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Caesar’s Wars: The Fall of the Roman Republic 105-25 BC

By Mike Bruck and Jeff Jonas

 

“They had likewise two other javelins, the largest of which was composed of a staff five feet and a half long and a triangular head of iron nine inches long. This was formerly called the pilum, but now it is known by the name of spiculum. The soldiers were particularly exercised in the use of this weapon, because when thrown with force and skill it often penetrated the shields of the foot and the cuirasses of the horse.”

Vegetius,  De Re Militari *

 

This army list is designed to help you create a Late Republican Roman wargame army for Warhammer Ancient Battles.  This period represents the armies of Rome after the reforms of Gaius Marius and includes the armies of Sulla, Cassius, Brutus, Caesar, down to the armies of Octavian and Antonius (Marc Antony).

During this time, Rome was at war with indigenous people all over the frontier and was consolidating her empire. A long hundred year war in Spain was simmering down as Roman influence finally was forcibly taking hold.   A serious Germanic incursion of Gaul and Italy was defeated early in this period. After that Rome was on the offensive on all frontiers.

In the west only Britain, Gaul, and Germania remained unconquered. In the Danubian area Rome quietly continued to annihilate the Thracians, Illyrians, and Dardanians.  In the east Roman influence was awarded to them when Pergamum ceded to Rome, eventually this led to war with this new province of Asia’s neighbors and conquest of Asia Minor, then the Levant, and then Egypt followed.  Rome’s attempts to move eastward were thwarted by the Parthians, and it is here that Rome suffered her worst defeats, as her infantry heavy armies were neutralized by the cavalry armies of the East.

The list of enemy armies of Rome is virtually all the people of Europe and Asia.  But even with all these varied armies to fight, still the most famous actions are those of the great Civil Wars, as Rome struggled to sort out being both a Republic and an Empire. Fifty years of sporadic civil wars ended up with one man standing, Caesar Augustus, who founded the principate, becoming Rome’s first emperor.   These lists are created to allow players to recreate these wars of conquest, and Civil Wars to restore order, whether that ‘order’ is revitalizing  the power of the Senate, or creating a dictatorship.   These lists are created from many others posted on the web and unify other ideas from published WHW army lists such as Spartacus, Hannibal and the Punic Wars, and the Early Imperial Roman list in the WAB rulebook, as well as ideas culled from posted lists on the internet, WABlist, and DBM army lists.

 

 

ARMY COMPOSITION Characters. Up to 25 % of the points value of the army. Legionaries. At least 50% of the points value of the army. Auxilia. Up to 25 % of the points value of the army. Special Troops. Up to 25 % of the points value of the army. Allies. Up to 25 % of the points value of the army.

 

 

 

 

 

“If therefore he finds his army composed of raw troops or if they have long been unaccustomed to fighting, he must carefully study the strength, the spirit, the manners of each particular legion, and of each body of auxiliaries, cavalry and infantry. He must know, if possible, the name and capacity of every equestrian, tribune, centurion, and soldier. He must assume the most respectable authority and maintain it by severity. He must punish all military crimes with the greatest rigor of the laws. He must have the character of being inexorable towards offenders and endeavor to give public examples thereof in different places and on different occasions.”

Vegetius:

 

 

CHARACTERS

The army must have at least one character to serve as the overall leader, chosen from the Characters listed below. 

 

1 ARMY GENERAL (Imperator, Consul or Proconsul)

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	Ld	Pts
Imperator	4	6	5	3	3	3	6	2	10	150
Pro-Consul	4	5	5	3	3	2	5	2	9	125
Warhorse	8	3	-	3	-	-	3	1	-	+5

Equipment:  Armed with a gladius, and light armour.  May ride a Warhorse +5 pts.
Special Rules:  Army General, Drilled and Stubborn.

The Imperator is a general that has been tested in war and has risen to command his own personal army. As such his soldiers are more loyal to him than to Rome itself, his stern leadership and favor of the gods earns him the highest devotion from his troops.  He is a danger to Rome, as he is most likely affiliated with either the populares or optimates political groups, who are destined to destroy the Roman Republic is vicious civil wars.

The Pro-Consul is a seasoned general that has many campaigns behind him. He is loyal to Rome, and has all the skills to fight the enemies of Rome, and then give up his auctoritas under the laws of Rome and return to civilian life. He is the typical Cincinnatus.

 

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	Ld	Pts
Consul	4	5	5	3	3	2	5	2	?	135
Warhorse	8	3	-	3	-	-	3	1	-	+5

Equipment:  Armed with a gladius, and light armour.  May ride a Warhorse +5 pts.
Special Rules:  Army General, Drilled and Stubborn. Consul.
Consul: The consul is an up-and-comer of untested mettle. He can be a Military Man, a Political Animal, or a Standard Roman issue.

Before the battle roll a D6 to find out what stuff he is made of:
1-2: Political animal. Leadership is 8, but bribes and political allegiances allow the general to double the amount of Lictor bonuses.
3-4: Standard and Steady general, leadership is 9, the general himself is immune to panic.
5-6: Military Man: Leadership is increased to 10, but the general is rash.   Troops within 12” of the general are subject to warband rule #2 (surge forward on a roll of 6).

“Next day as Caesar was preparing to set out with the army, notice was sent him by his spies, that Pompey had been in order of battle ever since midnight. Upon this intelligence he ordered the standard to be raised.”    Caesar’s War in Spain

0-1 ARMY STANDARD BEARER or AQUILIFER

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	Ld	Pts
Army Standard	0	4	4	4	4	2	5	2	9	100

Equipment:  Armed with a gladius, light armor, and shield.
Special Rules:  Army Standard Bearer, Drilled and Stubborn.  See the WAB rules page 119 for further effects
This may represent the general’s personal standard which is raised near his tent, or a legion’s aquilifer, or eagle standard.  Both symbolize the power of the general and serves as a rallying point for the legions. In very large games multiple Eagle standard bearers should be allowed and each legion of 10 cohorts should have its own eagle army standard.  The legion’s Eagle standard became an object of veneration and no legion could bear the humiliation loss of it, see the WAB rulebook page 119 for further effects.

 

“Valor is superior to numbers.” Vegetius 

 

 

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0-1 LEGATE

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	Ld	Pts
Legate	4	5	5	3	4	2	5	2	9	100

Equipment:  Armed with a gladius, and light armour.  May ride a Warhorse +5 pts.
Special Rules:  Sub-General, Drilled and Stubborn.
Caesar despaired that the six tribunes assigned to each legion no longer had the salt to lead them, so he place Legates in charge as permanent commanders of his legions. One Legate is allowed for each ten cohorts in the army. The Legate counts as an army general only for one assigned legion. A Legate may also command Allied or Mercenary troops, but only as an assigned character.

0-1 SENIOR CENTURION

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	Ld	Pts
Senior Centurion	4	6	5	4	4	2	5	3	9	95

Equipment:  Armed with a gladius, large shield, and light armour.
Special Rules:  Drilled and Stubborn. Immune to psychology. Decimation.
Decimation: If a unit breaks from combat while the Senior Centurion is attached he will carry out a decimation after the battle. The cohort loses D3 troops.  The unit is immune to psychology in its next battle in a campaign.
A legion’s senior centurion (primus pilus which means “first spear” or “first file”) was the toughest bird in the Roman Army, and he protected the legion’s eagle standard. One only needs to read Caesar’s account of the actions of Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus, who are now stars of their own HBO TV series, to see how tough they could be. One Senior Centurion is allowed for each group of ten cohorts in the army. At a players’ discretion they can also be added to siege games, and special scenarios, these characters are not recommended for tournament play.

 

 

TRIBUNES and PRAEFECTS

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	Ld	Pts
Tribune	4	4	4	3	3	2	5	2	8	55
Warhorse	8	3	-	3	-	-	3	1	-	+5

Equipment:  Armed with a gladius, and light armour. May ride a Warhorse +5 pts.
Special Rules:  Drilled and Stubborn.
Tribune’s no longer carried out many military functions as they were mostly political appointees. Praefects often commanded auxiliary forces.

