Preview: The Boii (II)

[-Praetor-]

" style="float:left;margin:0 10px 0 0;" />Greetings Europa Barbarorum fans.

Today we are proud to present our second preview of the Boii, the oldest of all Celtic peoples in Europa Barbarorum. In this preview, we will show four new units: the Acus Eporedoi or "Swift cavalry", the old Leuce Epos from EB-I. The Kombaragoues, or "Those who share bread", retinue fighters for the celtic nobles, the equivalent of EB-I Neitos. The Klappagnetoi or "stone killers", the EB-I Iaosatae, and the Londo Epatoi or "Savage riders", a new unit of celtic light cavalry.
In addition, we will show some more interesting data regarding this faction, such as the origins of their name, and the oppida location, along with some very nice videos!

Enjoy!

(For more information on this faction, go to the first Boii preview linked here)

Etymology

What does Boii mean?

Boios, pl. Boii, (Boius in Latin, Βόϊοι in Greek) probably derives from Proto-Celtic *bouios, *bouii ‘a man who possesses cows’. Hence, in a pre-currency Celtic economy in which wealth was often reckoned in livestock, cattle in particular, a *bouios was a legally competent freeman. Compare the Old Irish legal term ambue ‘outsider, one not legally competent’, etymologically the negative of the same term, Proto- Celtic *ambouios ‘not a cattle-owner’ (cf. McCone, CMCS 12.11). It is therefore likely that the name originally signified an elite class rather than a tribe or people and that the significance changed as a result of migration and/or cultural expansion.

An ancient form of Bohemia is Tacitus’s Boihaemum (Boii + proto-Germanic *haimoz, "home") ‘the home of the Boii’ (Germania 28.2). Other toponymns that feature 'Boii' are Boiodurum (modern Passau), and possible Bavaria, where Bayern is derived, like Bohemia, from a mixture of Celtic and Germanic elements- in this case *baio (proto-Germanic version of Boii) and *warioz, "Dwellers". However, this etymology has some critics.

Julius Pokorny devised an alternative etymology for Boii: from Indo-European *bhei(ə)-, *bhī-, "hit;", which becomes *bhoi- through apophony. In this scenario, Boii means something like 'Warriors', or 'Fierce People'.

A shard of a late La Tene vessel bearing the inscription Boios ‘a Boian’, dating to the 1st century bc, has been found in the oppidum of Manching in Bavaria (Kramer, Das keltische Jahrtausend 250). This is the most direct evidence that we have for what the people called themselves.

Where were the Boii oppida located?


This map shows the location of the settlements listed below.

Zavist/Envy Oppidum


Site Name: Lhota Cadastre, south of Prague -Točná District
Possible Reference: Boiodorum
Tribal Confederation: Boii
Location: 49°58'2.04"N 14°24'14.40"E
Site Type: Large Oppidum with an Acropolis
Structural Type: Hill Fort
Occupation: Approximately between 600 BC and 25 BC
Area: 170 ha
Status: Capital of the Boii Conderation
Note: Need info on gate placement

Stradonice Oppidum


Site Name: Hradiště, Beroun District
Possible Reference: RedintoÚinon (Rēdi(o?)-dūnon)
Tribal Confederation: Boii
Location: 49°59'30.85"N 14° 0'10.83"E
Site Type: Large Oppidum with an Acropolis
Structural Type: Hill Fort
Occupation: Approximately between 120 BC and 25 BC
Area: 90 ha
Status: Second tier or district capital

Nevězice Oppidum


Site Name: Hrad, Pí#sek District
Possible Reference: ?
Tribal Confederation: Boii
Location: 49°27'58.35"N 14°10'6.95"E
Site Type: Small Oppidum
Structural Type: Hill Fort
Occupation: Approximately between 100 BC and 50 BC
Area: 13 ha
Status: Refugum

Hrazany Oppidum


Site Name: Radí#č cadastre, Příbram District
Possible Reference: ?
Tribal Confederation: Boii
Location: 49°44'1.18"N 14°24'12.36"E
Site Type: Oppidum
Structural Type: Hill Fort
Occupation: First occupation between 550 BC and 450 BC; second occupation from 120 BC to 25 BC
Area: 40 ha
Status: Minor capital of a local noble

Třísov Oppidum


Site Name: Hradiště - V hradišti, Český Krumlov District
Possible Reference: Fourgisat…j
Tribal Confederation: Boii
Location: 48°53'13.06"N 14°21'12.34"E
Site Type: Small Oppidum
Structural Type: Hill Fort
Occupation: from 50 BC to AD 1
Area: 26 ha
Status: Minor capital of a local noble

