Slingshot 350 is with the printers ...

  ... and should be dropping into your mailbox anyday now!  Here is the cover picture, together with a list of the contents and a short summary of each article.

"You'd look depressed too, if you were crewed by a bunch of weekend sailors!  
We're never going to win the West Mediterranean Regatta at this rate."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Editorial

Which begins, "Salve mi mare amicis!".  To which I might perhaps reply, "Hello sailor, yourself".  But then I'd just be revealing my execrably poor grasp of Latin so I'll just read on.

A Word from our New President Richard Lockwood

As is customary on these occasions.  Informative, generous and encouraging but brief.  So pretty faultless.  I was mainly referring to the article but these epithets may well apply to Richard too.

Battleday 2024 Update

A final Reminder for this Year’s Society Battle Day, which will take place on Sunday 24th March, 2024 at Hermitage Village Hall in Berkshire (postcode RG18 9WL).  And it's worth spreading the word that the Battle Day is open to both members and non-members.  Entry costs £10 per person.

Alala Ruleset Launch

Alala! Is a set of tactical wargames rules by Simon MacDowall for classical hoplite phalanx warfare and consists of a rulebook, separate quick reference sheet and a deck of cards (the God Pack). PDF files for QRS and cards are available for download and home printing.

Wargaming News

News about new figures, rulesets, books, etc., including: 

Blue Moon 3rd - 5th Century Romans 15/18mm

WiP Games and Miniatures Ancient Greeks 28mm

Conquerors and Kings, 2nd edition rules for ancient battles by Peter Pig

Acemhöyük, another new set of rules, these with a slant towards myth and all things Hittite!

Crusader Castle: The Desert Fortress of Kerak.  Published in January 2024 by Pen & Sword.

Simon MacDowall Interview on Alala Ruleset Development

In advance of the release of ‘Alala’ in March this year, the editor found time to catch up with Simon to ask how the ruleset came into existence and his insights to the design.

Editor’s Prizes for 2023

Let's be clear about this upfront,  no one is in with a shout here who hasn't contributed material to Slingshot but don't be disappointed, that in no way detracts from the pleasure of reading this article. I mean, where else are you going to read about dried frog pills?

Blood Red Roses Ruleset Development by Adrian Nayler

Blood Red Roses is a simple though slightly unorthodox game for two players to fight battles representative of the Wars of the Roses. If any of that is your thing then take a look under the hood in company with the author.  Abstractions, perspectives, mechanisms, interpretations.  Nothing is left to the imagination.  (Except the bit where you get your helmet split by a poll axe, as this is not an age restricted publication.)

Gaugamela Part Three by Damian Baxter

This time, "Command and Control".  All armies of all Ages are limited by command and control ... And I for one have every sympathy with that statement, especially as I regularly play DBA.

Slings and Slingers by John Hogan

The humble sling is probably the second oldest projectile weapon after the throwing spear ... and the ammunition is cheap.  John explores the whole topic: types, techniques, ammunition sources, range, effectiveness, use in sieges, limitations and decline.  Not to mention a look at slingers in army lists.

Fact vs Fun by Connor Truby

"Fact vs fun is frankly a purposefully contentious headline."  No! Surely not. In a previous issue the editor suggested that historical accuracy and fun might be on a sliding scale. Where accuracy increases, fun de-creases and vice versa.  Connor takes a careful look at the question and then, like a good student of history, proceeds to "discuss".

Galley Warfare at the Society’s Convention (2022) by Michael Lane

Michael charts his voyage. From land lubber to lord of the middle sea.  From ships on the beach (aka lead pile) to a formidable ancient navy.  Along the way he takes in building the fleet from Skytrex 1/600th models; testing and adopting David Manley's rules for ancient galley warfare, "Ad Mare Nostrum"; and developing a scenario from the sources for the battle of Side (otherwise the Eurymedon River) in 190 BC, fought between the Rhodians and Rome's old enemy, Hannibal, commanding a Seleucid fleet.

Tactica Part 5 - Alexandrian Macedonians v Later Achaemenid Persians by Simon Watson

Simon and friends continue to rewrite history, this time for Alexander and Xerxes, with the help of Arty Conliffe's Tactica 2 rules.

Blood Red Roses - a Battle Report and Review (of sorts) by Gordon Garrad

Now we've read about the rules, let's hear how they play.

Slingshot Book, Game & Figure Reviews 

Including reviews of:

Developing the Portable Wargame - book review by Martin Smith 

Romes Third Samnite War - book review by Gavin Pearson 

Rome Rules the Waves - book review by Jim Webster 

Empires of the Steppes - book review bby Chris Hahn

And Finally… 

A postscript from the Editor.

Coming up in Slingshot 351:

• Battle Day reports and thoughts
• A return to the Dark Ages
• Base discussions
• Alexandrian shenanigans

Slingshot 348 is with the printers ...

 

 ... and should be dropping into your mailbox anyday now!  Here is the cover picture, together with a list of the contents and a short summary of each article.

"You've got to know when to hold 'em.  Know when to fold 'em.
Know when to walk away.  And know when to run."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Society Notices

Politics*, money and elections.  (*Well, the committee.  So not really politics.  More like a friendly scuffle on the steps of the Senate.)

Editorial

The Editor reflects on a year in the chair. 

Wargaming News

News about new figures!  News about new rules!  News about new books!  And Christmas coming up.  So just in time.

