Category Archives: Ancient

Punic Expansion & Iberian Resolve – 235 BC

Ancient, Battles in Hispania, DBA, Game Reports, II/32a Later Carthaginian, II/39a Iberian

Readers will recall that the Iberian commander Indortes had gained two victories during 236 BC against the Carthaginian Himilco. During the winter of 236 BC both commanders rebuilt their armies. Carthage bolstered the ranks of its field army while Indortes battled to keep his Iberian army together over winter. By late Spring however both commanders, their armies suitably refreshed, once more faced each other in battle.

Spring – 235 BC

Himilco, frustrated with the performance of his pachyderms in the previous year, welcomed the reinforcement of his army with additional cavalry. Now as the army marched north it comprised 8,000 foot and no fewer than 2,500 mounted. The heavy cavalry comprised some 1,500 men, a mix of Punic and Iberian mercenary cavalry all well equipped and motivated. These were supplemented 1,000 Numidian light cavalry, half of whom had only recently arrived from Africa. Indortes’ army in contrast had changed little and comprised 10,000 foot, a mix of scutarri (4Ax) and caetrati (Ps), supplemented by 1,250 mounted – a mix of heavy and light cavalry.

Faced with the advancing Carthaginians Indortes attempted to secure a strong defensive position but was outmanoeuvred. With few options of ambush available Indortes reluctantly deployed the bulk of his foot on the left and centre. His out numbered mounted were kept in reserve where they could be able to support the infantry as required. Finally, a number of caetrati were arranged on a rocky slope that provided some protection to the Iberian right flank. The Punic foot deployed opposite the Iberian main line on an open plain constrained only by a rocky slope on their the left centre. Further to the Punic left were the Numidian light cavalry clearly ready to strike the Iberian right.

A view of the Iberians deployed on an open plain.

Soon the Carthaginians began to advance. The advance by a body of Punic light infantry was the most aggressive as they moved from their position on the rocky slopes to the open ground. Indortes sensing a mistake now fell upon the isolated Punic light infantry while his cavalry held in reserve moved to the right.

The Iberians attempt to exploit the unsupported Punic light troops.

Yet the Punic light infantry fought with determination and rather than be crushed by the Iberian scutarri and caetrati the Punic light infantry held long enough for the African veterans to reinforce them. Slowly the Iberians were forced back casualties mounting until finally Indortes’ army broke. The defeat was a tragic blow to Iberian morale. Clearly Indortes had become too confident.

Summer – 235 BC

Despite the defeat the Iberian cause displayed significant resiliency in the face of such adversity. Soon reinforcements arrived allowing Indortes to once again face the Punic invader. The Iberians secured a strong position and now Himilco was less able to outmanoeuvre them.

The Iberian flanks were secured by steep rocky slopes while the Punic army’s deployment was constrained by an area of large woods. Indortes formed his scutarii on the left and centre while he massed his caetrati on his right. The battle soon become general and much of the detail remains unrecorded by our sources.

A view of the battle from the Punic left towards the centre.

However, what remains of the fragments indicates that in the centre the Iberian scutarii fought valiantly against the Punic centre. When they were pushed back the scutarii retired to the high ground which the Punic infantry refused to advance into. Meanwhile on the Iberian right the caetrati were heavily engaged against the Punic light infantry. Here Iberian determination paid off and slowly the Punic left flank began to unravel until it finally broke. Indortes had secured a hard fought victory.

Autumn – 235 BC

Himilco while defeated was far from broken. Despite the campaign season drawing to an end he attempted one last time to break his opponent. Advancing with its right resting on a river the Punic army moved against the Iberians who held a the strong defensive position.

The Iberian positioned centred around two steep rocky hills the one in the centre forward of that on the right. If Indortes had learnt two things during the year it was the risk the superior mounted posed to his flanks and the threat posed by the African heavy foot. This defensive position seemed to negate both of these enemy advantages.

The Punic heavy infantry were drawn up on the open ground and were poised to press the Iberian left. However, this required the rocky slopes in the centre to be cleared. Repeated attempts were made and each was thrown back.

A view of from the Iberian right, the river is visible in the distance.