0-2 LICTORS

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	Ld	Pts
Lictors	4	3	3	3	4	2	5	1	7	30

Equipment:  Armed with a gladius, and fasces.
Special Rules:  Drilled and Stubborn. The Lictors are an independent character that is part of the General’s entourage, they keep up even if the general is mounted.  They will not join units, but will hang back in the rear if the general attaches to a unit.  They may not charge.
The Lictors provide a re-roll of any failed break or panic test within 12”, or they may add +1 to any combat result. These effects may be used once per game per lector. Once their re-rolls or bonus points are used up, the Lictors may withdraw to the camp. If the enemy capture or kill a Lictor they gain +25 pts each

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 “The music of the legion consists of trumpets, cornets and buccinae. The trumpet sounds the charge and the retreat. The cornets are used only to regulate the motions of the colors; the trumpets serve when the soldiers are ordered out to any work without the colors; but in time of action, the trumpets and cornets sound together.”     Vegetius

 

LEGIONARIES
Legionaries must be organized into units of at least sixteen models each.  There is no limit to the maximum size of a unit.  One model per unit must be upgraded to a standard bearer at a cost of +5 points, one model per unit must be upgraded to a musician at a cost of +5 points, and one model per unit must be upgraded to a Centurion at a cost of +10 points, (the leadership bonus of the Centurion has been added).

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Veterans	4	4	4	3	3	1	4	1	9	20

Equipment:  Armed with gladius, pilum, large shield and light armor. May add javelins +1pt.
Special Rules: Cohorts.  Drilled and Stubborn. 0-1 unit may be upgraded to Praetorians +15 pts per unit.
Praetorians are the general’s bodyguard.  They are immune to panic and allowed one free re-roll of to hit dice per game, the whole roll must be re-rolled.  The unit of Praetorians may not exceed 12 models. They must deploy within 6” of the army general.

 

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Regulars	4	3	3	3	3	1	3	1	8	13

Equipment:  Armed with gladius, pilum, large shield and light armor. May add javelins +1pt.
Special Rules: Cohorts.  Drilled.   A unit may be “Seasoned” and will then count as stubborn, +3 pts.

 

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Raw Recruits	4	3	3	3	3	1	3	1	8	11

Equipment:  Armed with gladius, pilum, large shield and light armor. May add javelins +1pt.
Special Rules: Cohorts.  Neither Drilled or Stubborn.
Raw recruits can also be provincial forces and garrisons.

 

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Conscripts	4	2	3	3	3	1	2	1	7	7

Equipment:  Armed with gladius, pilum, large shield.  May add light armor +2 pts. May add javelins +1pt.
Special Rules: Cohorts.  Neither Drilled or Stubborn.
Conscripts are so raw they are regarded by contemporaries as “legions in name only.”  Such troops would be some of the Pompeian troops at Pharsalus, or those raised in Spain from slaves and non-citizens.  Ptolemaic, Pontic, Galatian legions, or Juba’s Numidian legions would also count as conscripts compared to even the raw recruits raised from citizens.

     

Little Big Men Studios

 

“Lest the soldiers in the confusion of battle should be separated from their comrades, every cohort had its shields painted in a manner peculiar to itself. The name of each soldier was also written on his shield, together with the number of the cohort and century to which he belonged. From this description, we may compare the legion, when in proper order, to a well fortified city as containing within itself every thing requisite in war, wherever it moved. It was secure from any sudden attempt or surprise of an enemy by its expeditious method of entrenching its camp even in the open plains and it was always provided with troops and arms of every kind.”     Vegetius

 

HaT industries art from:  http://www.hat.com/

 

AUXILIA
Auxiliaries were no longer part of the legion, they were mercenary hired for their skills in scouting, skirmishing, and garrisoning outposts. Occasionally powerful generals could afford to carry auxiliaries from all parts of the empire. Thus, Crassus had Gaulic cavalry in Parthia, and Caesar could afford Numidian and Cretan troops in Gaul.  Roman Cavalry became rare after the initial Civil Wars as the young nobility of the equestrian class signed up for political careers as opportunity increased.

The last known Roman cavalry served with Pompeius at Pharsalus, but each Triumvir or Consul probably carried a small unit of Roman cavalry as messengers.  Other cavalry were attached as needed, but were rarely numerous, which became a deciding factor in Rome’s difficulties against Parthia.  Most allied cavalry was decidedly not shock cavalry as that role was deferred to the legions.  Nevertheless, cavalry occaisionallly proved to be the decisive factor in these wars as shown at Alesia, and Munda.  Pharsalus shows the extreme where poor usage of a cavalry advantage was thrown away. Labienus’ command of Numidian horse before Thapsus proved the lesson to Caesar that Crassus learned to his death at the hands of Parthian horsemen, that proper support was vital.

Infantry auxiliaries were mostly local allies fighting in native style and equipment- troops that would be called foederati in the empire, in these armies some troops are assumed seasoned enough to lose their warband status. True Allies fought under their own standards are culled from the Allied lists.

Auxiliary troops must be organized into units of at least five models each.  There is no limit on the maximum size of the unit.  One model per unit may be upgraded to a standard bearer at a cost of +5 points, one model per unit may be upgraded to a musician at a cost of +5 points, and one model per unit may be upgraded to a leader at a cost of +5 points.  Mercenary units may be led by a Legate, Tribune or Praefect.

CAVALRY
0-1 ROMAN CAVALRY

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Roman Cavalry	8	3	3	3	3	1	4	1	8	20

Equipment:  Armed with sword, light armor, shield, and throwing spear. 

MERCENARY CAVALRY

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
German Cavalry	8	4	4	3	3	1	4	1	6	24

Equipment:  Armed with sword, shield, and mixed weapons.  0-1 unit may have Light Armour +2 pts. May replace mixed weapons with throwing spears +1 pt.
Special Rules:  Warband. Stubborn.

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Celtic Cavalry	8	4	3	3	3	1	3	1	6	20

Equipment:  Armed with sword, shield, and mixed weapons. May add light armour +2 pts.  May replace mixed weapons with throwing spears +1 pt.
Special Rules:  Warband. Light Cavalry. Celtic cavalry fear German cavalry.

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Iberian Cavalry	8	3	3	3	3	1	4	1	7	17

Equipment: Armed with throwing spear, and buckler. May have light armour +2 pts. May replace buckler with shield +1 pt.

Special Rules: Light Cavalry. Stealth.

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Numidian Cav.	8	3	4	3	3	1	4	1	7	22

Equipment: Armed with sword, javelins, shield.

Special Rules: Light Cavalry, Feigned Flight, Parthian Shot.

Includes Mauritanian cavalry.

 

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Greek Cavalry	8	3	3	3	3	1	3	1	8	20

Equipment: Armed with sword, thrusting spear, light armor, and shield. May replace thrusting spear with javelins (free).

Special Rules: Light Cavalry.

Includes Thessalians, Thracians, and Macedonian cavalry.

 

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Asian Cavalry	8	3	3	3	3	1	3	1	7	16

Equipment: Armed with sword, throwing spear, and shield. May add javelins +1 pt. May add Light Armour +2 pts.  0-1 unit  may add bows +2 pts.

Special Rules: Light Cavalry. Unreliable.

Includes Armenian cavalry, Kappadokian cavalry, Pontic cavalry.

 

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Arab Cavalry	8	2	3	3	3	1	2	1	5	10

Equipment: Armed with sword, javelins, and shield.

Special Rules: Light Cavalry. Feigned Flight. Unreliable.

 

HaT industries art from:  http://www.hat.com/

 

MERCENARY INFANTRY

LIGHT INFANTRY

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Auxiliary Infantry	5	3	3	3	3	1	3	1	7	7

Equipment: Armed with sword, javelins and buckler.  May add throwing spear +1 pt.   May add Light armour +2 pts.  May replace buckler with shield +1 pt.

