History: This period in Roman history witnessed the emergence of Rome from city-state to empire. Rome had finally subjugated the Italian peninsula and repelled the Gauls from the north. The Punic Wars of 264-146BC saw Rome face her greatest struggle and ruthlessly overcome it.
Rome has always held a fascination with everyone interested in ancient history and in my case my interest was fuelled by a lack of knowledge. I wanted to know more about the Punic Wars including the reasons, major actions and consequences.
This is a classical period for heavy infantry warfare and since I have a lovingly painted Carthaginian army then the Roman Republic was an obvious next choice. Of course the next WAB supplement, “Hannibal at the Gates of Rome” is also the latest release.
Figures: My top choice for Republican Romans is Gripping Beast. I’m often hard to please when it comes to toy soldiers but these are lovely. It’s a great range which is currently being added to (kneeling triarii are coming soon) and Gripping Beast also do all of the allies that you may employ: Balearic slingers, Spanish, Numidians, etc. Having just painted some of their Carthaginian soldiers recently I also know they are a pleasure to paint.
Tactics: Heavy infantry rules. It wins battles and carves out empires. The challenge with an army bristling with armoured foot sloggers is discipline and organisation. Having these two factors in place will mean that you will not have to worry above a lack of mobility and your most dangerous foe: exposed flanks. If your enemy is unable to directly threaten one of your flanks then he cannot beat you. With the release of “Hannibal at the Gates of Rome” the Roman manipular fighting formation is updated to reward the General that can maintain his discipline in command. I also have played several times against Rob Broom’s Republicans and I know their Achilles’ heel…
Aura: Big armies of heavy infantry just look so cool. Even though I have heavy infantry armies the Republican Romans play differently. The chequerboard formation looks fantastic on the gaming table and quite unlike other WAB armies of the period. I can see my army completed and on the tabletop in my imagination and I can’t wait to see it for real.
For 500 point battles you are not required to take characters and, as I want to get loads of troops painted, I chose a unit leader as the force commander. The civilian military system failed to produce decent cavalry in this period so it was going to be all infantry. I’ve raised two maniples of hastati and one of principes (pronounced princheps) supported by Italian light troops and skirmishers. As long as my flanks are secure then the maniples will crush everything before them.
Characters
None
Common Troops
12 Hastati Equipped with Large Shield, Pilum, Full Command 108
12 Hastati Equipped with Large Shield, Pilum, Full Command 108
12 Principes Equipped with Light Armour, Large Shield, Pilum, Full Command, Stubborn 156
9 Italian Light Infantry Equipped with Large Shield, Throwing Spear, Leader, Musician 82
9 Leves Equipped with Javelins and Shields 45
Uncommon Troops
None
Total 499
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