Frustrated Himilco pressed the enemy to each side of the central hill. The Iberian scutarii held on the left while on the right the Punic left was itself threatened by Iberian mounted and caetrati. It was here that the Iberians gained the advantage moving swiftly from bad going and hitting exposed Punic units. Casualties were quickly mounting and just as dusk began to envelope the field Himilco army collapsed. His hopes of defeating the Iberians, at least this year were dashed.

So ended three interesting games with a victory for the Carthaginians in one and defeat in two others. There is no doubt that the terrain played a critical part in all the battles. Understandable given the advantage that the Punic heavy infantry had, especially when the Carthaginian mounted advantage was considered. Despite that it will be interesting to see when Himilco ventures out again.

Defending Iberia – 236 BC

Ancient, Battles in Hispania, DBA, Game Reports, II/32a Later Carthaginian, II/39a Iberian

After the defeat in the First Punic War Hamilcar Barca determined to strengthen Carthage’s economic and military position by expanding Carthaginian control of Iberia. Unsurprisingly the Carthaginians were soon in direct conflict with Turdentani, an Iberian tribe of the southwestern Iberia. Alerted to a large Iberian army assembling to oppose him Hamilcar advanced north from his base. Not yet combined the Turdentani comprised two forces. The larger, estimated to be some 30,000 strong, was commanded by Istoatios. Scouts indicated the smaller concentration, commanded by Indortes, was moving to join Istoatios.

Hamilcar, wishing to prevent the two Iberian columns converging, now split his own army and detached Himilco the Fair to delay the advance of Indortes. However, Himilco rather than delaying Indortes, sought battle.

Summer – 236 BC

Indortes, realising his attempt to link up with Istoatios’ army had failed, deployed to face the advancing Carthaginians. He had available some 10,000 foot and 1,000 horse. His initial attempt to secure a favourable position, with both flanks secured by hills, was frustrated by Carthaginian manoeuvres. Reluctantly he deployed to face the Punic host on an open plain with only his right protected by a rocky hill. Opposite Himilco deployed the Carthaginians, some 8,000 foot, 1,500 cavalry and 20 elephants. Himilco massed the bulk of his cavalry on the right and his light infantry on the left – where it could threaten the Iberian right and could move through the rocky high ground. The Punic centre meanwhile comprised elephants as well as Gallic and African heavy infantry.

The Punic elephants engage Iberian caetrati who have drawn them into a trap.

Indortes considered the Punic deployment. It seemed likely that Carthaginians hoped to gain an initial advantage with their elephants whose success would be followed up by the heavy infantry. Indortes therefore held back a number of his light troops. As the Punic host advanced Indortes countered with caetrati. Some drew the pachyderms forward while others delayed the heavy infantry.

Fighting soon intensified and the Punic heavy infantry pressed the Iberian scutarii in the centre back. Yet despite extreme pressure the Iberian line held. While the Carthaginian infantry were unsuccessful their elephants pressed forward. They soon found themselves isolated and would broke, a number fleeing to the rear. Their early loss however created an alarming gap in the Punic line.

The battle viewed from the Iberian right.

A degree of confusion now rippled through the Carthaginian lines. Attempting to exploit this confusion Iberian scutarii and light cavalry pressed forward driving the Numidian horse back before routing the Iberian mercenary cavalry in Punic service.

The Carthaginian right is overwhelmed by the advancing Iberians.

Soon Himilco, at the head of his reserve cavalry, advanced to stabilise the situation. Alas, the last Punic horse were also overwhelmed. Himilco, once confident of victory, was fortunate to escape with his life.

Autumn – 236 BC

As summer gave way to autumn Hamilcar Barca continued his campaign against Istoatios with his main army. Himilco, now reinforced, was ordered to advance against Indortes once more. As before the Punic army comprised some 8,000 foot, 1,500 mounted but fewer elephants as only some had been rallied from the recent disaster.

His confidence raised, a result of his previous victory, Istoatios again offered battle. This time the Iberian right was stronger, anchored as it was on a series of steep rocky slopes on the right and right centre. Shaken by the loss of his elephants previously, Himilco determined to keep his remaining pachyderms in reserve. He placed his Numidians on the left and with various light infantry and Gallic troops extending to the centre where his African heavy infantry were placed.

The Iberian right from the high ground looking towards the Punic centre.