Special Rules: Light Infantry. Stealth.

These troops can represent almost any body of troops that has been recruited to scout and cover the flanks of the army.  They can represent Libyan javelineers in Caesar’s army, to Hellenistic thureophoroi in the east, to Spanish scutarii in the west.

 

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Levy Infantry	5	2	2	3	3	1	2	1	5	4

Equipment: Armed with sword, javelins and buckler.  May add throwing spear +1 pt.  May replace buckler with shield +1 pt.

Special Rules: Light Infantry. Stealth. Unreliable.

Includes Asian light infantry, Armenians, second line Spanish, and other troops of low quality that accompanied a number of armies, mostly on the optimates’ side.

SKIRMISH INFANTRY

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Skirmishers	5	2	3	3	3	1	2	1	6	6

Equipment: Armed with sword, javelins and buckler.  May replace javelins with sling, +1 pt, or replace javelins and buckler with bow +1 pt.

Special Rules:  Skirmishers.

These troops also are an amalgam of numerous skirmisher types added to the army from the provinces.  These can be buckler armed caetrati from Spain, Greek or Thracian skirmishers, or Numidian javelineers, or even Asiatic slingers from Asia, Kappadokia, or Armenia.

 

0-1 BALEARIC SLINGERS

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Balearic Slinger	5	3	4	3	3	1	3	1	6	9

Equipment:  Armed with dagger and sling.  May have buckler (+1 point).
Special Rules:  Skirmishers

 

0-1 CRETAN ARCHERS

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Cretan Archer	5	3	4	3	3	1	3	1	7	10

Equipment:  Armed with sword and composite bow.  May have shield (+1 point).
Special Rules:  Skirmishers.

 

SYRIAN ARCHERS

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Syrian Archers	5	2	3	3	3	1	2	1	5	6

Equipment: Armed with sword, and bow.   May add light armour +2 pts.

Special Rules:   Light Infantry. Unreliable.

 

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Rich Norton's evil Companion killers from hell!!

SPECIAL TROOPS
BATTLEFIELD ARTILLERY

SCORPIO [LIGHT BOLT THROWER]

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Crew	4	3	3	3	3	1	3	1	7	8
Scorpio	-	-	-	-	6	2	-	-	-	20

Crew: Each machine has a two, or three man crew +8 pts.
Equipment:  The crew are armed with gladius and may have light armor +2 pts.
Special Rules: Crews are drilled and stubborn, bolt thrower .
Range=36”, Strength 4/-1 per rank, no save, D3 wounds per hit.  Bolt throwers may be organized in single model units or multi-model batteries.  No more than one scorpio for every two units of legionaries.

Vince Salvato's onager by Old Glory

SIEGE ARTILLERY
TORMENTA [HEAVY BOLT THROWER]

BALLISTA [LIGHT CATAPULT]
ONAGER [HEAVY CATAPULT]

 

 

      
0-1   AFRICAN ELEPHANT

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	Ld	Pts
Elephant	6	4	-	6	5	5	3	4	4	150
Mahout	4	2	2	3	3	1	3	1	7	-
Crew	4	2	3	3	3	1	3	1	7	+8 pts

Equipment: The elephant is ridden by one mahout and two crew in the tower. Crew are armed with javelins, and light armor. One extra crewman may be added +8 pts. May add bardign +16 pts.
Special Rules: African Elephant with tower. Most elephants were crewed by Numidians.

 

ALLIES and ENEMIES
Celts: Use the "Gallic" army list from Hannibal and the Punic Wars.  Chariots may not be used. 
Germans: Use the "German" army list modified from Warhammer Ancient Battles.
Britons: Use the "Britons" army list modified from Warhammer Ancient Battles.
Thracians: Use the "Thracian" army list modified from AtG.
Illyrians and Dardanians: Use the "Illyrian" army list modified from AtG.
Bithynians: Use the “Pontic” army list from The Successors (with modifiers TBD).
Commagene: Use the “Pontic” army list from The Successors (with modifiers TBD).
Galatians: Use the Late “Galatian” army list from The Successors.
Numidians:  Use the "Numidian" army list from Hannibal and the Punic Wars. 
Celt-Iberians:  Use the "Celt-Iberian" army list from Hannibal and the Punic Wars.
Ligurians:  Use the "Lusitanian" army list from Hannibal and the Punic Wars. 
Lusitanians:  Use the "Lusitanian" army list from Hannibal and the Punic Wars. 
Ptolemaic:  Use the "Late Ptolemaic" army list from The Successors.
Pontus and Armenia:  Use the "Pontic" army list from The Successors (with these modifiers).
Parthia:  Use the "Parthian" army list from The Successors.
Nabataean Arabs:  Use the "Arab” troops from The Successors.

 

 

 

 

 

CAESAR’S PALS & FOES
(by Jervis Johnson)

All characters have these equipments and basic skills:

Equipment:  Armed with a gladius, and light armour.  May ride a Warhorse +5 pts.

Special Rules:  Army General, Drilled and Stubborn.

 

JULIUS CAESAR

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Julius Caesar	4	6	6	4	4	3	6	2	10	210

Inspirational: Any unit led by Caesar will exert itself that little bit harder in combat, and may therefore add +1 to its combat results score.
Quick Thinking: Caesar *always* gets the first turn of a battle, unless he has been ambushed or in some other way surprised. In addition, Caesar is allowed to redeploy any one unit in his army *after* he has seen his opponent's set-up. The redeployed unit may be set up anywhere in Caesar’s deployment area.
Rash: Caesar and any unit he leads become subject to Warband Psychology rule 2.

 

MARC ANTONY

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Marc Antony	4	7	6	4	4	3	6	3	9	200

Tenacious: A unit led by Marc Antony takes any leadership tests with three dice, and picks which two it will use to decide the result of the test.

 

POMPEY

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Pompey	4	6	6	4	4	3	6	2	9	200

Great Commander: To represent Pompey's remarkable ability as an army commander if he is included in an army it may set up second, after the opposing army's deployment has been revealed.

 

TITUS ATIUS LABIENUS (leader of Pompey's cavalry at the Battle Of Pharsalus)

	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	L	Pts
Titus Labienus	4	6	6	4	4	3	6	3	9	150

Hates Caesar: Titus Labienus and any unit he leads hate Julius Caesar (see the psychology rules). If Caesar is leading a unit then they hate that unit as well. If Caesar is leading an army then they hate the entire army!

Name your general at: http://rumandmonkey.com/widgets/toys/namegen/5679/ Jeffrey Alan Jonas: Numerius Calpurnius Bonus I can see the campaign signs for 1st Consul already.. “Get rid of the onus, vote for Bonus!” Michael Robert Bruck: Aulus Cornelius Barbatus Obviously from an ancient Roman family. "Vote for Barbatus! He'll improve your status ..."

