wen's son Wu led his clan the Chou in revolt

ARMIES
SHANG

WU OF CHOU
35000men
(2 Lt Ow.iotsJ Kn(O);
2 SpearJ (1);1 BladeJ (l);

36000men
(3 Lt Chariots.lcmi(S)
9 Blade.I (1);9 Spear,R(O)
15 Psiloi,R(O);l General Icav(S))

13 WarbandsJ (F);6 PsiloiJ (0);

1 General +l I Kn(O))

DEPLOYMENT: The Shang deploy first and the Chou move first.
VICTORY CONDmONS: The Chou must destroy 12 elements and the Shang must
destroy 8 elements.

WU of CHOU

l{J

.c.
.~

N
N

PsAbi

psiloi

50.inches

IDSTORlCAL OUTCOME: The Chou army was smaller and made up of wild
barbarian tribes. Wu instructed his troops to maintain their line and in so doing drove the
Shang force back. The Shang army was deployed in tvvo lines and the first line was
driven back into the second line disordering both. The Shang army broke and the

was
-6

SPRINGS AND AUTUMNS

This period after the defeat of the Shang kingdom and the growth of the Chou kingdom
saw many warring states all trying to increase its power before Chou gained total control.

ARMIES
CHENG

YEN

Chai-Tsu 1 General at -1 I kn(S)

35700men
9500 men (2 Blade,l (l); 2 XBow I (I)
(14 H Chariots,R Kn (0);10 Spear,/ (1)
3 Psiloi) (0);3 H Chariots,RKn (0))
8 BladeJ (1);14 X Bow.I (1);10 PsiloiJ (0)
Yuen-Fan 1 General at -11 Kn(S)
2 Generals[ 1 is +1] R Kn (0))
8000 men 3 H ChariotsJ Kn (0)
(2 Blade.I (1);2 X BowJ (I))
Seb-Kia l General at-1 J Kn(S)
9500 men (2 Blade,l (I); 2 XBowJ (1)
3 H Clw:iots,l Kn(0);3 Psiloi,l (0))
Man-Pi 1 General I cav (S)
12500 men (9 Cav, I (0);7 Lt CavJ (1))
CHE
9000 men(3 BladeJ (1);3 XBowJ (1);3 Psiloi,I (1))
DEPLOYMENT: Yen deploys first and Cheng moves first. Count Che as a camp, the
troops in Che cannot leave unless led by a general.
VICTORY CONDmONS: Yen must destroy 17 elements. Cheng must destroy 18
elements. The capture of Che is worth 2 elements for the victory conditions.

~
I/cw
man-pi

hli

riot

'xbow b'.!.'J.!' rn
11111g~~~
~
lu..a:

spear

xbOw psilol1

llli

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Yen bypassed Che in order to attack the Cheng force,
driving back the three divisions it faced. But Man-Pi rode bis division to Che and led the
troops there in a devastating attack on the Yen armies rear.

Page- 7

YEN-LING

575 BC

TSIN-CH'U WAR
In this period in central China there was no dominant clan and so th!! country was divided
into many small clans fighting for dominance.

ARMIES
TSIN

CH'U

Leading Division 11000 men

(11 H Chariots, I Kn(O);
1 General-1 IKn(O))
Rear division 35000 men
(4 SpearJ (1);_4 BladeJ (l);
11 XBowJ (1). 10 WarbandJ (F).
8 PsiloiJ (0);
1 Generalat-11 Kn (0))

Left division 11500 men

<:! H Chariots,R Kn(0);2 CavJ (0);
5 LtCav,l (F);l General,R Kn(O))

Centre division 27000 men

(9 X BowJ (1);9 Blade.I (I);
9 Psiloi, I (0); 1 General -1,R Kn (0))

Right division 11000 men

<:! H Chariots,R Kn(0);2 Cav,I (0);
4 Lt CavJ (F);l Genera!R Im (0))

DEPLOYMENT: Ch'u deploy first and Tsin moves first Count the trench as defending
a river bank.

VICTORY CONDmONS: Ch'u must destroy 18 elements, the Tsin must destroy 16
elements.

IDSTORICAL OUTCOME: The two Ch'u generals hated each other, so when the
the rear
leading division was attacked on both flanks simultaneously by two Tsin
division failed to support them. The leading Cb'u division broke and disordered the one
behind in its
this lead to that divisions defeat.

-8

PERSIAN WARS
When the Persian expedition landed at Marathon bay the Athenians and Plataeans took
a defensive position on the Agrieliki Hills blocking the road to Athens and waited the
of Spartan re-inforcements. Darius then split his force sending all his cavalry and
some infantry by sea to Athens, leaving a force to hold the Greek army. The Greeks had
to attack at once in order to return to Athens to defeat the navel force.

ARMIES
EARLY HOPLITE GREEK
PERSIAN

EARLY ACHAEMENID

9600 infantry
(6 SpearJ (O);l PsiloiJ (0);'.
General I (0))

18000 infantry
(10 BowJ (0);8 Auxillia.l (0)
l;General-1 Rcav(O))

DEPLOYMENT: The Greeks form a double rank on both flanks witha

centre. The Persians deploy with the Auxilia in the centre.
first.

VICTORY CONDffiONS: The Greeks must destroy 6 elements, the Persians must
destroy 2.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Greeks broke both Persian flanks and turned on the
centre. The Greek centre foll back under Persian pressure. Having defeated the Persians
the Greeks then marched back to Athens in time to stop the navel force.
Page-9

PLATAEA

479 BC

PERSIAN WARS
The Persians under Mardonius with Medzing Greek allies failed to tempt the Greek army
into the open and there followed 3 days of manoevering between the armies. In the end
Pausanias feigned a retreat into the mountains which triggered an all out anack on the
Persians.

ARMIES
EARLY ACHAEMENID

EARLY HOPLITE GREEK

PERSIAN
40500 Hoplites,7000 Light Troops
(27 Spear.Il (0);14 Psiloi, I (0);
2 Gencrals-Pausanias +1 Rsp.(S))

25000 infantry, 5000 cavalry

(15 BowJ (X);lO AuxiliaJ (0);3 Cav,l (0);
4 Lt Horse,J (F);l Genera(Rcav (0))

l\IEDIZING GREEK

13000 infantry, 5000 cavalry

(8 Spear,J (0);2 Psiloi,J (0);
4 Cav Jl (1);2 Lt Horne.I (0)
1 General Rcav (0) )
DEPLOY!\1ENT: The Greeks deploy first. The Persians move first. Place the Persian
general with the Persian auxilia..
VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Greeks must destroy 16 elements, the Persians 13
elements.

--~--~--~-77inches------~~--~~~-

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Medling Greeks attacked first and were

defeated. The Persian Awcilia arrived in rime to see the rout of the Persian forces.

-10

PERSIAN WARS
Persian control of Greece through "divide and rule" was about to be turned on Persia by
the Greeks; Cyrus after the death of Darius Il claimed the Persian throne against his
brother Anaxerxes n. Cyrus, with a predominantly mercenary army. marched to meet his

Persian opponent
ARMIES

CYRUS

ART AXERXES Il

14,000 Mercenary Hoplites

(8 Spear.R (0);4 Psiloi.R (0))
2,600 Cavalry
(2 Cav.R (0);1 Lt Horse.I (0))
6000 Asia.tic allies

30,000 infantry
(8 Bow,R (0);15 Auxilia.I (O);

10 Psiloi.I (S))
6,000 cavalry
(3 Cav.I (0); 3 Lt Horse, I (0))
40 Scythe chariots
(2 Scythe
(0))
1 General-1,Rcav

(6 Awrilia.I (F))
1 General+ l Rcav(O)

DEPLOYMENT: Persians deploy first and the Greeks move first

VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Greeks must destroy 14 elements and the Persians
must destroy 7 elements. Count the Greek camp as 1 element for the
conditions.