Staré Hradisko Oppidum


Site Name: Staré Hradisko
Possible Reference: Streuint…a
Tribal Confederation: Boii
Location: 49°29'54.29"N 16°53'43.89"E
Site Type: Small Oppidum
Structural Type: Hill Fort
Occupation: from 150 BC to 50 BC
Area: 37.5 ha
Status: Minor capital of a local noble



The Warriors

Klappagnetoi

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Klappagnetoi ('Stone killers'). Renowned for their use of slings, the Celts bring excellent slingers with them. Although small in number, they are considered the best in all of Northern Europe. However, these men are not true warriors; and unfit for mêlée except against other slingers and light units. If kept at a distance these men can inflict significant damage on the enemy in little time; making armoured opponents think twice before entering shooting distance of these men.

Historically, the slinger was a common sight on ancient battlefields. The sling and stone can certainly be more deadly than javelins or arrows when used correctly; and for troops with small or no shields, slingers are among the deadliest opponents to face. The Celts seem to have favoured the sling and bullet over the bow and arrow. Caches of sling shots have been found in for example Britain, which evidences their common usage among Celts. Whether in the defence of the Dunon (or Oppidum), or taking the fight to the field, slingers are valuable in any form of warfare and not to be underestimated. Especially not at a distance!

Londo Epatoi

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(Lon-doh E-pat-oy. ‘Savage Riders’). The Celts of Eastern Europe are known for their savage nature in war and this, combined with their long standing and famous cavalry tradition, produces great cavalry of like minded temperament. Renowned for their large numbers and daring ambushes, the Londo Epatoi are quick, agile horsemen that spearhead any campaign or raid, no matter how great or small. Seated in the Gallic saddle, they can deliver a greater charge than most other horsemen of similar armament and can melee like cavalry of greater rank. These riders fulfill the need of bridging cavalry that excels in fast hit-and-run strikes with that of notable staying power during melee.

Historically, these riders spread far and wide. Images come to us from modern day southern Germany and Turkey showing bare-chested, spiky haired, and sword bearing cavalry that appear nearly identical to each other despite their discoveries being thousands of miles apart. While the Gauls in the West perfected their own style of horsemanship, parallel developments occurred in the East as well with cavalry becoming a symbol of the prestigious and successful warrior.

Acus Eporedoi

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Acus Eporedoi (Ak-us E-po-red-oy 'Swift Horsemen') are fast and well armed cavalrymen: a staple force in Iron Age warfare. In Celtic Europe, the emphasis on cavalry is well known and rightly feared. The Acus Eporedoi are among the great horsemen of tribe and state. Their weapons of choice are charging spears and javelins, and their constant training as well as good/excellent horsemanship allow them to perform well in battle with admirable staying power. Similar to other wealthier or noble units, their skill and access to superior equipment improves through various reforms as time progresses, which enables them to remain the medium cavalry of choice among Celts.

Historically, Celtic middle class consisted mostly of the freemen within the tribe or state. These men were free to choose their own way of life within local law or constitution. This included devoting their lives to farming, trading or other occupations. Warfare was just one such occupation, especially as it was never far away. Wealthier members among this middle class often afforded the ownership of Gallic ponies for use in fighting as semi-professional cavalrymen during the campaigning season. Those who did are represented by the Acus Eproedoi.

Although larger breeds of horses were known among the Western Gauls and Eastern Celts, doubtless bred from larger Scythian breeds from the east and the exclusive property of nobles, the overwhelming number of Gallic mounts were small by modern standards, similar in size to ponies. However, they are incredibly hardy, agile, resistant to disease and very strong relative to their size. These wonderful characteristics in their mounts, augmented with a four-pronged Gallic saddle allow the Celts a perfect combination for battle in hills, dense forests and the varied features of the terrain of their homeland.

Early:



Middle:



Late:

Kombaragoues

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(Kom-bar-ag-o-wes. ‘Those Who Share Bread’). Kombaragoues are bodyguards and chief vassals of the mighty Argoi. Elite in status, Kombarargoues furnish the Argoi with veteran warriors bound by the ethos of protecting their chieftain while furthering his aims of glory and prestige. In turn, they receive varied gifts and honor from their chief and remain in supreme standing among other warriors. Their infantry based panoply is second only to the Argoi and as time progresses, advances in Celtic technology and iron working enable chainmail to become more common as well as iron helmets, resulting in a more deadly and formidable group of bodyguards.