 

 

Time Line

202 BC                 Zama                                   End of the 2^nd Punic War
198-197 BC          2^nd Macedonian War         Cynoscephalae
171-168 BC          3^rd Macedonian War         Pydna
48 BC                 4^th Macedonian War, Conquest of Greece
105-101 BC          Invasion of the Cimbri and the Teutones
102 BC                 Aquae Sextiae
101 BC                  Vercellae
90-89 BC              Social War
88; 83-82 BC        1^st Civil War
8 BC                     Esquiline Forum (battle in downtown Rome Marius v. Sulla)
83 BC                   Canusium/Capua
82 BC                   Clusium
82 BC                   Colline Gate       
88-85 BC              1^st Mithridatic War
86 BC               Battle of  Chaeronea
86 BC                   Battle of Orchomenus
80-72 BC              Sertorian War
80 BC                   Baetis
75 BC                   Baetica
75 BC                   Sucro River
75 BC                   Saguntum
72 BC                   Assassination of Sertorius
74-65 BC              4th Macedonian War
69 BC                   Tigranocerta
67 BC                   Zela (I)
66 BC                   Nicopolis (Euphrates)
73-71 BC              3^rd Servile War (See “Spartacus”)
58-52 BC              Caesar’s Gallic War
58 BC                   Bibracte
58 BC                   Plains of Alsace/Vensontio (Battle against Ariovistus/Germans)
57 BC                   Sambre
55-54 BC              Caesar’s invasion of Britain
53 BC                   Carrhae (Crassus (killed) v. Sorena of Parthia, Orodes II was king and campaigned against the Armenians)
52 BC                   Gergovia
52 BC                   Alesia
49-45 BC              2^nd Civil War
49 BC                   Caesar Crossing the Rubicon
49 BC                   Ilerda (Spain)
48 BC                   Dyrrachium and Pharsalus
47 BC                   Battle of the Nilus River (Caesar v. Ptolemy XIII)
47 BC                   Zela (Caesar v. Pharnaces)
46 BC                   Thapsus (Africa)
45 BC                   Munda (Spain)
44 BC                   Murder of Caesar
43-42 BC              Wars of the 2^nd Triumvirate
43 BC                   Forum Gallorum/Mutina. (Octavian and consuls Pansa (kia), Hirtius (kia), defeats Antonius)
42 BC                   Philippi I and II (Antonius/Octavian v. Cassius/Brutus)
39-36 BC              War against Parthia (Antonius defeated)
38-36 BC              War against Pompeius
33-31 BC              War against Cleopatra VII
31 BC                   Actium

List of Consuls 105 BC to 31 BC

105 Gnaeus Mallius Maximus, Publius Rutilius Rufus
104 Gaius Flavius Fimbria, Gaius Marius II
103 Lucius Aurelius Orestes, Gaius Marius III
102 Quintus Lutatius Catulus, Gaius Marius IIII
101 Manius Aquillius, Gaius Marius V
100 Lucius Valerius Flaccus, Gaius Marius VI
99 Aulus Postumius Albinus, Marcus Antonius Orator
98 Quintus Caecilius Metellus Nepos, Titus Didius
97 Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus, Publius Licinius Crassus
96 Gaius Cassius Longinus, Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus
95 Lucius Licinius Crassus, Quintus Mucius Scaevola Pontifex
94 Gaius Coelius Caldus, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus
93 Gaius Valerius Flaccus, Marcus Herennius
92 Gaius Claudius Pulcher, Marcus Perperna
91 Sextus Julius Caesar, Lucius Marcius Philippus
90 Lucius Julius Caesar, Publius Rutilius Lupus
89 Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo, Lucius Porcius Cato
88 Lucius Cornelius Sulla I, Quintus Pompeius Rufus
87 Lucius Cornelius Cinna I (temporarily deposed in favour of Lucius Cornelius Merula), Gnaeus Octavius
86 Lucius Cornelius Cinna II, Gaius Marius VII, Suffect: Lucius Valerius Flaccus
85 Lucius Cornelius Cinna III, Gnaeus Papirius Carbo I
84 Lucius Cornelius Cinna IV, Gnaeus Papirius Carbo II
83 Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus Asiagenus, Gaius Norbanus
82 Gnaeus Papirius Carbo III, Gaius Marius the Younger
81 Gnaeus Cornelius Dolabella, Marcus Tullius Decula
80 Lucius Cornelius Sulla II, Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius
79 Appius Claudius Pulcher, Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus
78 Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, Quintus Lutatius Catulus
77 Mamercus Aemilius Lepidus Livianus, Decimus Junius Brutus
76 Gnaeus Octavius, Gaius Scribonius Curio
75 Gaius Aurelius Cotta, Lucius Octavius
74 Marcus Aurelius Cotta, Lucius Licinius Lucullus
73 Gaius Cassius Longinus, Marcus Terentius Varro Lucullus
72 Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Clodianus, Lucius Gellius Publicola
71 Publius Cornelius Lentulus Sura, Gnaeus Aufidius Orestes
70 Marcus Licinius Crassus Dives I, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus I
69 Quintus Caecilius Metellus Creticus, Quintus Hortensius
68 Lucius Caecilius Metellus, Quintus Marcius Rex
67 Manius Acilius Glabrio, Gaius Calpurnius Piso
66 Manius Aemilius Lepidus, Lucius Volcatius Tullus
65 Lucius Manlius Torquatus, Lucius Aurelius Cotta
64 Lucius Julius Caesar, Gaius Marcius Figulus
63 Gaius Antonius Hybrida, Marcus Tullius Cicero
62 Decimus Junius Silanus, Lucius Licinius Murena
61 Marcus Valerius Messalla Niger, Marcus Pupius Piso Frugi Calpurnianus
60 Lucius Afranius, Quintus Caecilius Metellus Celer
59 Gaius Julius Caesar I, Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus
58 Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, Aulus Gabinius
57 Publius Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, Quintus Caecilius Metellus Nepos
56 Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus, Lucius Marcius Philippus
55 Marcus Licinius Crassus Dives II, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus II
54 Appius Claudius Pulcher, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus
53 Marcus Valerius Messalla Rufus, Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus I
52 Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus III
51 Marcus Claudius Marcellus, Servius Sulpicius Rufus
50 Lucius Aemilius Paullus, Gaius Claudius Marcellus Minor
49 Lucius Cornelius Lentulus Crus, Gaius Claudius Marcellus Maior
48 Gaius Julius Caesar II, Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus I
47 Quintus Fufius Calenus, Publius Vatinius
46 Gaius Julius Caesar III, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus I
45 Gaius Julius Caesar IV, without colleague, Suffect: Quintus Fabius Maximus, Gaius Trebonius, Gaius Caninius Rebilus
44 Gaius Julius Caesar V, Marcus Antonius I, Suffect: Publius Cornelius Dolabella
43 Aulus Hirtius, Gaius Vibius Pansa Caetronianus, Suffect: Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus I, Quintus Pedius, Gaius Carrinas, Publius Ventidius Bassus
42 Marcus Aemilius Lepidus II, Lucius Munatius Plancus
41 Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus II, Lucius Antonius
40 Gaius Asinius Pollio, Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus II, Suffect: Lucius Cornelius Balbus, Publius Canidius Crassus
39 Gaius Calvisius Sabinus, Lucius Marcius Censorinus, Suffect: Gaius Cocceius Balbus, Publius Alfenus Varus
38 Appius Claudius Pulcher, Gaius Norbanus Flaccus, Suffect: Lucius Cornelius Lentulus, Gaius Norbanus Flaccus
37 Lucius Caninius Gallus, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa I, Suffect: Titus Statilius Taurus
36 Marcus Cocceius Nerva, Lucius Gellius Publicola, Suffect: Lucius Nonius Asprenas
35 Lucius Cornificius, Sextus Pompeius, Suffect: Publius Cornelius Scipio Salvito, Titus Peducaeus
34 Marcus Antonius II, Lucius Scribonius Libo, Suffect: Aemilius Lepidus Paullus, Lucius Sempronius Atratinus, Gaius Memmius, Marcus Herennius
33 Imperator Caesar (Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus) II, Lucius Volcatius Tullus, Suffect: Lucius Antonius Paetus, Lucius Flavius, Gaius Fonteius Capito, Marcus Acilius Glabrio, Lucius Vinicius, Quintus Laronius
32 Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, Gaius Sosius, Suffect: Lucius Cornelius Cinna, Marcus Valerius Messalla
31 Imperator Caesar III, Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus, Suffect: Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus, Marcus Titius, Gnaeus Pompeius

 

 

 

“Caesar departed on his journey and travelled with all possible speed, but in the meantime Pompey was using all diligence to build ships and collect additional forces of men and money. He captured forty of Caesar's ships in the Adriatic and guarded against his crossing. He disciplined his army and took part in the exercises of both infantry and cavalry, and was foremost in everything, notwithstanding his age. In this way he readily gained the good-will of his soldiers; and the people flocked to see Pompey's military drills as to a spectacle. Caesar at that time had ten legions of infantry and 10,000 Gallic horse. Pompey had five legions from Italy, with which he had crossed the Adriatic, and the cavalry belonging to them; also the two surviving legions that had served with Crassus in the Parthian war and a certain part of those who had made the incursion into Egypt with Gabinius, making altogether eleven legions of Italian troops and about 7000 horse. He had auxiliaries also from Ionia, Macedonia, Peloponnesus, and Boeotia, Cretan archers, Thracian slingers, and Pontic javelin-throwers. He had also some Gallic horse and others from eastern Galatia, together with Commageneans sent by Antiochus, Cilicians, Cappadocians, and Pisidians. Pompey did not intend to use all these for fighting. Some were employed in garrison duty, in building fortifications, and in other service for the Italian soldiers, so that none of the latter should be kept away from the battles. Such were Pompey's land forces.”