ARTAXERXES II

~==::::ou=x=il=ia:;;:=:::i't:::==i
bow
._

EZZZlitint

v.
ltcav.
!tint.

6inches

t:::::5
ltcav. O'RUS

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Cyrus defeated the Persian right flank and scythe chariots
but lost his own right flank and camp. He then charged at the head of his cavalry, directly
at .Artaxerxes, wounding him and forcing him to leave the field. Cyrus was killed in the
closing moments of the battle, making the military victory pointless. Artaxerxes Il
succeeded to the throne.
Page- 11

LEUCTRA

371 BC

DECLINE OF SPARTA AND ASCENDANCY OF THEBES

Spartan expansionism, bolstered by her long-standing military superiority in the Greek
world, had led Sparta to invade Thebes. Sparta's military ethos had taken a blow at
Sphactcria in 425 BC when Spanan's elite surrendered rather than die. It was about to
take another blow.
Awhers note: Due to the smallness of the forces involved! have doubled the
elemems that would normally be employed.

ARMIES (I.ATE HOPUTE GREEK)

THEBAN

SPARTANS & ALLIES

6,500 Hoplitcs
(8 Spear, R (S))
1.000 Peltasts
( 4 Psiloi, J (0))
1,500 Cavalry
(3 Cav.R (0) )
1 General, R cav (0)

10,000 Hoplites
(13 Spear.R (0))
1,100 Pelwts
(4 Psiloi,l (1))
1,000 Cavalry
(2 Cav, R (1))
1 General -1 , R sp (S)

DEPLOYMENT: The Spartans deploy first and the Thebans move first.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Thebans must destroy 6 elements and the Spartans 5
elements. Count the Spartan camp as 2 elements for the victory conditions.

.....

,,
I

'

flll-<~------21.nc.hes

HISTORICAL OUfCOME: The Theban oblique attack negated the superiority of

numbers of the Spartans and the Theban phalanx crashed through the
section of
the line. Although casualties on both sides were light, it was the first
in the coffin of
supremacy.
Page - 12

DECLINE OF SPARTA AND ASCENDANCY OF THEBES

Rivalry between .A.rcadian states soon led to two main coalitions: Mantinea. pro Sparta,
versus Tegea, pro Thebes. The Tegean coalition army was led by Epaminondas and after
attempting a march on Spana, he threatened the Mantineans. Delayed by Athenian
cavalry, the Mantineans and Spartan allies formed for battle in a good defensive position.

ARMIES
MANTINEANS & ALLIES

THEBANS

20,000 Hoplites
(13 Spear.R (0))
1,000Llght Infantry
(2 Psiloi, I (1))
2,000 Cavalry
(2 Cav. R (0))
l General, R (S)

26,000 Hoplites
(17 Spear, R (S))
4,000 Light Infantry
(8 Psiloi, J (0))
3,000 Cavalry
(3 Cav.R (0))
1 General, R ( 0)

DEPLOYMENT: Ma.ntineans deploy first and the Thebans move first The stream did
not appear to hinder troop movement, or aid defence.
VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Thebans must destroy 5 elements and the Mantineans
must destroy 9 elements.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Thebans closed in on the Manti.nean's army and then
grounded arms as if not to fight that day. On the Manti.neans relaxing their gaurd,
Epaminondas ordered the attack. The Theban attack broke the Mantinean right flank and
drove back the flan.king light troops and cavalry. The mantinean force broke and fled but
was spared. the slaughter as Epaminondas was killed in the closing moments of the battle.
This paralysed the Theban force.

Page -13

338BC

CHAERONEA

RISE OF MACEDON
In 359 BC Philip Il of Macedon came to power. By 357 BC. he controlled the gold mines
of Mount Pangaeus; by 339 BC, Delphic disputes gave Philip his chance against the
Thebans. Athens, seeing the threat of Macedon, sided with their traditional enemy.
Thebes. After a failed attempt to block the passes into Gteece, the Theban/Athenian army
took up a strong defensive position at the foot of the hills of the Chaeronea.

MACEDONIAN

THEBAN & ALLIBS

18.000 Athenian/Allied Hoplites
(12 SpearJ(O))
12,000 Theban Hoplites

12,000 Phalanx (8 Pilre,R(O))

3,000 Hypaspists
.

(8 Spear,R(O))

5,000 Mercenaries
(10 Psiloi.R (S))
2,000 Cavalry (2 Cav,R(O))
500 Light Cavalry (1 Lt Cav,R(O))
2 Generals R Kn(F)

5.000 Mercenaries
(10 Psiloi,1 (0))
1 GcneralRsp(S)

(3 AuxiliaJl(S))

DEPLOYMENT: The Greeks deploy first and the Macedonians move first. The rivers
did not pose a major obstacle, but may have influenced movement.

VICTORY CONDmONS: The Macedonians must destroy 10 elements and the Greeks
must destroy 8 elements.

lib TORW ..\.L OUTCOME: Philip. with the Hpaspists, tempted the Athenians and
allies to advance, allowing Alexander, with the cavalry and light troops to outflank the
Thebans. The Athenians, now
were destroyed by the
The
Thebans were
where
and all Gree.re lay at Philip's command.
-14

ALEXANDER THE GREAT

Alexander succeded his father in 336 BC and having secured his control of Macedon and
the Greek states he marched east to challenge the Prersian Empire. On crossing the
Hellespont Alexander marched directly at the Persian army that stood behind the
Granicus river, Alexanders intention was to bring the Persians to battle and defeat them
as quickley as possible.

ALEXANDER

ARMIES
LATE ACHAEMENID PERSIAN
7,500 Greek Hoplites (5 .,~;.;u,.if\.\ v
2,000 Lt Infantry (4 c ;:!JJLu.1..a"t vn
8,000 Persian Infantry (4 Bow,R(O);

12,000 Phalanx (8 Pike,R(O))

7,000 Hoplites (4 Spear,R(l))
3,000 Hyspaspists (3 Auxilia)l(S))
6,000 Thracians (6 Awdlia,l(S))
5,000 Mercenaries (10 PsiloiJ (S))
2,000 Allies (1 Bow. I (1);2 PsiloiJ (0))
2,000 Companion Cav (2 Knights,R (F))
2,000 Greek/Thessaly (2 Cav,R(O))
1,000 Prodomoi (2 Lt Cav,R(O))
2 Generals ( Alexander+l)R kn (F)

4AuxJ(O))

l 7,000 Persian Cavalry

(3 Knights,R (F);lO CavJ (0);
8 Lt CavJ (0))
1 General Rcav(0)

DEPLOYMENT: The Persians deploy first and Alexander moves first.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: Alexander must destroy 12 elements and the Persians must
destroy 13 elements.

,'

...................
-------. ..

:. -~~~1:::.

