The Battle of Ancrya

[econ21]

The situation at the end of Late Morning (end of turn 3):



Note: the Senate horse archer unit is not depicted on the map - it is off to the right - but it will return under Senate control on turn 4.


Umpire notes:


Appius commits his reserves. The two Thracians join the Second Battle Division (the hastati). The two Principes join the Battle Division on its right flank. The rest of the Reserve Division marches to the left flank, where it is amalgamated with the left half of the Light Division. The Light Division itself now consist only of the skirmishers on the right. Appius himself rides to join his Heavy Cavalry Division.

Centre

The Senate front line extends to form a straight line and then it moves to a charge. Manius gives very detailed orders to the Battle Division Commander. The commander is confused, but frustrated by the losses to the Thracian javelins and seeing the inactivity among the Senate forces, he psyches his men up with jeers and war cries, then orders a general charge. He hopes this is what Manius meant. There begins a long and brutal melee. The Senate side has the advantage due to the preparatory damage done by the Thracian javelins and the Light Division mid-morning. However, the morale and staying power of the Consular Battle division is considerable. Although some Gallic warbands start to break off and flee, the line as a whole holds up. The Senate triarii belatedly arrive on the left flank, one cohort being dragged into melee.

Right flank

The Consular Reserve Division advances at double time, unbeknownst to it racing with the Principes from the Senate reserves, also coming on at the same speed. The principes reach the far right of the Senate Right Flank division before the Consular Reserves can make contact with that point. Gradually, the Reserve Division works around the flank of the principes, into the rear of the Senate battle line. The principes are vastly outnumbered, but they fight on determinedly, slaughtering Gallic fighters. The Consular forces cannot bring their full weight of numbers to bear on such a small force and so the struggle becomes one of bitter attrition – the outcome is not in doubt, but by noon, the principes are still tying up the Consular Reserve division.

The 1st Gallic cavalry division charges the Senate Galatian slingers, who flee. Numerius rides to intercept with his bodyguard (this was a contingency covered in his orders). He charges it in the flank while it is pursuing the slingers. Half the slingers are caught and killed by the Consular forces, but the Gallic cavalry are then routed by Numerius for no loss.

On the far right, the horse archers continue to evade the pursuing Gallic cavalry and then charge them when their arrows are depleted. The Gauls are routed, without a single Senate loss. However, the pursuit has taken the horse archers out of position and it will not be until late afternoon that they return to the field, without arrows.

Left flank

On the left, Manius’s cavalry division advances on the Senate Light Cavalry Division. However, the distance is long and this gives the Appius time to join the Senate Heavy Cavalry division which countercharges Manius. The Consular Heavy Cavalry Division charges into the fray. The cavalry melee is brutal – the equites are effectively wiped out by the countercharge of the Senate heavy cavalry division, although a few survivors remain to guard the eagle. Manius’s son dies in the fight. But the numbers of the Consular cavalry eventually tell. Lucullus is killed and the Senate cavalry is eliminated as a battle force. Appius must ride for his life, with only a couple of bodyguards, back to the shelter of the triarii. Manius is left victorious, but all that remains of his cavalry are his own bodyguard (still at full strength, thanks to the addition of the survivors of his son’s Praetoria) and his non-Roman cavalry, which is at half strength.

The Consular Light Division and the Senate Right Light Division engage in a ranged duel, with no advantage to either side. However, the lone Consular Italian skirmisher tasked to follow the cavalry comes under withering fire in this duel and retires.


Consular feedback for Turn 3

You advance on the Senate Light Cavalry division. As you ride, you can see a great melee break out between the two rival Battle Divisions. You notice that the Senate Reserve Division is being brought up, but it seems to split up and divide into three directions – forward, left and right. But then you must turn your attention to your charge. You advance perilously close to the Senate Light Division. Thankfully, their attention is focussed on your Light Division. They drive off the Italian skirmishers you had tasked to accompany you, but your cavalry escapes the many slingers and javelinmen unscathed.