Appian Book II, 49

 

BATTLES

 

THE SAMBRE
by Jervis Johnson 2000

 

Following recent discussions on scenarios and table quarters and stuff, I thought I'd send the list a copy of a scenario I'm working on. My plan is to do a book similar to armies of Antiquity, but which instead has twenty or so scenarios made to this format. The format I've come up with is designed to work with _any_ two army's, but includes notes for fielding 'army variants' based on the two that actually fought. That means that while the Sambre River was fought between Romans and Barbarians, you don't have to have these armies to use it.

 

Let me know what you think...

Jervis

 

THE SAMBRE

 

July, 57 BC: About five miles southeast of modern Maubeuge in northern France.

In 58 BC Gaius Julius Caesar invaded Gaul bent on its conquest. One of the most desperate battles of the war that resulted from this invasion was fought against a coalition of three Gaul tribes, who, in July 57 BC, had secretly concentrated an army in some heavily wooded terrain just across the Sambre river from where Julius was planning to camp.

Caesar's force was somewhat dispersed, and split into two main contingents. Caesar and the bulk of his army were busy building a camp along a ridgeline by the Sambre river, while the rest of his army and the army's baggage train was still slowly making it's way to the camp-site, and were some miles away when the Gauls attacked. The tribesmen had deployed under cover in a forest on the other side of the Sambre river from Caesar's camp, and were split into four groups of warriors with some flanking light cavalry.

 

The resulting battle was a desperate affair. It opened with the Gauls swarming out of the forest and across the river (which was only 3 foot deep) to attack Caesar's disorganized troops. The battle was a chaotic one, and according to his commentaries Caesar himself needed to fight in the front ranks in order to stiffen his men's resolve. Eventually his example, supplemented by Roman discipline and the timely arrival of the troops that had been guarding the baggage train, turned the tide in Caesar's favour, and the Gaul's were defeated. None the less it was a very close run thing, and could easily have gone either way.

 

THE ARMIES

There are two sides in this battle; Caesar's army versus the Gaul Alliance. Both armies should be chosen to the same points value, using any WAB army list the players wish to use. Caesar's army is split into two contingents; one must be smaller than the other (in terms of points), and may not include the army general or army standard. Units may not be split between the two contingents.

 

 

GAME LENGTH & VICTORY CONDITIONS

The game continues until one of the army' breaks, or the end of Caesar's eighth turn, whichever comes first. If one army breaks then the other side wins. If neither side has broken at the end of the eighth turn, use victory points to determine the winner.

 

SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS

The Romans set up first. The larger of the two contingents deploy upon the hill, except for one unit that may set up between the hill and river (see the special rules below). The smaller contingent will enter later. No models in the Roman army may deploy more than 24" away from the Sambre river.

 

The Gauls set up using special rules, as described below. The Gauls have the first turn.

 

 

SPECIAL RULES

The following special rules apply to this scenario.

 

Surprise Attack!

The Gauls caught Caesar by surprise as his troops were constructing their camp. To represent this all of the Roman army, with the exception of one unit of skirmishers or light cavalry  which can be deployed as a picket line (see below), must deploy on the hill.

The units deployed on the hill are constructing the Roman camp, and so are deployed in skirmish formation, even if not normally allowed to do so. Take a Ld test for each unit on the hill  at the start of the first Roman turn. If the test is passed then the unit reforms into a normal formation, but may not do anything else that turn. If the test if failed then the unit reforms in the second Roman turn, and again can't do anything else on the turn it reforms.

Roman units that have been attacked while in skirmish formation may not reform until they have beaten their attackers off.

Units deployed on the hill that can operate in skirmish formation may reform normally without taking a Ld test, or can remain in skirmish formation and move on the first turn.

Note that in this scenario, units can reform on the first or second turn even if they lack a musician.

 

The Picket Line

One unit of skirmishers or light cavalry can be set up anywhere between the hill and the Sambre river, if the Roman player desires. This unit is set-up normally, and doesn't have to reform in order to do anything.

 

The Gauls Surge Forth!

Rather than setting up the Gaul alliance army in the forest (a thankless task, especially seeing as how they are going to come rushing out anyway on the first turn!), deploy them in the Gaul players first turn, using the following special rules.

Roll 3D6 for each unit. The result is the number of inches away from the Sambre river the unit can deploy (on the Roman side). If there is an enemy unit within this range, then the Gauls can deploy in contact, an count as charging. Gaulish units cannot set up in a position that would leave any Roman models between the Gaul unit and the Sambre (i.e. you can 'hop over' the Roman picket line!). This special set up counts as the Gauls move for the first turn, and they may not move normally. They can shoot (counting as moving) and fight (counting as charging) on the first turn, however.

 

Roman Reinforcements

The smaller Roman contingent arrives on the third or fourth Roman turn. The Roman player rolls a D6 for the contingent at the start of turn 3. On a roll of 4+ it arrives that turn, and on a roll of 1-3 it arrives at the start of the fourth Roman turn. The contingent deploys following the rules for flank marching troops in the Flank Attack scenario in the Warhammer Ancient Battles rulebook. It may deploy anywhere on the table edge on the Roman side of the river, but all units must deploy together within 12" of a single point.

 

HISTORICAL ARMY LIST VARIANTS & SPECIAL CHARACTERS

 

The following 'army list variants' can be used to pick an army based on the ones that fought in this battle. Armies picked using this variant can be used in any game; they don't just have to be used for this scenario.

 

CAESAR'S ARMY

Use the Roman army list in the Warhammer Ancient Battles rulebook to represent Caesar's army. Caesar's army consisted almost entirely of legionaries, backed up by allied and mercenary contingents of light infantry and cavalry (the well- trained auxiliaries of the Empire still lying some time in the future). To represent this the army may only include the following types of troops: characters, veteran legionaries, regular legionaries, raw recruits, and bolt throwers. In addition up to 10% of the army's points may be spent on Celt, Greek and Spanish

allies, as described in the Republican Roman army list.

 

Gaius Julius Caesar: Caesar's army must be led by Caesar (doh!).

 

 

THE GAULS

Use the Barbarian list from the Warhammer Ancient Battles rulebook to pick the Gaul Alliance army. The vast bulk of the army was made up of warrior warbands, with a small

contingent of cavalry providing support on the flanks. Therefore the army may only include the following troops: characters, warriors, fanatic warriors, barbarian light cavalry, and

skirmishers. At least two thirds of the armies points must be spent on warriors; the remaining third may be spent on characters and other troops.

 

The Nervii: About half of the troops in the Alliance came from the Nervii tribe, who were noted for their ferocity and warlike ability. To represent this half (rounding up) of the units of warriors (including fanatic warriors) in the army may be designated as Nervii. In addition a number of characters equal to the number of Nervii units in the army can be designated as being Nervii as well. Nervii models have +1 WS and +1 Ld.

 

   

 

PHILIPPI:

By Mike Bruck

 

“They had little need of arrows, stones or javelins, which are customary in war, for they did not resort to the usual maneuvers and tactics of battles, but, coming to close combat with naked swords, they slew and were slain, seeking to break each other’s ranks.”                                                                                                                                                              Appian, Civil Wars 4.128

 

In October of 42 BC, two years after the murder of Caesar, four Roman armies faced each other near the Greek town of Philippi. The Liberators, Caesar’s assassins, were led by Gaius Cassius Longinus (Cassius) and Marcus Junius Brutus (of the famous “Et tu, Brute?”). The Triumvir’s armies were commanded by Marcus Antonius (Antony) and Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus (Octavian). Three camps were built in the valley near Philippi, one each for the Liberators and one for both the Triumvirs.