-~

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Alexander stonned across the river and broke the Persian
left flank. The Persians were defeated and left their Greek mercena.i.-ies to be slaughtered.
Page - 15

HYDASPES 326 BC
ALEXANDER THE GREAT
The battle of Gaugamela gave Alexander the Persian Empire and took him to the edge of
India. Porus the most warlike of the Indian Kings awaited him at Hydaspes. Leaming of
a large force moving to join Porns, Alexander crossed the Hydaspes defeating and killing
Poros's son who opposed his initial landings. Porns now had Alexanders main force to his
front and a smaller.force at the ford to his rear, he had to attack or retreat. Porus chose to
attack.
ARMIES

ALEXANDER

PORUS CLASSIC INDIAN

15,000 Phalanx (10 Pike,R(O))

3,000 Hypaspists (3 Auxilia,R(S))
7.SOOGreek allies (5 SpearJ (0))
7.OOO Lt Troops (14 PsiloiJ (S))
2,000 Companions (2 Knights.R(F))
6,000 Greek/ Allied Cavalry
(4 Cav,R(0)4 Lt Cav.R(O))
2 Generals (Alexander +l R Kn (F))

30,000 Infantry (20 BowJ (S);

10 AuxiliaJ (S))
' .
4,000 Cavalry ( 4 CavJ (1))
200 Elephants (10 ElephantsJ (0))
400 Chariots (4 Hvy Chariots.I cav,(0))
1General1 El (0)

DEPLOYMENT: Porus deploys first. Alexander moves first. The Hydaspes is

impasable in the battle area.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: Alexander must destroy 16 elements, Porns must destroy

14 elements.

HISTORICAL OUTCOl\IB: Alexander sent his cavalry round the rear of his army t.o
attack Porus's right flank. The cavalry cought their enemy in the rear as they moved to
help Porus's left flank. Alexander having won the cavalry battle attacked the
and elephants with his pikemen and attacked the enemy in the rear with
.;,.. ,airy. After a hard fight the Indian army was broken and destroyed.
- 16

SUCCESSORS WARS
Alexander's death led to the fragmentation of his empire with Cassander holding
Macedonia; Lysimachus Thrace; Anti.gonus modern Twkey and Syria; Ptolemy I Egypt;
Seleucus I ancient Persia and Chandragupta India. This situation led to Antigonus in the
central position and with ambitions of reforming the empire at war with all the others.

ARMIES
SELEUCUS

ANTIGONUS

10500 Cavalry

10,000 Cavalry

(I Knights,R(F);1 Lt CavJ (F))

(4 Knights,4 Cav,4 Lt Cav)'

70,000 Infantry
(26 Pike,R(0);13 IJll="U. ..... \.Jt
7 Auxilia,R(0) 4
;3 PsiloiJ (S)
75 Elephants(3
(0))
2 Generals R Kn

64,000 Infantry
(36 Pike,R(0);8 AuxJ (0);
4 BowJ (I); 2 PsiloiJ (0))
400 Elephants,(20 ElJ (0))
120 Scythed chariots
(6 S Chariots) exp (0))
2 Generals, R Kn (F)

DEPLOYMENT: Seleucus deploys first and Antigonus moves fim.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: Seleucus must destroy 22 elements and Anrigonus must
destroy 30 elements.

Tit
l3

hoplites

.v...-v

~tes

I-" MIUI ' "

'

1
(JJ)(C::J
milmi 111111 II I I 11 IJ Ib-rrirrn c::J ~ 1EJ

fb![J

c;;:J 11.bwp& ANTlGONUS

OIJ)(I 1Q

roops

lL--------~
~"-----------99inc:hes----------ji

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Antigonus's son Demetrius on the cavalry heavy flank

broke the enemy flank to his front, but was unable to return due to Seleucus's elephants.
Antigonus with the Phalanx in the centre was now unsupported. Overwhelmed,
Anti.gonus died with his Phalanx.
Page - 17

ISSUS

333 BC

ALEXANDER THE GREAT

After the battle of Gnmicus the Persian army avoided contact with Alexanders army.
Alexander's slow progress allowed Dariius to outmanoeuvred him and take up a
defensive pose across Alexanders supply route.

ARMIES
ALEXANDER

LATE ACHAEMENID PERSIANS

12,000 Phalanx (8 Pilre,R(O))

9,OOO Greek Hoplites (6

Spcar,R(O))

6.000 Greek. Allies (4 Spcar,R(l))

3,000 Hypaspists (3 Aux:ilia,R(S))
4,000 Peltasts (4 Auxilia.R(O))
9,000 Lt Infantry (8 Psiloi.,l (S))
2.000 Companions (2 .knights,R(F))
3,000 Thessaly/Allies (3 Cav,R(O)}
1,000 Lt Cav (2 Lt Cav,I (0))
2 Generals (Alexander +1 R Kn (F))

20,000 Card.ace (20 AwtiliaJ (0))

15,000 Lt Infantry (30 PsiloiJ (0))
13,000 Cavalry
,
(3 Knights,Rcall(S);8 CavJ (0);
4 Lt Cav,l (F))
1 General,R cav ( 0)

DEPLOYMENT: The Persians deploy first, Alexander moves first. The river Pinarus
was dry so only count it for combat advantage.
VICTORY CONDITIONS: Alexander must destroy 23 elements, the Persians must
destroy 14 elements.

'::r:

i'i~

:.

~K-------SSinche ...!l----------~:::11
HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Alexander reinforced his left flank. with cavalry and then
drove the Persians back over the Pinarus. This broke their line and Darius fled while his
'2.l'ID.Y fell apart.
Page - 18

ALEXANDER THE GREAT

Having conqured all the Mediterranean coast up to Egypt, Alexander turned about and
marched through Syria and into Mesopotamia intent on attacking the Persian capital of
Babylon. Darius met him on the plain of Gaugamefa which he had previously cleared for
the battle..

ALEXANDER

ARMIES
LATE ACHAEMENID PERSIAN

12,000 Phalanx (8 Pike.R(O))

3,000 Hypaspists (3 Auxilia.R(S))
5,000 Greek Allies/Meres (10 Spear,R(l))
6,000 Thracians (4 AuxJ(S);4 PsiloiJ(O))
3,000 Lt troops (4 Psiloi;R(S);2 Psiloi,R(O))
)2,000Companions (2 Knights,R(F))
5,000 Cavalry (3 Cav.R(0);4 Lt CavJ(O))
2 Generals ( Alexander + 1)R Kn (F)

2,000 Royal Guard (2 Spear,R(S))

3,000 Greek Meres (2 Spear,R(O))
2,000 Mardi Lt Inf bow(4 PsiloiJ (0))
35,000 Cavalry
(4 Knights.Rcav(S);l5 Cav,1(0)

;30 Lt CavJ(F)
200 Scythed chariots
(10 S chariots) (0))
15 Elephants (1 ElephantJ
3 Generals (all-1)

DEPLOYMENT: Darius deploys first and moves first. Count Alexander's

as a camp which is worth 2 elements for the victory conditions.

train

VICTORY CONDITIONS: Alexander must destroy 22 elements and Darius must

destroy 14 elements.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Alexander moved obliquely across the battle fiels

threatening to move off the cleared ground. Darius launched his scythed chariots in an
attack which failed and Alexander broke the centre of the Persian line. Darius's cavalry
were beaten by the heavy infantry and he was driven off.