Gaugamela - Deployment and Plans Part One by Damien Baxter

The purpose of this article, and I quote: "is to understand the deployments and plans of both sides at Gaugamela so as to undertake a tabletop game" of the battle.  Oh yes!  How does it go?  "Bring me my Bows (8Bw, preferably), my rules unfold.  Bring me my chariots with scythes."  Or something like that.

Adrianople 378AD using Armati Rules (SOA Battle Day 2022) by Roy Boss and Matt Bennett

Adrianople was once held to be a ‘Decisive Battle of the Western World’.  To have introduced the mounted knight to the battlefield.  To have been the levering away of the keystone that held up the Roman Empire and to have been the forerunner of the introduction of a virile Germanic strain to what would become the nations of the West who would go on to dominate the world.  Yeah, OK, let's go with Roy and Matt and take a look under the hood.

Wargaming in the British Heroic Age (A Dying Light in Britannia Part 4) by Dave Hollin

Here is the next part of Dave's series of articles on the Late/Post-Roman period of British History up to and including the death of Cadwallon of Gwynedd (635AD).  Particularly interesting for me as it includes a very helpful review of possible rulesets for the period as brief coverage of the more important battles.

A Society Convention 2023 Battle Report by John Drewienkiewicz

Both last year and this year John and co. ran a knockout Command and Colors Ancients Game at the Society's Annual Convention at Madingley. Not a hugely sophisticated game but one that’s easy to pick up and with results obtained in about 75 minutes.  Read on to find out how it was organised and how it played out.

The Society of Ancients Convention 2023- an overview report by Simon MacDowall

An interesting run through and overview of the various activities going on at this year's convention, together with some very nice eye candy.

Magnesia on My Mind by Chris Hahn

What would a history of wargaming the 190 BC contest between the outnumbered Roman and Pergamene army under Lucius Cornelius Scipio and the outclassed as well as eclectic Seleucid army led by King Antiochus III (sometimes called “Antiochus the Great”) look like? What format or structure would it have? Would it be organized chronologically ... Read on to enjoy this fascinating take by Chris on how the battle has been gamed over the years!

Empire (a Society of Ancients boardgame) - run through game by John Graham-Leigh

Otherwise titled 'Empire, “A very simple game”.  But don't let that fool you.  By recounting a brief, solo play-through, John provides an enjoyable introduction to a very clever and versatile game which is still a frequent purchase from the Society web-store.

Tactica 2 Games - Part 3 - Neo Assyrians vs Neo Babylonians by Simon Watson

Simon and friends continue to rewrite Biblical history with the help of Arty Conliffe's Tactica 2 rules.

Slingshot Book, Game & Figure Reviews 

Including reviews of:

Three Ages of Rome, rules review by Dave Hollin

Peter Pig Parthian Peltasts, figure review by Steven Neate

Lancer Miniatures Greek Psiloi, figure review by Duncan Head

The Trojan War - Tragedy and Aftermath, book review by Jim Webster

The Perfect Sword - Forging the Dark Ages, book review by Duncan Head

Armies of Anglo-Saxon England 410 - 1066, book review by Dave Hollin

And Finally

A postscript from the Editor!

Slingshot 347 is with the printers ...

 ... and should be with you all in the next few days!  Here is the cover picture, together with a list of the contents and a short summary of each article.

"By Alexander's chamber pot, Antigonos, how  
we ever lost to the Romans when we have such  
long, sharp, pointy sticks I'll never know"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Editorial

The view from the Editor's Chair, including apologies, errata, more errata and "thoughts". Oh, and some news! In summary, "Mea culpa! I think. And, by the way."

Wargaming News

What is says on the tin.

Interview with John Lambshead by Gordon Garrad

From Fall of the West, a supplement for Warhammer Ancients, to One Hour Skirmish Wargaming, John has done some interesting stuff.  So something for everyone.

What are the Chances—Pikes vs Bows in DBA 3.0 by Nick Harbud

Which starts with the claim that "a number of readers requested a further in-depth example of the techniques for calculating (the) probabilities" but don't let that put you off.  This fascinating article looks at what happens when a pike phalanx (Pk) takes on an element of massed bowmen (Bw) under version 3 of the De Bellis Antiquitatis ancient rules (DBA 3.0).  Perhaps the Achaemenid version of a West Point tutorial?

Alexander the Great; The Complete Conqueror by Julian Lorriman

In an idle moment Julian dangerously looked up on the internet who was the greatest military leader of all time. To his surprise, there was Alexander the Great languishing in tenth place. Which was all the encouragement that Julian needed to put pen to paper and set the record straight, with this article on Alexander.  Read how he achieved, perhaps after Genghis Khan, the greatest conquests of any single military leader in history.

Wargaming 4th Century BC Hoplite Warfare using ‘Strength & Honour’ by Richard Speed

Strength & Honour rules are written and designed for the period 105BC to 200AD. So, in true wargaming style, Richard looks at how they might be adapted for an earlier periods, in this case Greek Hoplite warfare of the 4th Century BC.

A Little 2nd Mantineia (6mm) by David Kay

With quite a few Greeks in his 6mm army collection, David thought to have a go at putting on 2nd Mantineia, the subject of this year's Battleday, as a solo effort at home over that weekend and using his own rules.  So let's see whether history was rewritten in his account of the battle.  (Which was always going to be written by the winner, of course.)

