Welcome / Bienvenu

This blog drags together, into one swirling maelstrom of crackling energy, my various wargames interests. There are links on the top right to my other blogs, each more calmly dedicated to one particular gaming universe.

I post on Fridays. The idea is that when I post a painted figure, it stays up for two weeks; a battle report, a terrain project, or a few lines on whatever happens to be the whim of the moment, is up for a week.

The pages at the top of the blog contain historical information on the periods that interest me. They are primarily an aid to my poor memory, and not meant to be in any way exhaustive, nor necessarily correct.

I hope this blog offers you much enjoyment and some inspiration !

mardi 21 août 2012

Nikephorian Byzantine (963-1071)

This is the army that brings the Byzantine Empire to its apogee, commanded by three of its most brilliant emperors, Nikephore II Phocas (963-969), Jean Tzimiskès 969-976) and Basil II (976-1025).
Syria, Crete and Cyprus are taken back from the Arab dynasties. Basil II, the "Bulgar Slayer" wages a merciless war against his northern neighbours that leads to their destruction in 1014.
Decline however quickly set in. The Normans begin systematic conquests in southern Italy and Sicily from 1030, with rapid success : the province is almost totally lost a decade later.
On the eastern frontier, the Empire came under pressure from the Seldjuk Turks, ending with the disaster at Manzikert in 1071.

This is List 128 of Art de la Guerre.
The majority of the figures are Alain Touller, except the Varangian Guard and the bow-armed psiloi (Gladiator), the Petchenegs (Essex),the Normans (Baueda) and the Turks (Old Glory).
Kataphraktoi :



Kavallarioi :
Mounted archers were initially interspersed amongst the lancers (forming the rear ranks), a practice which ended some time in the middle to late 11th century.



Skoutatoi :
Behind front ranks of heavily-armoured spearmen are ranks of archers, firing overhead.



Varangian Guard :
The famous Varangian Guard served the Byzantine Empire throughout this period.



Psiloi :
The Byzantines relied on skirmish troops using a variety of weapons (javelins, slings and crossbows).



Mercenaries :
Petcheneg an Ghuzz light cavalry from the steppe served as Prokoursatores (scouts) or as flankers.  Norman mercenaries were present in Italy as early as 1017.






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