Page- 19

HERACLEA 280 BC
PYRRHUS OF EPIRUS
Pyrrhus considered himself champion of the Greek cause though King of a minor
Successor state. So when Roman expansionism threatned other Greeks Pyrrllus accepted
a invitation to join the Tarenties and others in Italy now threamed by Rome. Pymms's
campaign started badly with his army scattered in its sea crossing, so he needed a victory
to impress his allies. He faced a small Roman and mainly allied force on the river Sirls
and deployed on the far bank, but the Romans crossed on both flanks and he withdrew to
fight in open terrain.
ARMIES
PYRRHIC

TIJLLIAN ROMAN AND ALLIES

23,000 Infantry

8,000 Romans
(1 Cav,R(0);4 Spea.r,R(S);2 PsiloiJ (0))
16,000 Allies
(5 Cav,R(0);4 Spear,R(I);3 Aux.J (0)
;2 PsiloiJ (1))
1 General Rcav(O)

(8 Pike,R(0);4 SpearJ (0);2 Aux,R(O)

4 Psiloi bow,R(0);2 Psiloi,R(S)
3,000 Cavalry
(2 Cav,R(l); 2 Lt CavJ(O))
20 Elephants (1 Elephant) (0))
1 General ,Rcav(O)

DEPLOYMENT : The Romans deploy first and Pyrrhus moves first.

CONDITIONS: Pyrrhus must destroy 7 elements and the Romans must
destroy 8 elements.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Pyrrhus charged with his cavalry but was only saved by
his elephants who disrupted the Roman cavalry and allowed Fynhus to outflank the
enemy line. The Romans were defeated and lost about 15,000 men.
- 20

Z79HC
PYRRHUS OF EPIRUS
After his victory at Heraclea Pynhus tried to mediate with the Romans but the end he
broke off negotiations and marched on the Roman force in Apulia. After a day of
indecisive fighting in difficult terrain be faced the Roman army in open temrin.

ARMIES
PYRRHIC

TULLIAN ROMAN

20,000 Infantry

40,000 Infantry and Cavalry

(8 Pike,R(0);4 Spear,R(0);2 WarbandJ (S)

4 Psiloi bow,R(O);l Psiloi,R(S))

3,000 Cavalry
(2 Cav,R(1);2 Lt Cav,R(O))
20 Elephants (1 Elephant, 1(0))
1 General, Rcav(0)

(6 Cav,R(0);18 Spear.(9 R(S),9R(O))

14 Psiloi (7 R(0),7 R(I) )

1 General Rcav(0)

DEPLOYMENT: The Romans deploy first and Pyrrhus moves first.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 8 elements
destroy 12 elements.

cav.

must

111111111111111
spear

~
oov.

CONSULAR FABRICIUS

....---K

HISTORICAL OuTCOME: Pyrrhus failed to envelope the flanks and after a hard fight
in the centre the Romans were driven back to their camp. During the battle Pyrrhus was
at the fore-front of the fighting and was wounded so he withdrew rather than pefl;ue the
Romans to their camp.

Page- 21

BENEVENTUM 275 BC
PYRRHUS OF EPIRUS
After the battle of Asculum Pyrrhus had left Italy to fight the Canhaginians in Sicily and
as a result he lost much of his support. So when the Romans moved to crush his
remaining presence in Italy he was forced to split his forces sending some to Lucania and
marching on the consular army at Beneventum. Pyrrhus attampted a night attack on the
Roman camp but got lost on the approach and in the morning found his scattered force

near the Romans, who maxched out ready to fight.

ARMIES
CAMILLAN ROMAN

PYRRHIC

20.000 Infantry

17 ,OOO Infantry

(8 Pike,R(1);3 Spear,R(l);2 Warband,I(S)

3 Psiloi,R(O))

(5 Blade,R.(0);4 Spear,R(0);1 Psiloi,R(l))

3,000 Cavalry (2 Cav,R.(l), 2 Lt Cav,R(O))

18 Elephants (1 Elephant) (0))
1 General Reali(0)

1,200 Cavalry (1 Cav,R.(0))

1 Genera!Roov(O)

DEPLOYMENT: Pyrrhus deploys first and the Romans move

prst.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 7 elements and Pyrrhus must
destroy S elements.

HISTORJCAL OUTCOME: The Romans drove back Pyrrhus's vanguard but this gave
Pyrrhus time to deploy his phalanx. He then attacked with his phalanx and elephants, but
the Romans drove off his elephants and defeated the phalanx. Pyrrhus withdrew from the
field with what was left of his army and returned to Epirus, he never returned to Italy.

Page - 22

SUCCESSORS WARS
The battle of Ipsus in 301 BC had increased the Selucid empire from India to the
Hellespom and Byzantium down to Gaza. In 217 BC Antiochus with a Selucid mmy
attempted to incorporate Egypt and the kingdom of Ptolemy.

ARMIES
ANTIOCHUS

PTOLEMY
4,500 Cavalry (3 Knights,R(F);
3 Lt Cav,R(O))
3,000 Royal guard (2 Spear,R(S))
3,000 Libyans (2 Spear,R(O))
24,000 Macedon Phalanx (16 Pike,.R(O))
20,000 Egyptian Phalanx (14 Pike,.R(l))
9,000 Greek Meres (6 Spear,R(I))
3,000 Cretans (6 Psiloi bow,R(O))
6,000 Thracians (6 AuxilliaJ(S))
2,000 Peltasts (4 PsiloiJ (0))
73 Elephants (3 Elephants.I (0))
2 Generals, R Kn (F)

6,000 Cavalry (4 Knight.R(F);

4 Lt Cav,J(O))
21,000 Phalanx (14 Pike,R(O))
10,000 Hypaspists (10 Aux,R(O))
6,000 Greek Meres (4 Spear,.R(I))
2,500 Cretans (4Bow,.R(J))
2,000Persians (4 Bow,1(1))
9,000 Arabs (6 Spear,l(O)Or 9 Aux,1(0))
6,000 Media & allies (6Aux,1(0))
1,000 Lydians (2 Psiloi, l (0))
7,000 Peltasts (14 Psiloi, 1 (0))
102 Elephants (5 Elephants,J(O))
2 Generals, R Kn (F)

DEPLOYMENT: Ptolemy deploys first and Antiochus moves first.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: Ptolemy must destroy 26 elements and Antiochus must
destroy 21 elements.

mm::enaries

me des/allies

I
j:)t'lolcmx hypaspisis !Rlbs I It inf
l!:J ltl:ID c:Jl I QI I I I I I I I lc:=:i mt:::J ~
d!J:::i It int
ANTIOCHUS
c=fTh
K

~ ltcav ltinfboN

.c
u

.s
U'l

ll'l

l........_
K -HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Antiochus broke Ptolemy's left flank but lost his right
flank. With both flank forces either destroyed or persuing, this left the two centres to
fight it out. Ptolemy's centre was entirly of phalanx units and so broke Antiochus's
centre. By the time Anriochus returned with the cavalzy it was all over.

Page- 23

LAKE

TRA~IMENE

~l. 7

nc

2nd PUNICWAR
Hannibal having defeated Sempronius at Trcbbia positioned himself between the two
consular armies of Flaminius and Servilius. By pillaging close to Flaminius he tempted
him to attack before the two Roman armies joined forces. Flaminius, by forced marching,
closed on Hannibal's army and he hoped by the next day to have overtaken the
Canhaginiam. Unfommatly Hannible had risen early and the trap was set.