Tactica 2 Games Through The Ages Part 1 - Ancient Sumer; Umma v Kish By Simon Watson

Exactly what it says and with lots and lots of eye candy! 

Pleasures and Pitfalls of Writing a Scenario By Ian Piper

In the closing moments of his first SoA conference in 2021 and no doubt overcome by euphoria, Ian courageously (or maybe rashly) volunteered to put on a game in the future. Here he describes how he went about developing the scenario and answering the three critical questions.  What battle, real or fictional?  Did he have the models? (A bit of a nail biter.) Which rule set?

A mini - 15mm comparison follow up by Dave Hollin

A really quick update on the Editor's dark age 15mm figure musings from Slingshot 345.

Slingshot Book, Game & Figure Reviews 

Including reviews of:

Khurasan 15mm, figure review by David Smith  

Essex Nubian and Libu Infantry in 15mm, figure review by Steven Neate

The Macedonian Phalanx, book review by Duncan Head

The Greek Hoplite Phalanx, book review by Duncan Head

The Rise of Persia & the First Greco-Persian Wars, book review by Jim Webster & David Mason

The Galatians, book review by Stephen Brennan

The Battles of Antiochus the Great, book review by Kenneth Bell

And Finally

Coming up in Issue 347!  Just a little taster.

Slingshot 345 is with the printers ...

 ... and should already be winging its way to your mailbox!  (Or possibly even dropping into it as I'm running rather late with this.  Sorry.) Here is the cover picture, together with a list of the contents and a short summary of each article.

"Do you think that this muscled cuirass makes
me look just a bit like Gerard Butler in '300'?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Society of Ancients Convention 2023 update by Richard Lockwood

The 2023 Society of Ancients Convention (formerly known as the Conference) will take place once again at Madingley Hall, Cambridge, over the weekend 20th-22nd October 2023 and we are delighted that we have been able to hold the prices at the 2022 level. Visit the Conference page at the SoA website for more details.

Editorial and Wargaming News

The view from the Editor's chair plus extras!

Guardroom

Justin and Andreas swap opinions.  (Like Pompey and Caesar at Pharsalus.)

Interview with Simon McDowall by Gordon Garrad

Simon is the author of numerous rules for the Ancient Period including Comitatus, covering the European Dark Ages, and Legio, covering the period of Republican and early Imperial Rome. Simon's emphasis is on the psychological aspects of battle on the behaviour of armies.

If you go down to the woods today by Nick Harbud

Ancient and medieval wargames often start with a flat table upon which players places various small pieces of terrain. For many battles this may be a realistic interpretation of the terrain upon which they were fought. But not always. 

This article is all about the difficulty in wargaming battles where the predomi-
nant battlefield terrain is woods. History is written not so much by the victors as by the literate. Yet even when the literate side won, there is little beyond the general location and what a great victory it was for the commander. The impact of all the greenery is scarcely mentioned. Nick aims to put that right.

Raining Arrows - the debate about the medieval arrowstorm by Anthony Clipsom

Longbow tactics are one of those wonderful subjects that keep on giving for the medieval military historian. Always an audience. Never any certainty. 

One such topic – the arrowstorm - has recently been the subject of  an intense debate on the Society forum. This article results from that discussion.

A Dying Light in Britannia - Part 2 by Dave Hollin

This second part of Dave's article on Roman Britain and its transition to Anglo-Saxon Britain

15mm Figure Comparisons and Wargaming the Dark Ages Part 2 by Dave Hollin

A direct quote from Dave. "I looked at a total of 21 figure manufacturers .. and assessed 22 examples from them .." Now this is my kind of figure review.

2023 SOA Membership Survey by John Graham Leigh

Survey .. of wargames rules.  Twenty years on from the previous published survey, what's changed?  Well, there are a lot of rulesets about, for starters.  Read on to discover more.

SOA Battle-Day Round Up

So the Society’s Battleday was held on the 1st April to great fanfare, or at least a cup of tea and a few hobnobs. This section is devoted to a few of the sights and experiences of the day, incuding ..

Mantinea with Alala Ruleset by Simon MacDowall

Simon plays an interesting twist on an old but classic set of wargame rules, Dark Age Infantry Slog*, to put on a game of 2nd Mantinea at the Society Battle Day.

*Old, because they written back in the '80s by Andy Callan.  Classic because they incorporate mechanisms that have influenced rules writers such as Daniel Mersey and Simon MacDowall ever since. A great choice for an interesting take on hoplite warfare and all embellished with some fabulous photos of beautifully painted, 1/72nd ancient Greeks from the collection of Pete O’Toole.

Mantinea with Spartans and Successors by Nick Harbud

A scenario for 2nd Mantinea at the Battle Day using Spartans & Successors, a set of wargames rules specifically for battles from Marathon through to Raphia, by Graham Evans.

Harry Hudrow Does Battle-Day by Harry Hudrow

Three games of 2nd Mantinea played on a 2' x 4' table on the patio in Long Beach, California by a former lock, tight head prop & drop kicker. Is this society eclectic and international or what?

Hoplites in Messene by Duncan Head

Detailed, thoughtful and erudite.  Thanks Duncan.

Naval Gazing - a Comparison of Naval Rulesets by Mark Wilson

Mark says he has "struggled to find a set of naval rules that are suitable to use and be integrated into a campaign game".  Yep, me too.  Go on then, I'm all ears to hear how you get out of this one.