Historically, Celtic societies were major proponents of vassalage. The most successful warriors and generals would be praised and lauded within the tribe or state and as such, would attract or indebt others into their service. Each vassal or man-at-arms would have varying abilities in and out of combat. Not all clients were natural warriors, however, but those with combined qualities of superior swordplay and combat skills, coupled with utmost loyalty and devotion, would quickly earn themselves a place within the leading and most rewarded vassals of nobles and kings. Men such as these are represented by the Kombaragoues.

Early:



Middle:



Late:

Videos

We are proud to present a couple of videos showcasing the Boii in action. In the first video, you will be able to see the four new units in the M2TW engine, in their respective variants. In the second video, you will see them fighting against the Getai! Courtesy of JMRC!

Unit Video:

Cast (in order of appearance):

• Acus Eporedoi Late
• Acus Eporedoi Middle
• Acus Eporedoi Early
• Londo Epatoi
• Kombaragoues Early
• Kombaragoues Middle
• Kombaragoues Late
• Klappagnetoi

Download it!

Combat Video:



Download it too!



Signature Banners

In case you haven't done so already, show your support for Europa Barbarorum in style with these three new signature banners, featuring the mighty Boii! Courtesy of Gustave.

[-Praetor-]

The Boii in battle

We hope you have enjoyed this second preview of our new Boii faction in Europa Barbarorum II.

Please note that unless stated otherwise, ALL pictures, names, descriptions and particularly animations shown in our previews are works in progress. We continue to improve on all parts of EB, and we will continue to do so long after our initial release.

Since some areas where these news items are posted cannot handle wide images, we appreciate your restraint from quoting full-size images.

As always, if you have questions or comments, the best place to post them is here, where the EB team is most active:

Europa Barbarorum ORG forum

Europa Barbarorum TWC forum

A special thanks to Tux and JMRC for their excellent models and renders, Gustave for his wonderful unit skins and artwork, JMRC for the videos, Power2the1 for the unit descriptions, and to Power2the1, Oudysseos, Paullus, Cmaqq and Anthony for the historical info and text work.

Have a great day
The Europa Barbarorum team.

[jazstl]

Super, you are doing great boys... I put my hat off...

[Famine0]

Very nice! The Boii have fascinated me since I saw those Boii swordsmen in EB1, I'll definetely play them in EBII!

[anubis88]

;D AWESOME

[Arthur, king of the Britons]

Another amazing EB II preview! Thanks!

[Unintended BM]

The video with the battle is awesome.

[Phalanx300]

Nice new preview, the Boii are looking great. Will be fun crushing them with Germanic spears :P.

[Noble Wrath]

Make your hair spiky, take off your shirt, grab the mighty celtic sword and charge those getic dogs to death! Good times..
Is there any female EB member? If there is, I want to marry her.

[Fluvius Camillus]

Very nice preview! And so short after the last one, looks like it is getting bigger and bigger!

Two questions:

1. Is the man in front a unit commander? https://j.imagehost.org/view/0525/ki...03_11-09-55-79

2. The Kombaragoues will be the bodyguards of the Boii family members? And does that mean that, judging by the description, the Argoi are stronger?

Once again, very nice!

~Fluvius

[-Praetor-]

#1) Yes, he is the celtic captain. He is based on another unit you will see soon enough.
#2) No, the kombaragoues are professional retinue fighters, not noblemen themselves. The Boii family member bodyguards will be shown on the third preview. And yes, the argoi are stronger than the kombaragoues.

[JMRC]

1. Is the man in front a unit commander? https://j.imagehost.org/view/0525/ki...03_11-09-55-79

Actually, it's a standard-bearer, although you don't see the standard in this pic. In the video you can see the standard-bearers, carnyx-bearers and the King of the Boii himself!

2. The Kombaragoues will be the bodyguards of the Boii family members? And does that mean that, judging by the description, the Argoi are stronger?

The Argoi are the celtic nobles and their vassals include the Solduroi from Aquitania, the Kombaragoues from the Boii and others in the Gallic tribes. The Argoi are one of the most powerful infantry units of the Celts and they are better than the Kombaragoues.

EDIT: Praetor beat me to the answer! I think I write too much.

[Lvcretivs]

Astonishing and simply brilliant work!

@Fluvius: The Kombaragues form the semi-feudal personal retinue of the Argoi, the Boii nobles, the bodyguard of the leading aristocracy bound by vassalage - a Boii FM's retinue in turn is (IIRC) made up of his vassals, the Argoi, which are -as rich 'cream of society'- the best equipped warriors the Boii can field, a social and military elite - presumably stronger than their own vassals...(think of medieval feudalism and it's 'pyramid schemes')

EDIT: too late...;)

[-Praetor-]

Yeah but you got it right better than me, he is the standard bearer, not the captain per se.

[Horatius Flaccus]

Fantastic! Even the 'inside' of the shields are filled with detail.