ARMIES
POLYBIAN ROMAN

CARTHAGINIAN

20,000 Legiomnies
(8 Bladc,R(0);3 Spear,R(S)~2 Psiloi,.R(I))
20,000 Italian allies
(20 Auxilia,R(l))

4,000 Roman Cavalry

(4 Cavalry,.R(O))

20,000 Spanish/African
(6 Spear,.R(0);9 AuxJ(S)4 PsiloiJ(SJ)
8,000 Gauls (8 WarbandsJ (F))
4,000 Gallic Cavalry(4 Cav J (0))
6,000 Numidian Cav (12 Lt CavJ (0))
2 Generals (Hannibal +1) Reali(0)

1 General, Reali(0)

DEPLOYMENT: Due to the early morning mists the carthagi.nian army were able to
close on the marching Romans. Deploy the Romans first and then deploy the
Carthaginians 6 inches away. The Canhaginians move first.
VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Canb.aginians must destroy 12 elements, the Romans
must either get 18 elements off the board or destroy 14 enemy elements.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The carthaginians .k:illrd 15,000 Romans and captured

another 15,000, the rest of the army was scattered and Flaminius was killed. The
situation in Rome was so desperate a dictatorship under Fabius Maxi.mus was elected.
The road to Rome was open, but Hannibal didn't take it.

Page -24

2nd PUNIC WAR

In 216 BC under the consuls Paullus and Varro Rome raised the largest field army in its
history with the intention of finally destroying Haruribal. Under the Roman system if two
consuls commanded an army the commanded on alternate days. Hannibal withdrew
before the Roman army but Paullus had foiled the traps he laid in his retreat. However on
this day Varro was in command and was determined to come to grips with the ,
Carthaginians.

ARMIES
POLY.BIAN ROMAN

LATE CARTHAGINIAN

40,000 Legionaries
(19 Blade,R(l);6
Psiloi,R(l))
40,000 Roman
(40 Auxillia,R(l))
6,000 Roman/Allied cavalry

20,000 Gaub; (20 WarbandsJ (F))

(6 Cavalry,R(O))

3 Generals (Hannibal +1) Rcav(O)

5,000

(4

PsiloiJ(S))

(10 Blade R(l))

4,000 Gallic Cav (4 CavJ (0))
6,000 Numidian Cav (12 Lt CavJ(O))

2 Generals,Rcav(0)
DEPLOYMENT: The Carthaginllms deploy first and the Romans move first.
VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 17 elements and the
Carthaginians must destroy 25 elements.

ROMAN ARMY
INFANTRY

6-~J::&-:;::~mGq
~L

CAV.

AFRI~

AFRICAN
CARTHAGINIAN ARMY

55 inches

HISTORICAL OUTCOJ\.IB: The Romans drove in Hannibal's centre but became

enveloped by the Africans and the cavalry. The Romans lost about 60,000 men killed or
captured.
Page 25

BAECULA

208 BC

2nd PUNIC WAR

Scipios campaign in Spain badly damaged Hannibal's cause. So when H.asdrubal faced
Scipio he needed a victory. Hasdrubal placed himself in a strong defensive position and
awaited the arrival of Hannibal's army, forcing Scipio to attack or retreat.

ARMIES
POLYBIAN ROMAN

LATE CARTHAGINIAN

11,000 Legionaries
(4 Bladc,R(0);2 SpearJl(S);4 PsiloiJl(S))
10,000 Allies (10 Aux.R(I))
4,000 Seamen (4 Aux,R(O))
11,000 Spanish allies
(10 AuxilliaJ (S);2 PsiloiJ (S))
3,000 Cavalry (3 Cav,R(O))
2 Generals (Scipio +1) Rcaw(O)

15,000 African/Spanish

(4 Spear)l(0);9 AuxilliaJ (S))

7 ,OOO Light troops
(14 PsiloiJ (S))
3,000 Nwnidian Cavalry
(6 Lt CavJ (0))
10 Elephants (1 ElephantJ (I))
1 General Rcav(0)

DEPLOYMENT: The Carthaginians except the light troops all start in the camp and
they move and deploy first from there.
VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 11 elements and the
Carthaginians must destroy 13 elements.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: H.asdrubal tried to deploy from his camp but the Roman
columns attacked him before he was fully deployed. H.asdrubal abandoned his light
troops and cavalry in order to escape.

-26

;,

207
2ndPUNIC
Hanniballay trapped in Italy faced by Nero's army, H.asdrubal was advancing to bis a.id
driving Llvius and Porcius before him. Nero leaving part of his force to fool Hannibal.
force marched to join Llvius and Porcius. Hasdrubal, detecting an increase in the Roman
forces, feared the worse and attempted to break contaet with the Roman forces by a night
march across the Mataurus. During the night Hasdrubal failed to cross the river and by
mid-day was facing the advancing Roman army:

ARMIES
CARTHAGINIAN

POLYBIAN ROMAN
26,000 Legionaries

14,000 Spanish/Africans

(12 Blade,R(0);3 Spear,R(S);6 Psiloi,R(S)) (5 Blade,R(I);4

20,000 Italian Allies
(20 Auxill.iaJl(l) )
6,000 Roman cavalry
(6 Cavalry,R(O))
3 Generals Rcav(O)

PsiloiJ (S))

8,000 Ligurians
5 SpearJ (1);2 Psiloi,J (S))
10,000 Gauls (10 WarbandJ (F))
1,000 Nwnidian Cavalry (2 Lt CavJ (0))
2,000 Gallic Cav (2 Cav,l (0))
10 Elephants (1 Elephant.I (1))
2 Generals Rcav(0)

The Carthaginian Blades are 1 when facing other blades. under DBM
DEPLOYMENT: Divide the Roman army into 3 equal forces. The Carth.aginian
elephant should be placed in the centre of their line. The Carthaginians deploy and move
first.
VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Carthaginians must destroy 15 elements and the
Romans must destroy 10 elements.

cav

luv1us } IFORC1us J
roman arm

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Nero marched behind the Roman line and appeared on its
left flank. He then turned the Carthaginian right flank. rolling up the line. Hasdrubal was
killed in the fighting.
Page -27

206BC

ILIPA

2nd PUNIC WAR

With the defeat at Metaurus Hasdrubal Gisgo realised that there was no point in
in Spain and with Hannibal still trapped in Italy, Hasdrubal decided to gamble it all on
one decisive battle. If he won all of Spain and Italy would fall to Carthage.
POLYBIAN ROMAN

ARMIES
CARTHAGINIAN

20,000 Legionaries & allies

(6 Blad.e,R(0);2 Spea:c,R(S);4 Psiloi,R(S);
6 Au:xilia R(l))

22,000 Spanish allies (22 Auxilia,(S))

3,000 Roman/Italian Cavalry
(3 Cavalry,R(O))
2 Generals (Scipio +l) Rcav(O)

30,000 Africans/Carthaginians
8 Spea:r,R(O); 8 Psiloi,R(O)
10 AuxiliaJ(S);4 Warbands,l (F))
20,000 Spanish allies{22 Awrilia) (S))
3,000 Numidian Cav (6 Lt Cav,l (0))
2,000 Carthaginian Cav (2 Cav, R (0))
40 Elephants (2 Elephants.I ffi)
1 General Rcav(0)

DEPLOYMENT: The Carthaginians deploy fust and the the Romans deploy 500 paces
from the enemy line. The Carthaginian army counts as tired after 2 D6 moves. The
Roman army advances to this position with both its flanks in column then expanded to
overlap the Carthaginian line.
VICTORY CONDmONS: The Romans must destroy 20 elements and the
Ca:rthaginians must destroy 14 elements.

li--k------JJ,,, inchl!S

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Scipio deployed early and forced the Carthaginians to

stmld all day before anacking. He placed hls best troops facing Hasdrubal's worst and
held back his centre. Hasdrubal's flanks collapsed and he lost about 45,000 men.
Page - 28

2nd PUNIC WARS

After the failure of peace talks Hannibal was forced by political
and the
approach of Masinissa. now a Roman ally to attack Scipio.
mmy was umeady
for battle and his deployment was designed to stop his troops running away.