15mm Figure Review - Peter Pig Midianite Camels by Steven Neate

Specific topic, I've got to say.

Ruleset Review - Hail Caesar 2nd Edition by Jeremy Giles

Jeremy's claim - "an accessible and relatively fast play set of rules, covering a wide time period and for playing amongst friends".  Read the article to get the full supporting arguments and judge for yourself.

Slingshot Book, Game & Figure Reviews 

Including reviews of:

Hail Caesar 2nd Edition ruleset review by Jeremy Giles

A Military Life of Constantine the Great book review by Jim Webster

The Legiones Cannenses book review by Duncan Head

Last Great War of Antiquity book review by John Graham-Leigh

Why does it matter?

A plea from the Committee. Yes, your society needs you to keep the barbarians from the gates and save the Republic from the evils of tyranny. Read on for the full, rousing recruiting speech!

 

Slingshot 344 is with the printers ...

... and should be posted out to you all in the next few days!  Here is the cover picture, together with a list of the contents and a short summary of each article.

"Romans, stand firm against these barbarian dogs!
Remember, you fight today for your homes, your families
and my phenomenally expensive shield!"

Editorial

The view from the Editor's Chair.  Maybe not one for those of a nervous disposition.

The Society Officer and Committee Member Nominations notice

What is says on the tin.

Refighting 2nd Mantinea using Lost Battles and Legion II by Philip Sabin

Phil Sabin describes two, solo refights of this battle, each of which offers some very interesting insights into the challenges and dilemmas faced by the opposing troops and commanders, as well as two entertaining game narratives.

The Battlefield of Adrianople 378AD by Dave Watson

A short but informative look at the site, in modern Turkey, of this ancient battlefield.

Galloping Horse and Bounding Chariot by Richard Andrews

Following on from his thoughts about Philistine infantry in Slingshot 337, in this article Richard looks at the nature and evolution of Philistine chariots.

Roman Special Forces and Special Operations by Simon Elliott

Simon's article puts us onto the trail of Roman elite forces, describing the typical "behind the scenes" clandestine activities that were always underway deep behind enemy lines. Then as now, their role was to disrupt chains of command and lines of supply, provide vital intelligence, and assassinate opposing decision takers.  Overall, a wealth of neat scenario ideas for the ancient skirmish gamer.

Interview with Neville Dickinson by Gordon Garrad

Neville Dickinson.  One of that happy band who between them brought so many of us into wargaming and so tirelessly popularised the hobby.  The creator of Minifigs, too.  An original.  Nay, a legend!

The Third Battle of The Mandubian Hills by David Kay

In Slingshot 331, Chris Hahn began to explore the problem (aka opened the can of worms which is) how to recreate the operation of a Roman legion in a triplex acies formation.  Here David Kay picks up the gauntlet and provides us with his own take on the problem and what he learned from wrestling with it.

Centrefold Miniature Painting Showcase by Society Members

Eye candy!  A full two page spread of it.  Wallow in admiration and jealousy.

Teutoburger Wald AD9 Evening the Odds by Andy Offen

Now that's a challenge.  I'm going to look forwards to reading this one.

A Dying Light in Britannia Part 1 by Dave Hollin

A Welshman, living in Wales, forces himself to write with sympathy and no little erudition of "Brittania". What a hero!  One worthy of a seat at the table.  The article is pretty darn good too.  (Right, that's enough toadying to the editor.)

Testing My Resolve rules review and battle report by Gordon Garrad

Test Of Resolve cover the Wars of the Roses and claim to deliver “period characteristics without undue complexity”.  How well do they manage that?  Read on and see what Gordon discovered.

Deus Vult rules review Part 2 (Making the rules work) by Mark Wilson

An article all about "how I tweaked the rules".  It's like looking deep into the mirror of Galadriel.  I'm going to keep my therapist's number handy.

Slingshot Book, Game & Figure Reviews 

Including reviews of:

Plastic Soldier Company 15mm Huns, figure review by Steve Neate

25mm Lamming Miniatures, figure review by Dave Smith

15mm Comparison of Celtic Chariot Miniatures, figure reviews by Lawrence Greaves

Alexander the Great, book review by Martin Stephenson

Romans at War, book review by Duncan Head

Deception in medieval Warfare, book review by Jim Webster

Sparta’s Second Attic War, book review by David Mason

Slingshot 343 is with the printers ...

 ... and should be posted out to you all in the next few days!  Here is the cover picture, together with a list of the contents and a short summary of each article.
 

Hah! Let my opponents tremble for I have with me
my red die of doom, my blue dice of despair,
my green dice of decay and my black dice of death!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Editorial

The view from the editor's chair.

Slingshot contributions advice

What it says on the can.  So now we have one less excuse for avoiding writing that article we always meant to submit.  (Yes, I'm looking in the mirror too.)

The Society’s online forum

Some encouraging words to persuade you to dip in a toe, in case you haven't been there yet.

The SOA 2022 Championship result by Peter Barham

Read all abaht it!  A round up of the 2022 SOA Wargames Championship. 168 games played by 52 members in 5 different countries and deploying, with the inevitable varying success, 197 different armies.  Read it and weep, Caesar.

Still Wargaming in Lockdown by Gordon Garrad

Yes, OK, it's a period piece but hey, that's ancient wargaming.  And anyway there's the added bonus of some thoughts about Mortem et Gloriam.  What's not to like?