[Taliferno]

Excellent work, I especially like the Acus Eporedoi.

[Gustave]

Thank you all for your positive answers, be sure we are working hard for your pleasure !

[Trax]

Beautiful work!

[stratigos vasilios]

Absolutely brilliant! *applause*

[Belisarius II]

Keep it up guys.

[Megas Methuselah]

WOW! We aren't only going to get a fantastic game relative to historical accuracy, gameplay mechanics, etc. but we are also going to get a whole bunch of eye candy. Amazing work.

I liked the pictures of the phalanx fight, in particular. This preview was something I really enjoyed seeing, and I can tell that those poor Boii troops are bleeding the blood of the EB Team, who sacrificed so much for this to happen. Keep up the good ******* work, aight?

[CaesarAugustus]

Preview is much appreciated, amazing work so far!

[Bloody Sacha]

Absolutely glorious, I've been rooting for the Boii faction for quite some time. I suspect playing as the Boiorix will be really intense with fierce enemies on all sides, I cant wait to hear what kind of regional units they can acquire, the results would be quite exotic. Incidentally was the 200 unit type cap ever resolved? If not I probably shouldn't expect to see any cultural hybrids around Bononia and Jutland. Furthermore could the resident Boii expert/celt linguist confirm or deny any correlation between the Boii and the Tolistobogii, I've occasionally heard it suggested that the two where related but have never seen it proven. It seems to me that the claim might be based exclusively on the word strength of Boii and Tolistobogii its been bugging me for quite some time.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Very good job!
I think this is going to be the best mod for M2TW!

[Fluvius Camillus]

@-Praetor-, JMRC, Lvcretivs

Thanks for the fast replies. I understand the vassal system and I thought that Argoi were too rare to form a bodyguard for all FMs, and the Kombaragoues would take up that role as they are still strong men.

Anticipating the next one!

~Fluvius

[athanaric]

Great as always.
So now the Boii are furnished with swordsmen of all kinds, missile troops, light and medium cavalry, and light spearmen, I guess what's missing is some equivalent of Teceitos.

Also, from what you wrote, I take it that the slingers will once again have the advantage of range and ammo over archers. But why didn't they have shields? were they considered too cumbersome?

[Taliferno]

But why didn't they have shields? were they considered too cumbersome?

Its possible that the slingers came from the unfree part of society, or younger warriors who have not yet become "a man". In early christian Ireland (and Iron Age Germany I think?) the spear and shield were the mark of the freeman.

[HFox]

Really interesting, informative and exciting.

Like many others, I'm selfishly impatient for the day this arrives, but grateful for the work being put into this.

Many thanks.

[Power2the1]

Furthermore could the resident Boii expert/celt linguist confirm or deny any correlation between the Boii and the Tolistobogii, I've occasionally heard it suggested that the two where related but have never seen it proven. It seems to me that the claim might be based exclusively on the word strength of Boii and Tolistobogii its been bugging me for quite some time.

Its a matter of linguistics really. Here is something I posted in EBH:

Bo- definitions go with 'cattle', 'cow' and that sort of thing. In Lepontic money there is a coin with -bouos. Gallic inscription also show a Conto-bouio-uindillus. Plenty of bo- and bou- instances. From Norican there is Botuca. Thers also a Bouius, Bouoririui, bouitos, bouido, etc... these terms favor a cattle approach to their names.

Boios definitions. This means 'active', 'perinneal', 'vivacious', and 'batting'. It mentions the fragment that Oudy presented with the singular Boios. Theres a Styrian Boius. There Boiorix ('King of the Boii'), Boiacum ('Domain of the Boii'). It ends about there.

But there is a catch. The entries of bogio- are the names for 'slayer', ' and 'breaker'. This entry lists a term (name?) Adbogious from Galatia, a gen. term of Namatobogius, Sentubogius, etc...

All in all Bo-list the most possibilites. It goes without saying that Celts were great warriors, but they were also great cattlemen with their "possessions of gold and cattle" being the things they carry with them as they travel. Where do we draw the line between 'cattlemen', 'active men', or 'slayers'? Either one seems fitting and all are attested.

The Tolistobogii are 'Strikers of Tolistos', and the Tolistoboii are 'Cattlemen of Tolistos', Tolistos being either a great king or a god. It should be taken that these are members of the same tribe. The regions of the Boii and Volcae are adjacent to each other, and the Textosages are known in both Galatia and Europe, as are the Boii. So its know that these Galatians originated from the Danube/southern German corridor. The Trcomi could have also been from this area too.

[BerkeleyBoi]

awesome... thanks for the preview!