You lead your Command Division in a charge against the Senate Light Cavalry division, your own Reserve Cavalry Division coming up in support. The Senate heavy cavalry counter-charge. There is a vicious melee. You easily break the Senate light cavalry but their heavy cavalry is another matter. You see Appius himself hacking away at your men, while you are aghast at the prowess of the Senate mercenary Sarmatian cavalry. Your son’s Praetoria are overwhelmed and break, fighting to the death. The equites are mauled by the Sarmatians, until only a few brave souls remain guarding the eagle. But with your Reserve Cavalry Division charging up in support, you have numbers on your side and gradually the Senate horsemen fall. Soon only Appius remains with a few of his bodyguard. You catch the young man’s eyes: he salutes you, then tears off from the fight pursued by your vengeful Praetoria. He has a fine mount and manages to make it to the safety of unit of triarii before you can catch him.

Your men are tired, but victorious. But you – you are devastated; your adopted son lies dead and broken on the ground. You have lost your equites and your son’s Praetoria. You still have your own bodyguard at full strength (its losses being made up by the survivors of your son’s escort) but your Reserve Cavalry division (the Galatians and Italians) are at half-strength.

It is midday. You look around – there is dust and noise everywhere. The two Battle Divisions appear still to be locked in a melee. The Reserve Division appears to have turned the enemy’s flank but it also still tied down in bitter fighting. You have no contact with your Gallic light cavalry.

You must now give your orders. The only units you can freely move (ie are not locked in melee) are:
(1) Your Cavalry Division, which now includes your own escort
(2) Your Light Division

Senate Feedback for Turn 3

You commit your reserves. The two Thracians join the Second Battle Division (the hastati). The two Principes join the Battle Division on its right flank. The rest of the Reserve Division marches to the left flank. You yourself ride to join your Heavy Cavalry Division.

You order the Battle Division to straighten its line and charge the enemy Battle Division. You commit your Second Battle Division in support. You notice the Consular Reserve Division moving at the double on your right flank and the Consular cavalry advancing on your Light Cavalry Division.

You ready your Heavy Cavalry for a counter-charge. There is a vicious melee. Your Thracian light cavalry break easily. But your own charge does terrible damage to the Consular Command Division. You see Manius himself hacking away at your men. Lucullus’s Praetoria are overwhelmed and your tribune falls, fighting bravely. Eventually the superior numbers of enemy cavalry – the Galatians and the Italians – overwhelm your brave Sarmatians and Praetoria. You see Manius watching you intently – you salute him and then reign your horse hell for leather towards your lines. You have a fine mount and manage to make it to the safety of unit of triarii before your pursuers can catch you. Only two of your bodyguard make it back with you. Your two cavalry divisions are no more.

There you meet a flushed Numerius. He has destroyed a unit of Gallic cavalry that broke into the rear of your right flank, butchering many of your slingers. But the situation is critical. All along the front, fighting is bitter. Your Second Battle Division has been pressing ineffectually against the front line. There is no space for them to come into contact with the enemy and they cannot throw pila into such a confused melee.

On the right, the situation is desperate. The Consular Reserve Division has engulfed your principes, almost surrounding them completely. Your skirmishers on the right are providing some support and the principes still fight on but it is clear they will eventually be slaughtered to a man. There is no sign of your horse archers or any more enemy cavalry on the right.

On the left, your skirmishers have been engaging the enemy skirmishers in a largely inconclusive ranged duel. But now the enemy are joined by a victorious Manius, who leads a full escort and two half strength units of auxiliary heavy cavalry (Galatians and Italians).

You must now give orders. The only units you can contact that can freely move (ie are not locked in melee) are:
(1) the Second Battle Division
(2) the Reserve Division – made up of the skirmishers on the right and your two triarii, one of which is locked in melee.
(3) Numerius’s escort (you must also identify where you personally will stand, but your own Praetoria are no longer a combat unit)

[econ21]

Appius's Orders for Turn 4

Appius is terse and unnerved, but manages to get something out:

1. BATTLE LINE: Grind it out, I have no orders besides win every contest.

2. LIGHT INFANTRY: Run around the enemy right flank at distance and
commence firing on their massed ranks. Charge ang engage them from
behind when you are out of missiles or if you don't have a clear shot.

3. SECOND BATTLE DIVISION: Move to the right flank with all speed.
Hastati, discharge pilae into the swords and then cut them down.