 

Philippi was two battles fought a few days apart. These battles were huge, even by the standards of the Late Republic with no fewer than 35 Legions present. Recreating these battles using WAB would be a daunting undertaking even for the largest of clubs. What I propose is a mini campaign with two battles to represent the first battle of Philippi and then a final clash, Philippi II. Each army will be a 2000 point WAB army, although any size army would work.

 

Philippi is located on a precipitous hill near a valley leading to the coast. The Liberators controlled the sea. And just as did Caesar at Pharsalus, supply plagued the Triumvirs. The Liberators built two camps on hills protecting the road to Philippi and the sea and built fortifications tying the two camps together.

 

Antony sent a part of his army to build a causeway, during the night, through the swamp intending to turn Cassius’ flank.

Cassius became aware of Antony’s flanking maneuver and built a cross-fortification blocking Antony’s turning movement. Angered, Antony ordered his Legions to attack. While this battle was occurring on the Liberator’s left, Brutus attacked Octavian’s army deployed in the valley. Octavian was not in the camp, having been warned in a dream to beware. Antony broke Cassius’ army and stormed into his camp. But unknown to him, Brutus also broke the army of Octavian and took the combined camp of the Triumvirs. Antony, believing he had won the day, returned only to find his camp captured. Cassius lost 9,000 men that day, Octavian twice that number. Cassius, not knowing about Brutus’ victory and thinking the battle lost, had his shield-bearer Pindarus kill him. Cassius’ life was thus ended on his birthday.

 

Brutus formed his now combined armies into one camp, while the Triumvirs built several camps. Brutus was intent on avoiding battle and starving the Triumvirs, but his’ officers and men pleaded with him to fight another battle. Reluctantly Brutus gave in and the second battle of Philippi was fought.

 

Appian describes this battle as a great clash of swords. Octavian’s legions eventually succeeded in turning and defeating Brutus’ legions. Brutus fled to the mountains with a portion of his army. When asked to join with him in an attempt to reach his camp, they refused. Brutus said to his friends, “I am no longer useful to my country if such is the temper of these men.” Brutus then instructed his Epirote friend Strabo to kill him, a request to which Strabo reluctantly complied.

 

Use the army lists from Caesar’s Wars to build your four armies of Philippi. Appian states that none of the Legions at Philippi were new. The Legions of the Triumvirs were experienced and most likely at full strength; The Legions of the Liberators were in fact Caesar’s old Eastern-Legions and most likely not up to full strength. The Triumvirs had auxiliary cavalry and skirmishers as did the Liberators. The Liberator’s from Thrace and the east (including horse archers) with the former coming from the west.

 

 

 

Triumvirs:

 

2000 points each:

Octavian: free

Antony: free

ABS for each army: free

At least 80% Legionaries in each army

Up to 20% Auxiliaries and Skirmishers in each army

 

Liberators:

 

1900 points each:

Cassius: free

Brutus: free

ABS for each army: free

Up to 12” of field fortifications in each army

Up to 75% Legionaries in each army

Up to 25% Auxiliaries and skirmishers in each army

 

 

 

 

 

 

Battles:

 

Philippi I:

 

Fight the two battles of Philippi I. Match a 2000 point army of Antony vs. the 1900 point army of Cassius. While Octavian takes on Brutus in battle number two.  Each battle lasts for 6 turns … Antony goes first in his battle, Brutus first in his.

 

If one side looses both battles, the campaign is over. If not: Go on to Philippi II.

 

Philippi II:

 

Each defeated army recovers 20% of points lost, the victorious army gains 40% of its lost points. Fight the battle of Philippi II using these armies to determine the campaign winner. Philippi II should last 7 turns.

 

Special Scenario Rule:

 

According to Appian, “… two eagles fell upon each other and fought in the space between the armies, amid the profoundest silence. When the one on the side of Brutus took flight his enemies raised a great shout and battle was joined.” I suggest that the Eagles/Army Standards from each side meet in single combat after deployment but before battle is joined. Fight the combat until one of the Standard-Bearer are killed. The side that wins the “battle of the eagles” moves first. The looser gets no ASB benefit for the rest of the game.

 

 

Need MAPS FOR THE THREE SCENARIOS

 

Here is an example of Brutus’ Army:

 

1900 Points:

 

Brutus (Pro-Consul; Free)

ASB (Free)

4x24 Legionaries with command (1,616)

1x5 Greek Cavalry with command (135)

1x6 Asian Horse Archers (120)

1x12 Greek Skirmishers (Javelins; 50)

12” of Field Fortifications (free)

 

Total: 1,899

 

Historical Note:

 

For those of you that want to try to create the actual battles of Philippi these Legions are identified as being present for the Triumvirs:

 

III, IIII, VI, VIII, X Equestrius, XII, XXVI, XXVIII, XXIX, XXX

 

 

 

http://www.livius.org/phi-php/philippi/battle1.html

Appian: http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Appian/home.html

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

70 Since many writers differ as to Caesar's army, I shall follow the most credible Roman authorities, who give the most careful enumeration of the Italian soldiers, as the backbone of the army, but do not make much account of the allied forces or record them exactly, regarding them as mere foreigners and as contributing little to the issue of the day. The army, then, consisted of about 22,000 men and of these about 1000 were cavalry. Pompey had more than double that number, of whom about 7000 were cavalry. Some of the most trustworthy writers say that 70,000 Italian soldiers were engaged in this battle. Others give the smaller number, 60,000. Still others, grossly exaggerating, say 400,000. Of the whole number some say Pompey's forces were half as many again as Caesar's, others that they were two-thirds of the total number engaged. So much doubt is there as to the exact truth. However that may be, each of them placed his chief reliance on his Italian troops. In the way of allied forces Caesar had cavalry from both Cisalpine²³ and Transalpine Gaul, besides some light-armed Greeks, consisting of Dolopians, Acarnanians, and Aetolians. Such were Caesar's allies. Pompey had a great number from all the eastern nations, part horse, part foot. From Greece he had Lacedaemonians marshalled by their own kings, and others from Peloponnesus and Boeotians with them. Athenians marched to his aid also, although proclamation had been made that they, being consecrated to the Thesmophori, should do no harm to the army of either party.²⁴ Nevertheless, they wished to share in the glory of the war because this was a contest for the Roman leadership.

Appian Book II, 70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHARSALUS
By Mike Bruck

 

Each man's watchword: for Caesar, "Venus, Bringer of Victory," for Pompey, "Hercules the Unconquered." (Appian, II, 76).

 

Pompey

 

From his left:

 

Labienus

1x7 Gallic Cavalry

1x7 German Cavalry

1x5 Galatian Cavalry

? number of auxiliary archers/javleins/slingers (can't get these numbers yet)(most likely 2 units of 10 or 12)

 

Domitius Ahenobarbus

1x24 Veteran Legionaries (1st Legion)

1x24 Legionaries (15th Legion)

1x24 Conscript Legionaries (Italy)

1x24 Conscript Legionaries (Italy)

 

Scipio

1x24 Legionaries (Syria)

1x24 Legionaries (Syria)

1x24 Conscript Legionaries (Italy)

 

Lucius Lentulus

1x24 Conscript Legionaries (24th Legion)

1x24 Conscript Legionaries (28th Legion)

1x24 Legionaries (4th and 6th Legion)

Auxiliary javelins and slingers (2x10)

 

I am still trying to get the numbers for the above Legions. This would be the order they would appear. I am not sure exactly how Labienus was deployed ... probably with skirmishers in from of his cavalry???