POLYBIAN ROMAN

25 ,OOO Legionaries & allies

10,000 Gauls,Llgurians.Moors

(6 Blade,.R(0);2 Spear,.R(S);
2 Psiloi,.R(S);l2 Auxilia,R(l))
6,000 Numidian Infantry
(12 Psiloi I (S))
2,000 Roman/allied Cavalry
(2 Cavalry, R(O))

Canhaginians/Africans (8 ... _ .........., ........

4,000 Macedonians (4 ........................... \
12,000 Bruttians (12 Auxilia ,R(S))
2,000 Balearic (4 Psiloi,R(O))
4,000 Numiclian

4,000 Numidian Cav

(8 Lt Cavalry.I (0))
2 Generals (Scipio +l)Rcal'(O)

(8 Lt Cav,l (0))
80 Elephants (4Elephants,1(1))
1 General (Hannibal +1) Rcal'(O)

(4 Warbands,l(F);6 Auxilia,1(0))

DEPLOYMENT: The Carthagi.nians deploy first with the elephants in front of the
Ligurians, they also move first.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: Th.e Canhagi.nians must destroy 14 elements and the

Romans must destty 15 elements

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Roman cavalry drove off the enemy cavalry and
rerumed to attack the embattled line in the rear. The Carthaginian army broke and
surrendered. H.amribal died in exile and so the Punic wars ended.
Page - 29

CYNOSCEPHALAE

197BC

ROME V MACEDONIA
Philip V of Macedon had allied with Carthage during the Purtle wars so when Rome
emerged the victor Rome viewed Macedon with extreme suspicion. When Philip and
Antiochus ID started to threaten Ptolemaic Egypt the ally of Rome the pretext was there
to crush a potential threat.

ARMIES
POLYBIAN ROMAN

LATE MACEDONIAN

8,500 Roman legionaries

15,000 Phalanx (10 Pike,R(O))

5,500 Peltasts (11 PsiloiJ (S))
2,000 Thracians J2 AuxilliaJ(S))
2,000 Cavalry'(2 Cav,R(O))
2 Generals, Rcal'(O)

(4 Blade,R(O);l Spear)l(S);2 Psiloi,R(S))

10,000 Allies (10 Auxilia,R(l)

6,000 Aetclians (3 Spear,R(0);3 Psiloi,R(O))
2.500 Cavalry (2 Cav,R(O);l Lt CavJ(O))
20 Elephants (1 Elephant,l(O))

2 Generals,Rcav(O)

DEPLOYMENT: The Macedonians deploy first and the Romans move first The hills of
Cynosccphalae though rolling were not steep and should only give advantage in combat.
VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Macedonians must destroy 9 elements and the Romans
must destroy 8 elements.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME:A skirmish in the early morning mist between the light
troops was backed up by heavier troops of both sides with further formations marching
out of the camps. The battle started on the left with the Romans being driven down the
bill but on the right the Romans moved up the hill quickly and attacked the Macedonian
fonnations still arriving, then they turned on the rear of the Macedonians to their left
....,.................... them and saving the Roman left flank.

-30

CRASSUS INVASION OF PARTHIA

Marcus Crassus governed Egypt and Syria as pan of a tripartite control of the Roman
empire with Ceasar ans Pompey. Crassus saw an opportunity to further his political
standing with a glorious campaign in Mesopotamia and so with no pretext from Parthia
or approval from Rome he invaded.
ARMIES

MARIAN ROMAN

28.500 Legionaries (19 Blade,R(O))

4,000 Light troops (8 PsiloiJ(O))
3,000 Lt Cavalry (6 Lt CavJ(O))
1,000 Gallic Cavalry (1 CavJ(O))
Baggage train (2 elements)
1 General Rcav(0)

1,000 Cataphracts (1 Knight,l(X))

10,000 Lt Cavalry (20 Lt CavJ(F))
2 Generals) Knight(X)

DEPLOYMENT: The Romans deploy first and the Parthians move first.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 7 elements crr march their entire
force (or whats left of it) off the opposite side of the board. The Part.hians must
11 elements. The Baggage train counts as 2 elements each fcrr the victory conditions,
count them as fighting as camp followers with combat results as war waggons.

1
22 inches

= 1mile=90mm

HISTORIC~

OUTCOME: Crassus was forced to adopt a defensive square in the

open terrain and was then harried by the Parthians. He sent a force including his Gauls to
attack the Panhians but they were surrounded and destroyed. In the end the exhausted
Roman army disintergrated. In trying to escape Crassus was killed by Parthian treachery
at a parley.
Page- 31

48BC

PHARSALUS
CAESAR V POMPEY

Caesar on compleating his conquest of Gaul was forced to return to Rome under arms or
not at all. Pompey placed bis alliance with the constitution rather than with Caesar. After
a complicated campaign and a miner defeat for Caesar at Dyrrhachium. Pompey
attempted to crush Caesar at Pharsalus.
ARMIES

CAESAR

POMPEY

23,000 Legionaries
(15 Blade)l(O);l PsiloiJ (0))
10,000 Auxilia & Allies
(4 Awtllia,R(SJ;12 PsiloiJ(S))
1.500 Cavaky (1 Cav)l(O);
l Lt CavJ (0))
3 Generals ( Caesar +l)Rcal'(0)

50,000 Legionaries
(30 Blade* Jl(l); 10 PsiloiJ (0))
4,000 Awdlia & Allies .~
(2 Awrilia.J (0);4 Psiloi J (0))

7,OOO Cavalry
(6 Cav,I (0);2 Lt CavJ (0))
2 Genenili Rcal'(O)

* -1 if facing Blades under DBA

DEPLOYMENT: Pompey deploys first and Caesar moves first. Count the fortification
line as an obsticle.
VICTORY CONDmONS: Caesar must destroy 18 elements and Pompey must destroy
11 elements. Pompey's camp counts as 5 elements for the victory conditions.
MT. OOGANOZIS

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Pompey ordered his legions to recieve Caesars charge at

the halt hoping that the extra charge distance would disorder Caesars line. This simply
helped Caesar whose troops halted half way and reformed then charged into Pompey's
static army. On Caesars right flank his legionaries stiffening his light troops and cavalry
defeated Pompeys left flank and turned on bis main battle lines flank. Pompey seeing his
army being encircled fled leaving his army to disintergrate.

32

CAESAR V POMPEY
The battle of Phanalus left Caesar as dictaror of Rome. Pompey fled to Egypt but was
murdered by Ptolemy his former ally. Caesar now set about securing his political hold on
the Roman empire and destroying the last vestiges of Pompeian suppon. To this end
Caesar went to North Africa to destroy a Pompeian mny commanded by Metellus Scipio

ARMIES
CAESAR

POMPEY

20,000 Legionaries
(13 Blade,R(O);l Psiloi,R(S))
2,000 Light troops
(4 Psiloi,l (0))
1,000 Cavalry
(1 Cavalry,R(O))
1 General (Caesar +l)Rcav(O)

28,000 Legionaries
(18 Blade,R(I);2 Psiloi,.l (0))
3,000 Light troops
(6 Psiloi,l (0))
12.000 Cavalry
(10 CavJ. (0);2 Lt Cav.,l (0))
J:!le1:>nartts ( 1 Elephant,/ (I))

DEPLOYMENT: Pompey deploys first and Caesar moves first

VICTORY CONDITIONS: Caesar must destroy 13 elements and Pompey must destroy
6elements.

m:1.E.O:
mm
a:IID rn:m

T l2l
~

c:::::l

-5

It troops

It troops

(oopj

It tr~s

ltcav

CCIV.