Himilco ordered an early advance by his left flank, which comprised Gallic foot and African light infantry. Advancing up a defended rocky hill on the Iberian right they gained some ground but with the arrival of Iberian reserves the Carthaginians wisely fell back. In this sector stalemate set in with neither renewing battle. The exception being the Numidian light cavalry that occasionally threatened the Iberian flank before falling back.

With stalemate on his right Istoatios determined to gain the imitative elsewhere. The Iberian left advanced while light infantry, including slingers, engaged the Punic heavy infantry of the centre.

The Punic centre & right is engaged against the advancing Iberians.

With the Iberians on the offensive Himilco attempted to reinforce the right. Yet such things take time and under immense pressure the Punic right began to falter. Gaps began to appear and eventually the Carthaginian right collapsed. With his right shattered Himilco was forced to accept defeat and retire. It seemed that Istoatios had won another hard fought victory. Again Carthaginian plans for the conquest of Iberia had been frustrated.

So ended another short evening of gaming with two excellent games of DBA using 15mm miniatures. It was particularly interesting to see the interactions between the Iberians and the Carthaginians. The Carthaginian heavy infantry clearly had the advantage in open battle but to an extent this could be neutralised by light troops. The Punic mounted advantage was more difficult to counter. I suspect that these two armies will see action again soon.

Rebellion in Hispania

Ancient, Battles in Hispania, DBA, Game Reports, II/33 Polybian Roman, II/39a Iberian

The war against Carthage was over and in 197 BC two new Roman provinces were created in Hispania, specifically Hispania Citerior and Hispania Ulterior. The Iberians would have none of it and later in the year two rebellions broke out. By 196 BC the praetor Quintus Minucius Thermus was in Hispania Citerior and sought to bring the the Iberian commander Budares to battle. Several weeks of campaigning followed until in the summer of 196 BC Budares was finally offered battle.

Budares selected his battlefield with care deploying his army to maximise the advantage the terrain offered. The bulk of his scutarii were deployed on open ground with his camp some distance to the rear. Slightly forward and to both his left and right were rising hills. Once garrisoned their rocky steep slopes would help protect his centre. To this end he would move a number of his scutarii and caetrati into these hills. Finally, his mounted were deployed in the rear so they could counter any flanking manoeuvre or reinforce the centre as required.

The Iberian centre comprising scutarii, caetrati & a heavy cavalry reserve.

Opposite, Quintus Minucius Thermus deployed his two legions. One legion was Roman while the other comprised Italian allies fighting in the Roman style. He massed his triarii on his right and his velites on the left. Between the two were the hastati and principes. Finally he placed his own cavalry in reserve. Quintus Minucius now advanced, his disdain for the rebellious Iberians only too apparent, as he relegated his velites to a supportive role.

It was on the Iberian left that the battle opened with the triarii advancing up the rocky slopes. Yet they were soon forced back by the Iberian scutarii. As the scutarii pressed their advantage caetrati now threatened the Roman right. Disaster beckoned on the Roman right. Yet slowly the triarii were reorganised and once formed on flat ground they thwarted any further Iberian advance.

The Iberian left flank. The Roman triarii has reformed.

Fighting on this flank was now at an end. Above, the Iberians on the left have disengaged while below, later in the battle, they have redeployed to the steep and rocky high ground. From here they threatened any Roman advance on the Iberian centre.

The Iberians on the left have fallen back to the high ground.

Unnerved by the events on his right Quintus Minucius now looked to his left flank. The velites were bought up and the hastati and principes ordered forward, their left flank extended by velites. Again the Roman heavy infantry advanced up the rocky slopes. In the ensuing hours a determined battle unfolded as Iberian scutarii and caetrati fought desperately. Their upslope advantage was for a time critical. However, the threat posed by the velites on the Iberian right was problematic and additional Iberians were soon committed. Until this high ground was secured the Roman advance against the Iberian centre could not proceed.

Quintus Minucius however was looking for other opportunities. On the Iberian right the Roman Allied cavalry moved to flank the extreme Iberian right – where Iberian light cavalry had been placed. Faced with the advance of the Roman Allied cavalry they Iberian light cavalry fell back rather than risk combat.

The Iberian right flank with Roman Allied cavalry in the right foreground.