Hiccups for Hoplites by David Kay

And here we have an article that offers "a few potential solutions to your more serious problems of fighting with hoplites".  Oh yes! Sign me up.

Invitation to take part in the SOA 2023 Ruleset Survey (and a chance to win some dice!)

Ask yourself, can you afford to be without your "(insert colour) dice of (insert fate of unwary opponent)"?

Deus Vult Ruleset Review (Part 1) by Mark Wilson

That rare beast, a fairly detailed (two page) review of a ruleset by someone who has actually played some games with it.

Interview with Mark Backhouse by Gordon Garrad

Mark has been a frequent contributor to Wargames Soldiers and Strategy magazine and has recently become a published rules author. His "Strength and Honour" rules (which were reviewed in Issue 342) focus on the wars of the late Roman Republic and Early Empire at very large scale, so that players control armies representing tens of thousands of warriors.

DBx - DB’Wildered by Gordon Lawrence

An article that starts with a quote from Les Dawson* and continues as it begins.

 

*You probably have to be a Brit of a certain age to really appreciate the Les Dawson reference but the article itself is a much more cosmopolitan piece.  Honestly.

Home Grown Rules by David Kay

Way, way back many centuries ago long before three, and then four, letter acronyms were assigned to Ancient Wargames Rules, most wargamers created their own rules.  This is a fascinating glimpse into that odyssey.

The 2nd Battle of Mantineia (SOA Battle Day Pack) by Duncan Head

The subject of this year's SOA Battle Day, the second battle of Mantineia was fought in the Peloponnesian district of Arkadia between a Spartan-led coalition and a Theban-led coalition in 362 BC.  This article recapitulates a talk which Duncan gave at the Society conference in October 2022 and will be of use to anyone with an interest in the battle of the war as well as providing the "battle pack" for the day for those who may be attending the Battle Day itself.

Slingshot Book & Game Reviews 

Including reviews of:

SAGA (2022), rules review by Ken Butt

Test of Honour, rules review by Steven Neate

Thracians and Dacians, book review by Denis Grey

Venetian War of 1487, book review by Duncan Head 

Ancient Battle Formations, book review by Andreas Johansson

The Galatians, book review by Stephen Brennan

Slingshot 342 is with the printers ...

... and should be posted out to you all in the next few days!  Here is the cover picture, together with a list of the contents and a short summary of each article.
 

("Oh no, it's raining on the first bound. 
All the Plough will be Rough Going. 
Varlet! bring me my Hunter wellies.")

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Committee election notice and Editorial

The view from the editor's chair.

Interview with Lorenzo Sartori by Gordon Garrod

Lorenzo is the author of the Impetus series of Rules covering Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance periods, first released in 2008. He started out wargaming in the 1990s in Italy and is the owner and editor of the Italian wargames magazine Dadi & Piombo. He is also responsible for organising the Italian wargames conventions CovoGames, Dadi.com and MilanoWargames.

Newbury and Reading Wargames Society and Colours - a short history by Nick Harbud

Or perhaps, "Armageddon - delving back into ancient times"?

Westbury Wars 2022 - a convention report by John Graham-Leigh

For many years DBM open competitions with 25mm armies have been popular.  The first John attended was in 1997.  This year’s competition had a record turnout, with players fielding lots of historical or at least contemporary matchups from armies spanning the period 3,000 BC to 1500 AD.  Polybian Romans against Carthaginians and each other, Wars of the Roses English against Venetians with Swiss allies, Achaemenid Persians against Macedonians.

The Lamian War Part 2 by Bjorn Floderus

Part 1, in Slingshot 340, told about the background to the Lamian War and how it started. Alexander the Great’s death as the trigger for a Greek rebellion led by Athens and Aitolia. The allied states started the war strong, twice beating their opponents in the field. First, a combined Boiotian and Euboian army at Plateia then later a Makedonian army under Antipatros near the city Lamia.  But an old war-horse like Antipatros is not easily beaten and he retreated to Lamia with his army intact.  There Antipatros had a stroke of luck, with the death of the Athenian general Leosthenes. Could this be the break Antipatros was waiting for?  Read on and find out.

Hoplites at the SOA Conference 2022 by Simon MacDowall

The Society of Ancients Conference has a long history of showcasing new rule ideas and for playing games that are a bit out of the ordinary. With the upcoming Mantinea Battle Day in mind (25 March 2023) Simon has developed a new set of rules for Hoplite warfare called Alala! which he used to put on a demonstration game.  The game was a straight forward Theban v Spartan bash-up using mostly 1:72 scale plastic figures with all players and umpires having lots of fun.

Command & Colours Knockout Tournament at the SOA Conference 2022 by John Drewienkiewicz and Andrew Brentnall

Although the ‘main events’ of the annual conference didn’t start until Saturday morning, more than 20 attendees arrived on Friday evening in good time for some ‘beer and pretzels’ games and some not-too- demanding dice rolling, including this Command and Colours knockout for four pairs using the Zama scenario.

My First Society of Ancients Article - from a longstanding member by Baird McClellan

Ah me, a nostalgic wallow of the best kind.  Plastic figures, putty and pins.  And even a mention for Bob O'Brien.  Read and remember.

Selecting my Sassanid Aesthetic by Gavin Pearson

If you're going to ride down your enemies, ride them down in style.

How I became the first non-UK member to win the SOA Championship by Harry Dudrow

It's said that in Southern California Harry is now being called "World Champion" but, being modest, he demurs, though he'll happily answer to "SOA Champion".  Read on to find out why.