.S
N

It

lID

mm rn:m mm -~
legionaries

c::::J

an i~aries tmOllilOml
arm filID mm mm ~ cav

~_......._~....---........~
}E.__ _ _ _ _

44 i n c h e s - - - - - - - - ) f

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Caesar had five legions, one of which was trained in antielephant tactics and split up to suppon the light troops. Caesar's supported light troops
drove back the flank forces of Pompey and routed the elephants through the legionaries.
The Pompeian force was now disordered and so Caesar attacked with his centre and
heavily on the flanks. The Pompeian force was driven back and finally collapsed.
Page- 33

MUNDA45BC
CAESAR V POMPEY
Caesars victory at Thrapsus had extinguished Pompeian :resistance in North Africa but
was swiftly followed by the defection to the Pompeian cause of Caesar's old second in
command in Gaul Titus Latienus, who allied himself with Pompey's sons Sextus and
Gnaeus Pompeius. After a short campaign in Spain Caesar found the Pompeian army in
a strong uphill position. Caesar advanced to the base of the hill in an attempt to draw his
enemy away from its strong defensive position.

ARMIES
CAESAR

POMPEY

35,000 Legionaries
(22 Blade.R(0);4 Psiloi)l(O))
8,000 Cavalry
(8 cavalry,R(O))
2 Generals ( Caesar + 1) Rcav(0)

44,000 Legionaries

.....
(28 Blade.R(l);S Psiloi,R (0))
6,000 Light trOOpS
(12 Psiloi, J (0))

6,000 Cavalry (6 CavJ (0))

1 General (Latlenus +l) Rcav(0)

DEPLOYMENT: Pompey deploys first and Caesar moves first

VICTORY CONDITIONS: Caesar must destroy 16 elements and Pompey must destroy
11 elements.

'"II II ' ii I If

I I

Ii I II '

OJl"ltour

11'1
Cl

.~

N
N

1u::.-------I(

59 inches-----.....-----,.----j!

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Caesars cavalry supported by light troops and legionaries

attacked both wings of the Pompeian army and drove the right wing off. Caesar moved
his reserve troops to his left flank and led the attack. Latienus. unable to extend his line
because of the Roman cavalry, tried to move his :remaining cavalry to counter Caesars
outflanking attack. only to have his army break thinking his cavalry were
- 34

~ I

REBELLION lN BRITA.IN
This battle fought in Britain against the Romans was in fact pan of a continuous war in
Britain that had been going on in isolated ''rebellios" since the Romans invaded.
Boudicca was the Queen of the Iceni and struck whilst the main Roman force and the
govemer OW.us Suetonius Paulinus were carnpfri.gning in Mid-Wales. This allowed her to
sack London, Colchester and St Albans before the arrival of effective resistance.

EARLY IMPERIAL ROMAN

7,OOO Legionaries
(4 Blad.e,R(0);2 Psiloi,R(O))
4,000 Auxilia
(4 Bow,R(O))

ARMIES
ANCIENT BRITAIN

6,000 Mounted
(5 Lt Chariot.I cav(0);1 Lt
27 ,500 Foot .

2,000 Cavalry
(2 Cava.lry,R(O))
1 General +1 Rcav(O)

DEPLOYMENT: The British deploy first and the Romans move fil'St. The waggon
laager and the woods should be regarded as impassible temtln.
VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 17 elements and the Britons
must destroy 4 elements.

IDSTORICAL OUTCUME: The Roman line had to be met head on, the Roman charge
halted Boudicca's attack and then the Britons were driven back and trapped against the
waggon laager. The Romans spared none and up to 50,000 men, women and children
were killed.

Page- 35

MONS GRAUPIUS

84AD

CONQUEST OF BRITAIN
By 84 AD most of England had been fully subjugated by the Romans and only the wilder
pans of Wales and rrios.t of Scotland remained unconquered. The Scots in particular
continued to give active resistance to the Romans. So in order to prove the might of
Rome once and for all, Gnaeus Julius Agricola circumnavigated Britain in a tour de force
putting down any resistance in his path.

ARMIES
EARLY IMPERIAL ROMAN

CALEDONIAN

9,OOO Legionaries
(5 Blade,R(0);3 PsiloiJl(O))
8,000 Auxilia

30,000 Caledonians
(6 Lt ChariotsJ cav(O);
6 Lt CavaJxy,l'(F)
8 PsiloiJ (S);20 WarbandsJ (F))
1 General l cav(cluuiot) (0)

(4 A~(S);4 Bow,R(O))

4,000 Cavalry
(4 Cavalry,R(O))
1 General+ 1 Rcav(O)

DEPLOYMENT: The Romans deploy first and move first.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 13 elements and the Caledorrians
must destroy 6 elements.

. I

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Roman Auxilia drove off the light chariots, light
cavalry and psiloi and drove back the centl'C of the line of warbands. The Caledc.mian line
being longer started to envelope the flanks of the Roman auxilia, when the Roman
legionaries marched around the back of the Caledonians on both flanks. The Caledonians
fell back to the woods but were routed again by the Romans.

Page-36

ROMAN INVASION OF GAUL

Germanicus campaigning east of the Rhine faced a large German force under Anninius.

EARLY IMPERIAL ROMAN

ARMIES
EARLY GERMAN

29 ,OOO Legionaries
(19 Blade,R(O);l Psiloi,.R(O))

50,000 Tribsmen
(38 Warband,I (0);14 Psiloi,I (S);

30,000 Auxilia
(22 Auxilia,R(S);l6 Psiloi,I (0))
6,000 Allied Auxilia
(6 Warbands,I (F))

3 Cavalry) (0))
2 Generals lcav(O)

3Blade,l(F)

8,000 Cavalry
(6 Cav,R(0);4Lt Cav,.R(F))

2 Generals (Ger.manicus +l)Rcav(O)

DEPLOYMENT : The Germans deploy first and the Romans move first.
VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 19 elements and the Germans
must destroy 24 elements.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Roman army advanced and the cavalry was ordered
to outflank the Germans in the woods. .Anninius ordered his centre to charge which
drove into the second line, but both his flank forces were forced to :retreat. The Germans
were pushed back up the bill and .Anninius was wounded at that point his army routed.

Page- 37

ISSUS

194AD

IMPERIAL ROME
Scptimus Severns commander of the Danube Legions was proclaimed Emperor by the
Praetorians in' Rome in 193 AD. But in order to attain the throne he had to fight against
the other Roman contenders, these being Clodius Albinius and Pescermius Niger. Sevel"us
fooled Albinius into thinking they could be joint rulers and attacked Pescennius Niger.

ARMIES
SEVERUS

NIGER

31.SOO Legionaries
(18 Bla.dc.R(0);9 Psiloi,R(O))
18,000 Auxilia

35,500 Legionaries

(18 AwciliaJl(O))
14,000 Cavalry

(14 Cavalry,R(O))
2 Generals Rcall(O)

(21 Blade,R(0);8 Psiloi,R(O))

16,000 Awdlia
(8 Auxilia,R(0);8 Bow,.R(O))

8,000 Cavalry
(8 Cavalry,R(O))
1 General +1 Rcall(O)

DEPLOYMENT: Niger deploys first and Severus moves first.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: Niger must destroy 19 elements and Severns must destroy
17 elements.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Severns attacked frontally whilst sending the bulk of his
cavalry around the woods to attack Niger in the real". Severus's frontal attack was held but
his cavalry broke through and trapped Niger's army destroying it.