Yet the Iberian commander Budares had envisaged the need for such a retrograde movement and hoped by retiring he would draw forward the enemy cavalry where it could be isolated and defeated. This worked to an extent and while the Iberian light cavalry were eventually lost the enemy horse were overwhelmed by Iberian infantry.

Roman Allied cavalry are defeated on the Iberian right.

With the threat of the Roman Allied cavalry removed much needed Iberian reinforcements could further assist the hard pressed scutarii on the rocky slopes.

Iberians defending the rocky slopes. One Roman attack has been thrown back, another is being prepared.

The scutarii would eventually be forced back, such was Roman resolve, but they fought valiantly.

The Romans were now clearly gaining the advantage and as darkness approached the Roman centre was ordered forward. The Iberian centre was itself now weak, a result of many troops being diverted to the flanks. As the Romans advanced Budares, at the head of his heavy cavalry, reinforced the Iberian line flanked by scutarii.

The clash in the centre is underway. The Iberian line here has thinned.

The battle in the centre now swung back and forth. While Budares hoped for success on his right just prior to dusk the Iberians on the right rather than gaining success broke. Now as his army disintegrated Budares, and what remained of his army, retreated.

Quintus Minucius Thermus had achieved victory in what can only be described as a desperate battle, yet success had come at a price – his losses had been crippling. What was worse the Iberian rebel Budares had escaped, no doubt determined to continue his rebellion.

Our game was without doubt outstanding. It was the first time I had used my Iberians and while the game highlighted some strengths in the list it also confirmed the weakness of the army. I can certainly see I will need to consider further how to use it. The game was also something of a learning exercise for my opponent who is relatively new to DBA. With the final result being a 4-3 Roman victory it was clearly a tight game with the result hanging in the balance to the very end. As to the figures, both armies are from my own collection and are mostly a mix of 15mm miniatures from Essex and Corvus Belli.

Ancient Iberians in DBA

Ancient, Army Essays, DBA, II/39a Iberian

The Ancient Spanish are, in DBA terms, defined by three lists with represent the armies of peoples in the Iberian Peninsular between 240 BC to 20 BC. This post considers the II/39a Iberian list which covers the Iberian tribes living in eastern and along the southern coast of the Iberia Peninsular.

The use of the term tribes suggest undeveloped rural peoples. It is therefore worth noting that the Iberians, while organised via clans and tribes, were an urbanised society with a number of cities. Within these tribes there are kings or war leaders as well as aristocracy. In addition the cities had a council or elders along with more general assemblies. The tribes were never united in across Iberia, that said alliances between tribes certainly existed. While Strabo indicates the Iberians were unable to form large confederations some armies were large. While army strengths of 100,000 are likely inflated some armies, formed from various tribes, were certainly over 30,000 strong.

DBA Iberian army in 15mm. Click on the image to enlarge.

The Iberians were found in both Carthaginians and Roman service with Carthage using them in overseas campaigns as early as 480 BC. However, they also fought as tribes or tribal alliances against the Celts, Celtiberians and Lusitanians in addition to the Romans and Carthaginians.

Traditional interpretations have divided the Spanish infantry into two main types, the heavier scutarii and the lighter javelin armed caetrati. There is in addition significant archaeological evidence that the sling was in widespread use by the Iberians. Finally the native Iberians armies supplemented their numbers by hiring Celtiberian mercenaries on occasion.

Let’s first consider the scutarii. These are described as using throwing spears and swords. These swords comprised the Hispanic straight sword as well as the falcata or curved sword. The shield carried in our period was the oval scutum. Interestingly, some modern sources now question the date this was introduced to Spain. The Iberian scutarii were certainly willing to form a main battle line rather than skirmish and typically did. Indeed while I don’t currently have a copy of Sanz’s work I understand that he indicates a formed battle line was the Iberian preferred deployment, supported by other troops of course.

In DBA terms the scutarii can be represented by six stands of auxillia which are all 3Ax or 4Ax, the former counting as fast while the later as solid. I selected to model my Iberians as 4Ax as this allows them to form a more resilient battle line as well as being more useful in Carthaginian or Roman armies, with the former specifically being rated as 4Ax. There is nothing worse than duplicating miniatures between armies after all. Further, 4Ax rating means that enemy fast foot and mounted recoil on ties. In DBMM the scutarii are rated as Ax(S) which provides a significant boost to auxilia and further reinforces the rating of 4Ax.