A Hex on your terrain by David Kay

The “River Deep Mountain High” thread on the Society’s forum, has been a great source of debate and reflection about terrain usage and practices.  Here is one member's personal take on the question of terrain aesthetics vs practicalities.

Horse Archer Units in Armati by Roy Boss

This article was originally written as a preface to the army booklet that each participant in the annual Bournemouth ‘Armati by the Sea’ event is given. As all the armies used are supplied by the event, and players take a different army each round, the booklet is a great reference and a souvenir to take away! This is the first of what we hope will be a number of related articles.

Shield Patterns at Second Mantinea by Duncan Head

The battle chosen for the Society’s Battle Day 2023 is the Second Battle of Mantineia, 362 BC so here is a short piece that might help if you are painting armies for the Battle Day (or, of course, selecting which hoplite figures to use from your already extensive collection).

Slingshot Book & Game Reviews 

Including reviews of:

SAGA - Age of Alexander supplement, review by Ken Butt

Age of Hannibal, rules review by Steve Neate

Strength and Honour, rules review by Richard Jeffrey-Cook

The Long War for Britannia, book review by Dave Hollin

The Field Campaigns of Alexander the Great, book review by Jim Webster

Septimius Severus and the Roman Army, book review by Duncan Head

Empire of Horses, book review by Dan N. Hazelwood

Battle Day 2023 - 2nd Mantinea 362 BC

"Meanwhile Epaminondas led forward his army prow on, like a trireme, believing that if he could strike and cut through anywhere, he would destroy the entire army of his adversaries. For he was preparing to make the contest with the strongest part of his force, and the weakest part he had stationed far back, knowing that if defeated it would cause discouragement to the troops who were with him and give courage to the enemy."  

Renowned Theban general Epaminondas makes his famous deep deployment of his hoplite phalanx aimed at crushing the Spartan army. 

The nineteenth annual Society of Ancients Battle Day will be held on Saturday 25 March 2023 at
Newbury Rugby Club, Monks Lane, Newbury RG14 7RW.  We once again invite you to a unique day’s wargaming. Don’t miss out – come and be part of it!  The Battle Day is open to both members and non-members of the Society of Ancients.

Slingshot 341 is with the printers ...

... and should be posted out to you all in the next few days!  Here is the cover picture, together with a list of the contents and a short summary of each article.
 

"So, er, is all this carnage about restoring New Rome or are we refighting  
Adrianople? Cos I'd just like to know what I'm risking life and limb for ."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President’s Foreword

The view from the president's chair. 

Society of Ancients Conference

An update on the Society Conference that will take place over the last weekend in October. There is still plenty of room to attend, so please hurry and sign up through the Society website or contact Richard Lockwood directly at conference@soa.org.uk

The Goths (2): From Alaric to Theoderic the Great. By Michael Fredholm von Essen

Michael provides a brief overview of this, the second of two books that describe the Goths, their arms and armour, dress and equipment, army organisation, campaigns, battle tactics, and strategy. This second volume deals with the Goths after their entry into the Roman Empire. The emphasis lies on the Goths themselves, the kingdoms they established, and their military history, rather than their part in the Late Empire’s history

Restoring New Rome - the strategy and military of the Byzantine Empire in the mid-1100s. By David Harvey

The Byzantines identified as Romans living in Romania, the "Basileia tôn Rhōmaiōn", with their capital at Constantinople, the New Rome. In August 1167 the forces of the King of Hungary were decisively defeated by the Roman field army at Semlin (near modern Belgrade). Peace followed on the victor’s terms, confirming Roman dominance of the Balkans not seen since the sixth century. What was the strategic and military context of the mid-12th century Roman state? Who were the soldiers of Emperor Manual I Komnenos (1143-1180) at Semlin? How were they organised ? How did they fight?

Refighting Adrianople 378 AD with DBMM. By Jens Peter Kutz

After having dealt with the shape and size of the Gothic wagon laager in detail in Slingshot 334, Jens Peter now broadens the perspective to examine the Battle of Adrianople as a whole. In particular this article deals with the question of how this battle can be refought using Phil Barker’s rules "De Bellis Magistrorum Militum (Version 2.1).

LEGION II FAST PLAY EXPANSION By Philip Sabin

Legion, a hex-based simulation of ancient warfare, was first published by the Society in 1997 and followed in 2015 by a deluxe, full colour edition that is still available to purchase. Professor Sabin has now expanded the fast play version of the original rules to cover all 35 engagements originally modelled in Professor Sabin's book, Lost Battles. This expansion, termed Legion II, is the subject of this article.

Slingshot 340 is with the printers ...

     ... and should be posted out to you all in the next few days!  Here is the cover picture, together with a list of the contents and a short summary of each article.

Horse: "Jeepers! Careful mate, you could have my eye out with that!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President’s Foreword

The view from the president's chair.  This time without the bragging about some Galatians.

Adrianople with Comitatus by Simon Macdowall

Published hot on the heels of his previous article about design considerations for gaming Adrianople, we start with Simon Macdowall’s report on his own refight of Adrianople at the SoA Battleday using his Comitatus rule set.

Pikes across the Millennia Part 2 by Philip Sabin

The second part of Philip Sabin's exploration of the rise, fall, rise ... etc. of the pike as a battlefield weapon by comparing two pike battles, widely separated in history.  This time we have Gabiene from 316/5 BC and Lützen which occurred AD 1632.