4. RESERVES: Reorder yourselves quickly so that triarii are facing
Manius and his horse division, and light infantry are where the triarii
were. Light infantry should engage enemy infantry if necessary. Triarii,
screen Numerius. If you can, engage Manius and his cavalry, especially
if they charge the back of our line: attack before they can break off.

5. HORSE ARCHER DETACHMENT: lost but not forgotten! :-)

Tamur's plan for end turn 4:



Manius's Orders for Turn 4

*Note: Manius has been in combat, orders will be brief.

Manius's remaining cavalry: (Manius remains with them)

Charge and engage Cyrtian Javelins and Numerous! Italians: you take the Cyrtian's, myself and the Gallatian nobles will strike for Numerus himself.

If fight is won, we'll disengage and wheel out to the right (aiming for the right, rear Gallatian Slingers). Then, try to get past the rest of the rearguard skrimish units (hopefully will skirmish out of the way) and charge the rear of the engaged rightflank Princeps.

Always make use of pulling back and re-charging on a unit-by-unit basis.

Light Infantry/Skrimish group:

Italian Skirmishers - wheel to your right, engage enemy Italian skrimishers with ONE loose of Javelins then charge into Hand-to-Hand with them (potential overlap with Triarii - use your own judgement on that, its not their given target though). Guard Mode OFF.

Slingers - Concentrate fire on Triarii, if you run out of ammunition or cannot get a safe shot send the Gallatian slingers to charge into hand to hand with the Triarii, order both to engage ONE Triarii unit though.

Main Battle Division:

Keep fighting! Velites, move left more and see if you can javelin some of the Triarii. If you have exhausted your missiles charge to contact with the front most Triarii unit, slingers may join you in hand to hand in support.

General infantry: Try to push through the centre, there are Hastati behind the centre, engage if you can, and continue to roll up the left flank.

General Line Order - Guard Mode now OFF.

Reserve Infantry Division:

Keep fighting lads! Continue to roll up the right flank, once those Princeps are done send three units to engage the skirmishers. Cavalry support is on its way (hopefully).

Braden's Plan for Turn 4:

[econ21]

Umpire notes on turn 4

The battle broke down into four conflicts:



On the right flank of the Senate frontline

The Consular reserve division engulfed the Senate principes. However, they took significant casualties from the Senate skirmishers firing into their rear and were routed when the Senate Second Battle Division - comprising hastati and Thracians - came to reinforce the principes. The Consular forces routed off the field, but the Senate losses were extraordinarily high - at 60%.

On the centre of frontline

A simple one-on-one fight occurred between the Consular and Senate Battle Divisions. The Senate started with an edge because of the javelins of their Thracians and the preparatory fire of their Light division in late morning. The melee was long and bitter. Eventually, the Consular line began to crack - starting on their left with the Gauls, Galatians, Eastern mercenaries and Italian spearmen. The Roman forces at the centre fought hard but were eventually overpowered. As on the right, the Consular forces were routed off the field, but the Senate losses were extraordinarily high - at 60%.

On the left of the Senate frontline

Manius' maneouvre to turn the left flank of the Senate line was successful - thanks in no small part to the javelins of the supporting velites. Even the late arrival of a cohort of triarii from the Senate reserves could not turn the tide. The right flank of the Consular Battle division was victorious but suffered 40% casualties and, with the velites out of javelins, was left to square off with the survivors of the Senate battle division who had broken through the centre.

On the far left of the Senate line

Manius, his reserve cavalry and light divisions faced off against Numerius and a mixed force - nominally the Reserve division, but in fact a cohort of triarii and a large force of skirmishers. Manius used his cavalry aggressively, but were unable to effect a decisive blow as Numerius and the triarii worked together. The skirmishers on both sides suffered terrible losses - due to ranged fire, enemy cavalry and the javelin-armed troops engaging in melee. They were left ruined, ammunition depleted and an insignificant force on the battlefield.

Finally, the Senate horse archers returned to the field, after having eliminated the pursuing troop of Consular Gallic light cavalry. They had suffered no losses, but were out of ammunition - as indeed was every formation on the battlefield.

The situation at the mid-afternoon (after turn 4)



Consular feedback

Manius dismounts from his horse and falls to the ground in frustration. The situation is hopeless. He has lost. He cannot believe it. He succeeded in turning both flanks of his enemy and he has still lost!