15mm Iberian scutarii deployed in two ranks.

Here I have six stands of scutarii which are composed of Essex miniatures supplemented by a selection of Corvus Belli miniatures for additional variety. Among the stands you will note the use of various officers, musicians and standard bearers. Alcohological finds have unearthed a number of ceramic curved horns which were likely used to signal during battle. I have painted the bulk of the figures in white tunics edged red, as noted by historical written sources, but have included other tunic colours for variety. Below, a view of the scutarii from the side.

The scutarii viewed from the side.

The next major component in the Iberian list is the psiloi. The most numerous psiloi type was the caetrati who were armed with javelin and sword but used the the small round shield the caetra. The DBA list requires four stands of caetrati. Interestingly the Iberian caetrati seems to comprise around 1/3 of an army, though the DBMM list can have slightly less than this ratio. If you apply the guidelines outlined in the Historical Refights section of the rules, where most elements represent similar troop numbers irrespective of the number of figures on a base, then with six stands of scutarii three stands of caetrati seems correct.

Three stands of caetrati prepare to contest a rocky hill.

Given there are four stands of psiloi in the standard DBA list I turned to the DBMM army lists to compare. The DBMM lists notes the use of slingers. Given the archaeological evidence for the significant use of the sling I opted to model one of the four stands of psiloi as Iberian slingers. The caetrati are a mix of Essex Miniatures and Corvus Belli while the slingers are from Corvus Belli.

Caetrati visible on the left and in the rear support Iberian slingers.

Sources note the recruitment of Celtiberian mercenaries into Iberian armies and while these are not an option in the standard DBA list I believe they would be a sensible addition or option. Indeed, it is an option in the more detailed DBMM list. As a result a stand of Celtiberan mercenaries is something I plan to add at some point.

Next I need to consider the mounted component. Cavalry were not numerically significant in Iberian armies, yet they were present. Iberian cavalry are noted by Duncan Head as steady and able to attack both enemy cavalry and infantry. These seem to be supported by light cavalry which can skirmish. If these were discrete groups of cavalry or different tactical methods utilised as circumstances dictate it is less clear. In DBA terms there are two stands of mounted troops. One being formed cavalry and the other representing skirmishing cavalry. Again, we have a mix of Essex Miniatures and Corvus Belli mounted.

Iberian mounted with the general on the right and light horse on the left.

What DBA army would be complete without a camp? I have selected to model my Iberian camp with a Baueda tent and pottery along with a couple of command figures from Corvus Belli. One of the miniatures is based is a women which is inspired by the limestone bust discovered in 1897 and known as  La Dama de Elche. This is considered a masterpiece of Spanish art even if being discovered by accident and at one time considered a fake. It seems fitting to be included within my Iberian camp.

The Iberian camp in all it’s glory.

Given my comments above on army composition I propose a slightly revised Iberian army presented here in the standard DBA format. It aligns with the official DBA list but allows for some additional options and restrictions, should you think they are warranted.

II/39a Iberian Army (240 BC – 20 BC): 1 x General with long-shield cavalry (Cv), 1 x round shield cavally (LH), 6 x Iberian scutarii (4Ax), 3 x caetrati (Ps), 1 x Iberian slinger (Ps) or Iberian scutarii (4Ax) or Celtiberian mercenary scutarii (3Bd).

Terrain Type: Arable. Aggression: 0. Enemies: II/11, II/32a, II/32b, II/33. II/39b, II/39c, II/47a, II/49.

Finally, for those interested in the Iberians Duncan Head’s Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars provides background on Iberian tactics and equipment. For additional detail Trevonos Romes Enemies (4); Spanish Armies 218 BC-19 BC” covers Iberian society as well as much useful additional detail on weapons. There is also useful focus on the Celtiberians. More recently Pen & Sword have released a translation of Fernando Quesada Sanz’s book Weapons, Warriors & Battles of Ancient Iberia. I have not as yet read it but it received a favourable review in the Society of Ancients magazine Slingshot – Issue 352.