Gaming the Punic Wars
Rules
I have been using DBM for all my ancients, but as DBM can't represent the standard Punic War deployment I'm searching for better alternatives. The Romans and Carthaginians typically deployed in multiple lines with the best troops at the back. In DBM this deployment would mean that when the levies in the first line broke, they would take the veterans in the back lines with them. Hardly historical.
In the Rules section, look at ...DBx and in particular: |
Armies
The Carthaginians were my first wargames army as an adult - I inherited and expanded my father's 1/72 scale converted Airfix army. They are long gone, but now I have a beautiful set of Carthaginian and Roman armies in 15 mm for the Punic Wars, and I've a Spanish army following fast.
Later Carthaginian 275 BC - 146 BC (DBM Book 2, List 32)
Polybian Roman 275 BC - 105 BC (DBM Book 2, List 33)
Ancient Spanish 240 BC - 20 BC (DBM Book 2, List 39)
As it happens, I also have their Macedonian contemporaries ...
Seleucid 320 BC - 83 BC (DBM Book 2, List 19)
Scale
15 mm
Figures
The figures are predominantly from Essex Miniatures, although Chariot Miniatures appear frequently among the Roman Legionaries, Numidians, Italians and Spanish allies. As I wanted variety more than perfect quality, the odd Donnington and Irregular figure can also be seen in the Italian and Spanish ranks.
I was amazed at how well the Donnington figures painted up. I consider Essex and Chariot far superior to Donnington, but after painting and mixing all the brands together, there was little to distinguish them.
The most important deviation from Essex miniatures was the use of Battle Honours figures for the Roman Citizen Cavalry. The Essex figure is appropriate for the conquest of Spain, but not for the Punic Wars. In contrast the Battle Honours figure is perfect for the earlier period, looking more Greek than Gallic. However, I did use the Essex mounted Generals (both Roman and Greek).
Warning: do not try to mix Battle Honours Punic War foot with Essex. The Battle Honours infantry are skinny giants in comparison. Strangely the cavalry mix well.
Warning: Some of the Essex Caetrati have hoplon shields, eeeek!!! I used them for Italians instead.