-38

ThiPERIAL ROME
Severns having ~~ated Pescennius Niger now turned on his other rival Qodius Albinius
governor of Britain.

ARMIES
SEVERUS

ALBINIUS

71.500 Legionaries

88,000 Legionaries
(55 Blade,R(O);ll Psiloi,R(O))
44,000 Auxilia

(44 Blade,R(O);ll Psiloi,R(O))

44,000 Auxilia
(22 Auxilia,R(0);22 BowR(O))
33,000 Cavalry
(33 Cavalry,R(O))
3 Generals Rcav (0)
(Severns +1, Others +0,-1)

(22 Awdlia,R(0);22 BowR(O))

22,000 Cavalry
(22 Cavalry,R(O))
2 Generals Rcav(O)

DEPLOYMENT: Albinius deploys first and Severns moves first. The concealed traps
count as bad going for Severus's troops only.
Flank Much; Severns may send any cavalry from group A off the board to come back on
anywhere on the rear edge of the enemy's board. The group must have a general with it at
all times and dices each friendly rum needing 6 to come back on.
are counted as
casualties including the loss of the generals command points until they remrn to the
board.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: Albinius must destroy 44 elements and Severns must

destroy 40 elements. Count Albinius's camp as 2 elements for the victory conditions.

CJJxiha
bow

1Jj3ifrJW/ff1 I i I I I I I I I I I

ii I I I I I I I
ii I ii ii I I II ii

ps1lo1
ALBINL

cav.

c~~iJ'i'bQ' fio~>:)

cov

ii I ii 11111 fj Ii I ii ii

SEVERth
I

psiloi

,____,&O=w_J Ii 1111 ii I Ii

l
ii I Ii Ii II i II

if II

ii ii ii I I I I I Ji Ii I ii ii ii I ii ii
legionaries

106 inches

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Severns's left flank was disordered by the concealed traps
and driven back and the legionaries sent to suppon them were driven into the ravine. On
Severns's right flank they broke the Albinunian troops and persued them back to their
camp which they then looted. Severns was in danger of losing both flanks when the
cavalry force sent on a long flank march arrived in Albinius's rear.

Page-39

MILVIAN BRIDGE

312 AD

IMPERIAL ROME
Rome at this time was ruled by two Caesars, Constantius and Galerius, but Galerius was
userped by the son of a previous second Caesar Maximain. On the death of Constantius
his son Constantine invaded Italy to wrestle power from the userper Maximain's son
Maxentius.

ARMIES
CONSTANTINE

MAXENTIUS

59,00 Legionaries
(36 Blade.R(O);lO Psiloi.R(O))
27 .OOO Auxilia
(27 Bow.R(O))
8,000 Cavalry

45,000 Legionaries
(27 Blade.R(0);9 Psiloi.R(O))
15,500 light troops
(31 Psiloi.R(O~) .~
60,000 Auxilia
(60 Auxilia,R(0))
18,ooo Cavalry
(6 Knights,R(F);6 Ca.v,R(O);

. (2 Knight,ll(F);4 Cav,R(0);4 Lt Cav.R(F))

2 Generals Reali(0)

12 Lt Cav,R(F))
1 General +1 Rcav(O)

DEPLOYMENT: Maxenrius deploys first and Constantine moves first.

VICTORY CONDmONS: Maxentlus must destroy 27 elements and Constantine must
destroy 50 elements.

River

OOinches

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: Constantine attacked wir.h his right flank using archers to
cover the attack. After a hard foughtc fight he broke Maxentius's left flank and defeated
him. Maxentius drowned crossing the river on his retreat to Rome.
-40

ROMAN INVASION OF GAUL

A large German army under their King Chnodomar crossed the Rhine to raid the Roman
provinces. In response Julian with a small Roman force marched 21 miles before noon to
engage the Germans.

ARMIES
EARLY ALAMANNIC

LATE ThfPERIAL ROMAN

6,000 Auxilia

32,000 Infantry
( 27 Wa:rbandsJ(S);lO PsiloiJ (0))
3,000
- dismounted

(6 Auxilia,R(SJ)

(3 Blade.

3,000 Cavalry

1 General Jcav(O)

4,500 Legionaries
(3 Blade,R(O))

(1 Knight.R(X);4 Lt Cav,R(F))

2 Generals Rcav(O)
(Julian +1)

DEPLOYMENT: The Germans deploy and move first

VICTORY CONDmONS: The Germans
must destroy 13 elements.

4. elements and the Romans

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: The Germans laid an ambush in the woods but the Roman
left flank suspected this and halted. The Germans, realising the Romans had halted,
an:acked en-mass. The initial charge bro.Ire the Clibanarii Knights and bro.Ire through the
Auxilia to Clibanarii left, but the Roman second line halted the break through. The
Cliban:nii rallied and attacked the German left flank. The German line, now static against
the Roman line, was defeated and routed. Omodomar was captured and the German
forces slaughtered.

Page- 41

ADRIANOPLE

378 AD

BARBARIAN INVASIONS
The emperor Va.lens with the Eastern Roman army intended to destroy the barbm.ian
Goths in Thrace before the Western Roman army could join him in support and share in
his victory.

ARMIES
EARLYGOTillC

LATE IMPEIUAL ROMAN

30,000 Infantry

40,000 Legionaries
(12 Blade,R(0);18 Aux,R(I);8 Psiloi,R(O))

(25 WarbandsJ(O);lO PsiloiJ(O))

10,000 Cavalry
(4 Knight,R(F);4 Cav,R(0);4 Lt CavJ(F))
2 Generals Real'(0)

20,000 Cavalry
(14 KnightsJ(F);12 Lt CavJ(S))
3 Generals lwb(S), lKn(F)

DEPLOYMENT: The Goths wagon laager deploys first then the Roman army. The
Goth cavalry under Alatb.eus and Saphrax deploy next.. The Goths move first.
VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Romans must destroy 20 elements and the Goths must
destroy 16 elements. The Goths camp counts as 5 elements for the victocy conditions.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: 'When Valens arrived at the Goth waggon

only the
set fire to
infantry and some light cavalry were present, so he attacked at once. The
the grass to delay the attack and awaited the arrival of the main force who were out
foraging. On arrival the Goths cavalry quicldy drove off the Roman cavalry and
surrounded the infantry. Valens was killed and the army destroyed.

-42

VICTORY CONDITIONS
The victory conditions are based on a third of the army ( fractions rounded down )
destroyed. I have not counted General Elements
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.
DEPLOYMENT
The maps in this book are all drawn to sea.le 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, mmhy, swamp, woods and steep hills all
count as bad going or rough going (Rg). Low hills give a combat advantage only. All
rivers unless marlred as impassible must be diced for thier ford.ability.
FIGURE SCALE
Cose order troops;Spear, Blade, Pike =1500 men per Element.
Loose order troops; Auxilia, Bow, Warband, Knights, Cavalry= 1000 men
Open order troops; Psiloi, Light Horse =
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
miniumu 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 l
Under DBM use it's victory points system and all other rules as normal.

Page-43