 

Caesar:

 

From his right:

 

Publius Sulla

2x10 Auxiliary archers and javelins

1x5 German/Gallic Cavalry

Behind the cavalry and 10th Legion ... 1x12 Legionaries (from the various cohorts)

1x15 Veteran Legionaries (10th Legion)

1x15 Legionaries (11th Legion)

1x15 Legionaries (12 Legion)

 

Domitius Calvinus

1x15 Conscript Legionaries (25th Legion)

1x15 Conscript Legionaries (26th Legion)

1x15 Conscript Legionaries (29th Legion)

 

Mark Anthony

1x15 Legionaries (7th)

1x15 Legionaries (8th)

1x15 Legionaries (9th)

Auxiliary Infantry (1x10 archers, 1x10 slingers)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Roman Civil War.
The Battle of Pharsalus.
29th of June, 48 B.C.

The Roman Civil War was started by Julius Caesar when in January 49 B.C. he crossed the River Rubicon, the boundary between Italy and Cisalpine Gaul. He quickly over-ran Italy and entered Rome. Pompey (his rival) and the Consuls made their escape to Greece where they began to raise their Armies. Pharsalus was just one of the many battles fought between these two great Romans.

Pharsalus.

After Caesar was defeated at the Battle of Dyrrachium in May of that year, he proceeded to Thessaly where he positioned two Legions (the XI and the XII) and 500 cavalry under Calvinus; with orders to stop the Syrian Governor, Metellus Scipio from linking up with Pompey. Metellus was bringing with him 2 Legions and 200 mounted Syrian archers.

Calvinus just avoided being trapped between Pompey and Metellus thus allowing their two forces to unite. The two armies now faced each other on the Plains of Pharsalus. Caesar always wanted a decisive battle, while Pompey was content to see his enemies army slowly fade away due to supply problems. But Pompeys' Commanders, after a Council of War, decided that it was the right time to stand and fight.

The Army of Caesar: There were elements of the VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII Legions, about 80 understrength cohorts. This amounted to about 22,000 Legionaires, 1000 cavalry and a small number of light troops.

The Army of Pompey: 110 cohorts of Legionaires and Auxiliaries gave Pompey a force of 45,000 men. They were supported by 3,000, archers, 1,200 slingers and about 7,000 Cavalry. Some of the cavalry, especially the 800 strong force of Pompeys' herdsmen and slaves, would not be of the highest quality.

The Battlefield: The battle itself was fought on the Plain which was surrounded on three sides by hills. On Pompeys' right there flowed the River Enipeus. The hills saw the final scenes of this battle.

The two Armies faced each other for several days at a distance of 4 miles. Each day both Commanders marched their troops out and formed line of battle, only to return back to camp. Each side was trying to get the other to commit himself. However Caesar was running short of supplies, and was forced to take the offensive. On the morning of June 29th, Caesar as usual, came out with his Army; but this time it was to fight. While Caesars' Army formed the normal three lines, he surveyed Pompeys' own battlelines.

Pompey was using the steep banks of the River Enipeus to protect his right flank. All his cavalry, slingers and archers were on the left except for 600 Pontic and Cappadocian cavalry which were on his right.
His extreme right was held by a Cilician Legion supported by Spanish cohorts. The Syrian Legions were in the centre and the rest of the cohorts were placed between the two wings. Some cohorts were with the Auxiliaries to act as light infantry. Seven cohorts were left behind to protect the camp and some smaller forts that were in the hills.
Pompeys' Army was about 42,000 infantry and 7,000 cavalry against Caesars' 21,500 infantry and 1,000 cavalry. This meant that Pompeys' frontage would overlap his enemy's.

Caesar united his two weakened Legions (IX and VII) and placed them on his left and personally took command of the X Legion on his extreme right. Seeing that he could be outflanked by the enemy's' cavalry and lights, he withdrew 6 cohorts (some sources quote 3,000 men) from the reserves of the third line and placed them out of sight behind the X Legion. The reserves of the third line were not to attack unless ordered to do so by Caesar himself.

Pompey ordered his men to stay firm and to let Caesars' force attack them. The plan was for the enemy to tire themselves out by charging the distance between the two Armies. But the Legionaires of Caesar were battle hardened Veterans. When they saw that the enemy were not moving to meet them, they stopped at about half way, pausing only to regain formation and to get a short rest. Once ready, they charged forward, threw their javelins and drawing their swords they attacked.

The Pompeians received the charge without any problems. At the same moment the cavalry on Pompey's' left attacked and they were followed by over 4,000 archers and slingers.

Caesars' cavalry, mixed with light infantry were overwhelmed almost immediately and were forced to fall back rapidly. The Pompeian light troops attacked Caesars' right while the cavalry tried to get round Caesars' exposed flank. Caesar seeing the danger, ordered the hidden 4th rank behind his X Legion to attack the cavalry. Taken by surprise, and as many of them were fighting their first battle, the cavalry at first sheered away from the infantry. However this very quickly turned into a panic and then a rout. The entire force headed for the hills. The Pompeian archers and slingers without the support of the cavalry were slaughtered.

Meanwhile the main Pompeian Army was standing firm. Neither side was gaining an advantage. Once the 4th line had dealt with the archers and slingers, it then began to sweep around the left flank of the enemy and attack it in the rear. Caesar at this point ordered the 3rd line forward to replace the first2, who by now were exhausted. For the Pompeians this was the final straw. Fighting fresh troops to the front and now being attacked in the rear, the left flank began to break up.

The centre fought on, but Pompey seeing how the battle was going, left the field. At around mid-day his defeated cohorts began to drift into the camp. The cohorts guarding the camp put up a good fight, but were forced to abandon the ramparts and head for the safety of the high ground that was above the camp.
The Pompeians were on the high ground and Caesar was between them and the only source of water, the River Enipeus. Although exhausted, Caesars' troops built a line of defences between the river and the high ground, thus cutting off the enemy from the water. The next day, at dawn, the remaining enemy surrendered.

 

Conclusion: This battle was the most bloody battle in the Civil War in terms of Romans killing Romans.

According to Caesar, he lost 230 officers and men, but other sources state 1,200. Pompey lost about 15.000 men, but as with most ancient battles, the slaughter probably occurred during the pursuit. About 6,000 were killed in the attack on the camp. 24.000 surrendered to Caesar the day after the battle.
Shortly afterwards, Pompey was killed in Egypt as he was about to try and raise another Army. Caesar was declared Dictator for Life, and everyone thought that the Civil War was over.

Wargaming the Battle: If you tried to refight this as a proper refight, the size of table and the amount of figures required would be prohibitive. So lets go for a Scenario that gives the flavour of the battle.

Caesar will be outnumbered almost 2-1. To have any chance of success his troops must be of a better quality.
I will not be going into different the classifications as found in several Rules and Lists, instead I will give a broad outline of the two Armies. You can include the finer details about Types, Morale Weapons etc yourself. You can adjust the size of the Armies as well as the size of the Units. If you feel that the light infantry should be javelin armed, then change it.

Caesars Army: All the Legions are Veterans. This also applies to the Cavalry. The light infantry are Average.
I use 24 figures to a Legion. This gives Caesar three Legions, 12 Cavalry (Medium), 6 Cavalry (Light) and two Units of light troops; both 12 strong; these are archers and slingers. In the camp there are 12 Legionaires.

Pompeys' Army: There are six Legions, one Veteran, two Average and three Poor, Raw etc. There are two Units of light infantry archers, each 12 strong and one Unit of slingers, also 12 strong. These lights are all Average.
The Cavalry are, Cappadocian and Pontic: Heavy, Veteran, 12 Figures. The others were Gauls, Numidians, Macedonian, Thracian and Syrian to name a few. This mass on the left would be 50% Average, the rest being of a poorer class. These are 8 Heavy, 12 Medium and 24 Light Cavalry. I would class the Light Cavalry as poor.
In the camp there are 18 Legionaires. These do not leave the camp and are classed as Veterans. This is because of the fight they put up when they were attacked.