Word has come from his Battle Division - while it succeeded in turning the enemy's left flank, the main body of the division has been utterly routed in centre of the battle. Worse still, the Reserve Division has been routed off the field. It was held up by the Senate principes long enough for the Senate Second Battle Division to come up and defeat it.

Manius's own exertions that on the right flank have come to nothing. Numerius kept close to the Senate triarii and so although Manius tried to bring him down, he was not able to succeed. There was a bloodly stalemate as men fell on equal numbers to missiles, cavalry charges and hand-to-hand infantry fighting with javelins, spears and even daggers.

Manius reviews his forces: the only significant battle formation that remains under his command is the right flank of his Battle Division, which successfully turned the enemy's left. But it is only a little over 300 men of undistinguished quality - Galatians, Gauls, Italians and velites with no ammunition. His light division is also out of ammunition and has virtually ceased to exist. Only 14 men of his cavalry remain, including his own Praetoria. He has heard no word of the Gallic light cavalry and can only assume they have been destroyed. In the distance, he can see a troop of light cavalry approach the field bearing the Senate flag.

Ranged against Manius's survivors are the great bulk of the Senate Battle and Second Battle Divisions. He can see they are terribly depleted - at less than half strength. But they still outnumber his own heavy infantry by more than two to one. Moreover, from his experiences this afternoon, he can see the Romans and Thracians that make up the bulk of the Senate army outmatch his own polygot survivors, man for man.

Manius has a choice - he can order his men to fight to the death, with no hope of victory. Or he can come to terms. Already one of Numerius's Praetoria is approaching his lines bearing a white flag of parley.


Senate feedback

Appius cannot believe it - he has won! A pale looking Numerius comes over to him and embraces his former tribune.

It was a close run thing. On the left, Manius's cavalry and skirmishers pressed hard against his weak flank. But Numerius and a lone cohort of triarii acted in close support, preventing disaster. Instead, a terrible stalemate resulted, leaving the skirmishers on both sides severely depleted and completely out of ammunition.

Worse yet, the Consular battle division turned Appius's left flank. Even the late arrival of a cohort of triarii was not enough to stem the breach.

So how did he win? Appius does not rightly know and suspects he owes it more to the fighting qualities of his men than any subtle tactics.

On the centre of the line, a bitter melee had raged but ultimately, it was the Thracians and other Senate forces that prevailed, utterly routing the bulk of Manius's Battle Division.

Even more decisively, the principes on the right held long enough for the Second Battle Division to come to their aid, routing Manius's Reserve Division off the field.

Now, Appius gathers his forces. Both his Battle Division and his Second Battle Division are at less than half strength. He has virtually no cavalry, although the Sarmatian horse archers have strolled back into camp - they have dispensed with their pursuers at no cost, except for all their arrows. Indeed, all the Senate troops have no ammunition - all pila, javelins and slingshot have been expended in the course of the day's fight.

But Appius can see Manius is in even a weaker position - his heavy infantry are outnumbered more than two to one by the Senate, and - as is clear from today - are evidently inferior in quality to the Romans and Thacians that make up most of Manius's survivors. Manius too has no significant force of cavalry, and his skirmishers are few and are not providing fire.

It is clear that if the battle continues, it can have only one outcome. But while Appius prepares to give his final orders, Numerius sends over Marcus, the Captain of his Praetoria, to seek Manius's surrender.

[econ21]

Open Private Mail to Braden and Tamur:

Hi Braden and Tamur,

As you will see from the battle of Ancrya thread, I think the outcome has effectively been decided by the end of turn 4. The Senate now has such an edge in numbers and quality, the situation for the Consular forces is hopeless.

I don't see any point writing detailed orders anymore. Numerius is asking Manius to come to terms and I think we should resolve that negotiation in character. If Manius refuses to surrender, I will just fight out the last battle as one big melee but it is clear to me how it will play out.

I know Braden will be disappointed and you may both be surprised at this result, but just to clarify how it was resolved.

1) I split up the battle into four discrete conflicts and fought each one twice, from each side. When I played a side, I tried to simulate the battle deployment and orders of it. The AI was less amenable, of course.