10mm miniatures and an odyssey to wargame Dark Age Britain in the ‘Age of Arthur’ by Dave Hollin

Those who visit the SOA forums will probably know of Dave Hollin's enthusiasm for 10mm miniatures. Here Dave describes his lockdown project to build a brand-new Dark Ages army in this scale.  Enthusiasm or is it more than that?  You be the judge.

The Lamian War Part 1 by Björn Floderus

Alexander the Great’s death created a huge power vacuum in his newly created empire. He didn’t have an adult heir and there were no male relatives that were considered fit enough to rule. Confusion reigned among his generals. Who was in command? Who was going to be the next king? Read on to find out but beware, it may lead to unplanned figure purchases!

Interview with Hervé Caille by Gordon Garrad

Hervé is a French wargamer who has been publishing rules since 2008. He started with WW2 rules, helped translate Field of Glory into French, and then moved to writing the popular L’Art de le Guerre rules, now in their 4th Edition. He has also written rules for Napoleonic wargames.

Alexander’s Successors at War: How Eumenes Defeated the World’s Most Famous Commander by Tristan Hughes

When Alexander the Great died, on 11 June 323 BC, he left behind one of the largest empires the world had yet seen. An empire that theoretically stretched from Greece to the Indus River Valley. But by the spring of 320, less than three years later, this empire was in chaos. A great Macedonian civil war had erupted, fought between several leading figures who had come to the fore following Alexander’s death. The First Successor War was underway. Tristan Hughes takes us through these tumultuous events in an article that provides plenty of information for those interested in exploring this gaming opportunity.

Slingshot Book & Game Reviews 

This issue, a review of:

Leuctra 371 BC: The Destruction of Spartan Dominance written by Murray Dahm and illustrated by Seán Ó’Brógáin.  Reviewed by Steve Neate.

The Iliad and the Odyssey: The Trojan War: Tragedy and Aftermath by Jan Parker. Reviewed by Jim Webster.

Slingshot 339 is with the printers ...

    ... and should be posted out to you all in the next few days!  Here is the cover picture, together with a list of the contents and a short summary of each article.

The SoA Battleday, guvnor? 'S at Newbury. That way, I fink.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President’s Foreword

The view from the president's chair, including a bit of bragging about some Galatians.

Guardroom

Where the back and forth continues, good naturedly, between Simon Mason and Antony Clipson about Antony's article on ‘Game mechanics and Realism‘, from issue 337.

Graham Fordham Remembered

Graham Fordham, who served SoA in many roles including Treasurer and Competition Team member and who was a doyen of the Society stand at shows, sadly passed away last year. This memorial borrowed from the ‘Not Quite Mechanised’ blog gives a vivid portrait of his life.

Pikes across the Millennia Part 1 by Philip Sabin

An article that pushes the boundaries of our period (well, super-extends them, actually) to explore the rise, fall, rise ... etc. of the pike as a battlefield weapon by comparing two pike battles, widely separated in history.  The earlier is Paraitacene, a battle from the wars of the Successors of Alexander fought, in 317 BC between two of the Successors, Eumenes and his rival Antigonus.  The later is Breitenfeld, a battle from the Swedish phase of the Thirty Years War, in which Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, fought against the catholic Imperialists at Breitenfeld in 1631-2.  (See what I mean about super-extending the boundaries?)  But the comparison makes for a really amazing study, especially as it includes insights into the use of two of Phil's rulesets, Lost Battles for the ancient period and Horse & Foot for the Pike and Shot era.

Shields and Armour in Mycenaean Warfare by Robert Heiligers

An article inspired by Allan JC Smith’s Master’s thesis entitled "Mycenaean Warfare and the Mycenaean Tower Shield", which provides excellent information on the use of the large body-shields
and armour in that period.

Wargaming Adrianople by Simon MacDowall

Adrianople profoundly changed the status quo of the Roman Empire, with a large and militarily victorious body of barbarians now settled permanently in the Empire as unreliable allies. Simon shows gaming the battle might produce a very different outcome...

Airfix Nostalgia by John Graham-Leigh 

A real trip down memory lane for those of us of a certain age.  When every know troop type in the ancient and medieval worlds could be (had to be?) made from some combination of figure parts from Airfix' Ancient Britons, Imperial Romans, 19th C Arabs and the combined Sherrif of Nottingham & Robin Hood sets, with the ACW range thrown in for good measure - and Plasticine too, of course.  With lots of photos!  Lots!

Slingshot Book & Game Reviews 

This issue, a review of: The Highland Battles: Warfare on Scotland’s Northern Frontier in the Early Middle Ages” by Chris Peers.  Reviewed by Duncan Head.

The Yumi at War by Leslie Ian Mitchell

A facinating look into the practice of archery in Japan by a wargamer who is also a practitioner in the Japanese way or art of the bow (yumi).  Worth reading.  Especially the comment that the power of the yumi is not as important as the man using it. A little like those killer wargames armies that sit on my shelf waiting to be massacred again.

Interview with Daniel Mersey by Gordon Garrad

Daniel Mersey has been writing and publishing war games rules since the 1990’s, and his interests and publications cover a wide historical range. He is probably best known for his series of historical and fantasy rules published by Osprey, which focus on relatively short periods of history or small geographical areas. He has also written a number of “wargamers guides” to specific historical campaigns, covering ancients to World War 2.