I am not saying that this is a Historical representation of the fighting abilities of the troops involved, but in order to give Caesar a chance, History must be bent a little. Pompey, in order to win, must use his numbers to overlap Caesar and then sweep around his flanks. Caesar must time his attack perfectly, as Pompey thins out his line to advance, Caesar launches his attack. His Veterans should at first succeed, then it's a race against time whether or not he can achieve victory before Pompey can bring his flanks round to bear.

Good Luck to both sides.

 

Here is another site:

"Our march at present, and set our thoughts on battle, which has been our constant wish; let us then meet the foe with resolute souls. We shall not hereafter easily find such an opportunity."
The day was August 9, 48 BC. On our calendar it would have been June 6. Caesar marched out at the head of his troops. When Caesar marched onto the field this is what he saw:
On Caesar's right side, Pompey's left wing, was the 2 legions that Caesar had to give Pompey in the autumn of 50 BC, the 1st and 3rd, under the command of Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus. Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio commanded Pompey's center with the Syrian legions and African troops. On Pompey's right wing was Cornelius Lentulus with the Cilician legion with Spanish auxiliaries. Where Pompey was is confusing. Plutarch says he commanded his right wing in person, opposite Antony, most likely. Caesar says he was on the left wing. Caesar says that he took up position opposite of Pompey, or right across from him. Also on Caesar's right side behind Pompey's left wing was all of his cavalry, archers, and stone slingers under Caesar's old lieutenant Titius Labienus. By doing this Pompey made a big mistake. His plan all along was to use his huge cavalry advantage to route one of Caesar's wings and route the smaller army without much bloodshed. So by putting all his horse on this side Caesar obviously knew what his plan was. Pompey's forces amounted to 110 complete cohorts (410 men in each). 7 cohorts of Thracians guarded Pompey's camp. Pompey would command from the left wing where the decisive action would be. Caesar brought up his men. 80 cohorts of 275 men on average on the field, 2 cohorts to guard his camp. The left wing of Caesar's army was under the command of Mark Antony with the 8th legion and remains of the 9th legion. The center was under the command of Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus, the right wing under Publius Sulla. Caesar was on his right wing with his cavalry, Gauls and Germans, and his beloved 10th legion. Pompey's lines were deep and Caesar's more thin to stretch it enough to avoid being outflanked. Caesar had 3 lines, with his best troops in the rear one. Of these he picked one cohort from each legion to form a 4th line. Caesar had enough troops for 8 smaller cohorts but formed 6 full ones, 3000 men. His other cohorts were smaller than Pompey's, but not these.
With both sides set, Caesar's soldiers anxiously waited for the trumpets to signal the charge. On this field no one had a terrain advantage. The former first Centurion of the 10th legion led the charge. The men carried javelins in hand and ran towards the enemy. When Pompey's side didn't move, Caesar ordered them to halt midway, stand, throw their javelins and draw the Gladius short sword, then engage. Pompey's men took the fall of javelins, held their ground, and drew their swords. Caesar's first 2 lines clashed with Pompey's and kept up the fight. Both sides had the same training, so Roman troops trying to kill each other would have been very difficult. At this moment Pompey's cavalry charges from his left wing in open order to outflank Caesar's right and the 10th legion. His archers and slingers ran after the horse to get in position. Caesar says that his cavalry couldn't stand up to this and gave ground. He actually made a full retreat sound good. Now Pompey's horse made it to the infantry and began to turn Caesar's flank. At just the right moment, Caesar ordered the crack 4th line troops forward. Using their javelins as pikes, they thrusted them up at the riders faces. This completely unexpected move eliminated the horse advantage. Of course the horse are charging and 3000 men getting at least one shot at a rider will take the horse out quite quickly. The rest panicked and headed for the hills. Now Caesar's men continued on Pompey's archers and slingers and cut them to pieces then marched on Pompey's unprotected left flank from behind. Caesar now ordered his 3rd line forward. The first two lines had held up greatly and now Pompey's men began to break. Caesar's troops forced Pompey's left wing to break and run and Pompey, who I think was more towards the center of his army, saw his remaining troops lose cohesion. Pompey hadn't engaged his right wing of the army fully and seems to have lost his mind for a moment and seeing his remaining horse fleeing in panic and his left flank surrounded and being destroyed, he gave up. Fleeing from the field on horseback, upon reaching his camp he ordered those at the gates to guard it with their lives while he, Pompey the Great, retired to his tent to await his fate.
But unlike a noble Roman, Pompey didn't commit suicide. One would think he would. He had lost a fight he should have won. This defeat effectively ended the Roman Republic. Now the hope of defeating Caesar disappeared. So why didn't Pompey kill himself to save him the personal disgrace? Would Caesar have paraded Pompey through Rome in chains? That is a question for the ages. Then Caesar's legions were now attacking Pompey's camp. "What, into the very camp itself", muttered the once great general. So with that Pompey dressed in a manner befitting his situation and fled secretly from his camp. Meanwhile on the field the Republican army was being slaughtered. Pompey fled the camp sometime before 10 AM and the leaderless army had no hope at all. It was a hot day and Caesar's men were getting tired so Caesar directed an assault on the camp of Pompey. The Thracian auxiliaries who guarded tried to hold but wisely withdrew. From the look of the camp, Pompey's senatorial comrades expected victory. In the mid afternoon the remnants of Pompey's army had got away (4 legions) and made it to a large hill nearby. But there was still thousands of dead fellow Romans lying in a trail to Pompey's camp. This effected Caesar. Here he said:
"This they would have; they brought me to this necessity. I, Gaius Caesar, after succeeding in so many wars, had been condemned had I dismissed my army." ,,, "Hoc voluerunt. Tantis rebus gestis Caius Caesar condemnatus essem nisi ab exercitu auxilium petissem."
So he said according to Asinius Pollio, one of Caesar's generals. He claimed the Pompey lost 6000 men dead. The casualties for Pompey were likely around 7,000 although Caesar claimed 15,000 dead. Caesar claimed that he lost only 200 regulars! Don't think so. He did lose at least 30 centurions. Crastinus, the former first centurion had died from a sword in the mouth. Now if someone that good died like that and at least 30 other centurions, Caesar likely lost around 2000 men, but this may not seem so unreal. Pompey's men were certainly scared to death of Caesar. The republican commanders must by now have known of Caesar making bread from roots to feed his men. So in the end Caesar had his enemy fearing him and an indecisive commander to face. Caesar correctly guessed what Pompey would do, which was a simple stratagem, and Caesar used original tactics to give himself the advantage. Many say Caesar was lucky, but I think that Caesar was correct in stating that it was Pompey's own generalship, or lack there of, that lost him this battle. Caesar captured 9 legionary eagles, and 180 unit standards. In Pompey's camp, Caesar had all private papers burnt, later saying he never wanted to know what they said.

 

 

 

 

ORCHOMENUS

CARRHAE

ALESIA

ACTIUM

 

CAMPAIGNS

 

28mm CAESARIAN ROMAN MINIATURES

Foundry

Essex

Companion

Old Glory

Gripping Beast

1st Corps

Magister Militum

 

REFERENCES

All quotes in purple are from this translation of Vegetius:  http://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~madsb/home/war/vegetius/dere05.php#09

 

 

Ecce! It is practically a book, and those Brits took two years and came up with nothing but a bunch of arguments!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“But — what most of all was worthy of admiration about him — though he had received so great power for six months, he did not take full advantage of the law, but having called the people together in assembly and given them an account of his achievements, he abdicated his magistracy. And when the senate wanted him to accept as much of the conquered land as he wished, together with slaves and money out of the spoils, and to relieve his poverty with deserved riches which he had acquired most honourably from the enemy by his own toils, he refused to do so. Also when his friends and relations offered him magnificent gifts and placed their greatest happiness in assisting such a man, he thanked them for their zeal, but would accept none of their presents. Instead, he retired again to that small farm of his and resumed his life of a farmer working his own land in preference to the life of a king, glorying more in his poverty than others in their riches.”

 

(Of course this is about conquest …..eh J )