2) The sides were modded to reflect numbers and ammo levels (experience & upgrades were also reflected). Where forces were split, I reflected this by my deployment as human (and by using the device of fielding multiple AI armies).

3) I recorded outcomes and casualties for each pair of conflcts and averaged the result to get the final outcome.

The decisive conflicts were the central one and the Senate right flank. In both cases, if I controlled the Senate, it was a fairly easy victory (about 600 kills to 200 AI ones in each case). If I controlled the Consular forces, I won but with almost equal losses on each side (I got only 100 kills than the AI). Averaging these results, it was clear that the Senate had the edge, although would suffer terribly. I think the key factor was the large proportion of Gauls in the Consular armies - compared to the greater number of Romans and the fine Thracians in the Senate forces.

I've spent about 8 hours on these custom battles and on writing them up, so needless to say, I am not inclined to revisit them. I do think we have found a viable mechanism for resolving battles without using MP, although it is a particularly time consuming one!

cheers

Simon

[econ21]

Letter from Numerius to Manius, mid-afternoon on the battlefield at Ancrya:

Manius,

You and your men have fought bravely and with great skill. The many fallen on my side testify to that, as do my own fresh scars. But now it is time to end this. Your situation is hopeless. You are outnumbered more than two to one and I suspect my Thracians and Romans have a greater taste for more battle than do the auxiliaries who make up what is left of your army. Let us end this now.

I promised myself I would protect your son during this battle today, but I regret I have failed. It saddens me that you should have to suffer another such terrible loss, after all that you have suffered. But I wish now to offer you my personal protection.

Manius, we both a have destiny to fulfil. Mine lies in Rome and with matters of state; yours is a more personal quest. You have to find the man who has murdered family. We can both succeed in our appointed duties if we put aside our differences, and work together. I offer you this: step over to my side, join my army and I will take you to Rome, from whence you can follow wherever the trail to the murderer(s) leads. I swear by the life of my children, if the killer is within the ranks of the Senate loyalists, we true Romans will hunt him down with you and surrender him to you, for justice to be served. If you chose to fight on, I fear your men will be wiped out to a man and your family will never be avenged.

I do not ask that you betray your friend Servius. You do not have to fight for the Senate, although naturally we would welcome so talented a commander. I ask merely this - surrender what is left of your men and ride with me to Rome, as the friends we once were and can still be again.

I pray that the gods will guide you at this moment of decision,

Yours,

Numerius

[econ21]

A few snapshots of the battle

The cavalry

For much of the battle, the generals seemed to act as extremely well paid cavalrymen. At times these activities even resembled duels. But while these antics were colourful and glorious, they were ultimately irrelevant to the outcome of the battle.




Manius gains the first advantage of the day when his cavalry smash the Thracian horse loyal to the Senate.




Appius gamely counter-charges the Consular cavalry. In the bitter melee, it is hard to tell friend from foe. But soon Appius finds himself surrounded by more of the latter than the former.




The superior numbers of the Consular heavy cavalry tell in the end. Appius acknowledges defeat and puts his head down to ride like the wind away from the pursuit of Manius's victorious Praetoria.




For a moment, Gallic light cavalry loyal to the Consul break into the rear of the Senate lines, running down their slingers. However, Numerius, acting on Appius's instructions, catches and destroys them.




Manius seeks to use his cavalry divison to destroy Numerius, but the Senate triarii frustrate his plan



The infantry

The battle of Ancrya was decided not by generals or cavalry, but by the hard pounding of the heavy infantry on both sides.




Although ostensibly, this is a Roman Civil War, the battle of Ancrya is fought mainly by Rome's subject people - such as the Galatians fighting for the Consul against the Cyrtians allied with the Senate.




Perhaps the single biggest factor in the Consular army's defeat is that a quarter of their men are drawn from Gallic warbands. They usually broke first and, in breaking, opened up gaps in the line that the Senate forces could exploit. Numerius swears he heard the ghost of Augustus Verginius cackling over the spectacle.




In the centre of the battle, the Thracians must face the best of the Consular army. Their javelins and armour piercing Rhompaia help them prove themselves up to the job.




Future historians will not miss the irony that the Civil War is precipitated by the Consul's attacks on Thracian settlements and that its first battle is decided by Thracian mercenaries working for the Senate.