Slingshot 338 is with the printers ...

   ... and should be posted out to you all in the next few days!  Here is the cover picture, together with a list of the contents and a short summary of each article.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President’s Foreword

The view from the president's chair, including a round up of 2021 and a look forward to what's coming in 2022.

Guardroom

Simon Mason responds to Antony Clipson’s article on ‘Game mechanics and Realism‘, from issue 337, with some interesting alternative views.  (Of course, or this wouldn't be Guardroom.)

Ancients Awaken from Slumber aka Lockdown Smackdown or A Day of DBA by Harry Dudrow and Andrew Gledhill

In which Harry Dudrow (who stands atop the 2021 SoA Championship list, or did at the time of writing) and Andrew Gledhill try out DBA armies they painted during the pandemic and had never had a chance to use, vis a Thracian army (list I/48), Tibetans (list III/15) and Northern Sung (list III/62a).

First Class Warriors at the Birth of the Roman Republic by Dr Simon Elliott

In which Simon covers the transition from the later Etrusco-Roman monarchy to the early Republic before considering the panoply of the Etrusco-Roman hoplite as depicted in early regional artwork.  (Ah me, the opportunity for temptation.  Perhaps I should simply pass over it.  But surely, just a cursory glance can't do any harm?  And there's definitely a space in the figures cupboard.  Somewhere.)

The Rise and Fall of Nomad Military Power, part 2 c. 1200 AD – c. 1600 AD - by Michael Fredholm von Essen

In part 2, Michael looks at the circumstances that led Temuchin to change nomad strategy and create the greatest land empire in history. He then examines the causes of the downfall of nomad military superiority.

Bosworth with Tree of Battles by Simon MacDowall

Read all abaht it!  Read all abaht it!  It was a long time coming but finally the 2020 Bosworth Battle Day came to pass in August 2021. Gasp! when you read about the splendid new setting at Newbury.  Stand amazed! at the fabulous array of games.  Every one a re-fight of Bosworth, under different rules and in many scales, from 6mm to 54mm.  Definitely worth a look.

Slingshot Book & Game Reviews 

This issue, a review of: Richard III and the Battle of Bosworth by Mike Ingram.  Reviewed by Duncan Head.

Slingshot interviews Phil Barker - by Gordon Garrad

Phil Barker has been a major figure in wargaming since the late 1960s and is a former President of the Society of Ancients. Over the past 50 years he has written wargames rules covering many periods.  Through the Wargames Research Group he and his co-authors have published many respected reference books on the armies of ancient history, covering most of the globe from 3000 BC.  Gordon Garrad talks with Phil Barker and takes the opportunity to ask about how it all started, his approach to writing wargame rules and where he might be going next.

Slingshot 337 is with the printers ...

  ... and should be posted out to you all in the next few days!  Here is the cover picture, together with a list of the contents and a short summary of each article.

"Right, you chaps, get ready.  This is where

we do the whole 'crush your enemies' thing!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Editorial

The view from the editor's chair including thanks to those who responded to his pleas for articles to replenish the stock and a reminder about the wealth of interesting material that originates in that other source of erudite debate, the Society Forum (check it out).

Guardroom

Stephen Brennan serves up some fascinating material about late medieval Hebridean mercenaries as a useful extension to that provided by Anthony Clipsom in his recent article, "An Archer’s Tale".

The Rise and Fall of Nomad Military Power, part 1 c. 1000 BC - 1200 AD - by Michael Fredholm von Essen

Asiatic nomad armies created some of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. Michael Fredholm von Essen analyses the nomad strategy that eventually transformed them from tribal federations content with opportunistic raiding into empire builders.

Solo Wargaming - by John Hastings

Given the scattered nature of the Ancients wargaming community, plenty of wargamers have no choice but to adopt schizophrenia as a recreational modus operandi and play against themselves. John Hastings discusses how it is done.

Slingshot interviews Simon Hall - by Gordon Garrad

Mortem et Gloriam has become a very popular ruleset in the Ancients community. Slingshot interviews its creator, Simon Hall, and asks him about his wargaming background, rules writing career, his experience with MeG, his futures plans, the meaning of life, and so on...

The Philistines are upon you - by Richard Andrews

Heavily-equipped but unwieldy Philistines vs. lightly-armed but agile Jews is a classic gaming setup where terrain makes all the difference. Richard Andrews analyses the historical composition of the two armies and how it applies to the wargaming table.

Game Mechanics and Realism - by Anthony Clipsom

Everyone knows that realism and playability are at odds with each other. But is that really the case? Anthony Clipsom makes the argument that you can have your cake and eat it, with sufficiently plausible realism happily wedded to enjoyable gameplay.

The Murder of Evesham - by John Graham-Leigh

Evesham ended the hopes of Simon de Montfort’s supporters (and the life of de Montfort himself). John Graham-Leigh plays a refight of the battle using DBM, with a convincing result.

Assyrian 'Kallapani' - by Daniel McLaughlin

Kallapani have been a standard part of Assyrian army lists but with highly variable properties. Daniel McLaughlin examines the evidence to see if we can know anything certain about them.

Slingshot Book & Game Reviews 

Including reviews of: 

Commands & Colors Samurai Battles by game designer: Richard Borg

Hellenistic and Roman Naval Warfare, 336BC-31BC by John D. Graingerenn.