Preview: The People of North Africa
Greetings Europa Barbarorum fans.
Today we are proud to present the independent people of North Africa. Sometimes they will appear as allies, but more often than not the tribes of North Africa will be a most fearsome enemy. Featuring the light cavalry and skirmishers that characterise the armies of native North Africans, their mode of war will be to wear down the enemy with volley after volley of light javelins and throwing spears, before engaging to attack with their spears and swords.
When the sun beats upon your brow, and you see the dust storms approaching, you will know the fear of so many before you - the fear that only the horsemen of North Africa can bring.
The People
In Europa Barbarorum II we will introduce a new type of building, one that will represent the dominant native culture in that province. In some cases you may find two or more of these buildings in a province, however the majority of provinces will feature only one. This building acts as a simple but effective way of controlling and limiting recruitment, placement of government buildings and other core features of the Europa Barbarorum II mechanics.
Recruitment will largely be the same across all populace buildings that represent the same culture or people. So the Numidian populace building will offer the player the oppurtunity to recruit Numidian units, the number and frequency of which will be modified by faction, government, and other buildings. The complexity of the recruitment system will necessitate that a lot of these modifiers will be invisible to the player, however it will be to the populace buildings that you would turn to get a basic idea of what will be available.
The populace buildings will also effect the governing options open to the player in each province. A faction such as Massylia will have be able govern Numidian provinces with a more secure, centralised, and native form of government than if they sought to control provinces in Iberia, Sicily or beyond. Of course, there will be other buildings that will effect government control options, and some factions may be less restricted than others, but it will be to the populace buildings that the player will turn for a quick overview of what will be available to him, once the province is conquered.
Working in partnership with the Province building, featured in a previous preview, the Populace building will offer a the game a level of detail that is better able to work with the complex mechanics in Europa Barbarorum II. But by working together with the Province building, which will modifiy the effects of the Populace building depending on the region it is in, a more complex form of the province's identity will be formed. Working with both level of details (the micro and the macro) together, the Province building and the Populace building will supply a gameplay that is both streamlined yet satisfying, complex and yet easy to grasp.
__Maures_____________________________
These people have long inhabited the western coasts of North Africa. Though they are Berbers they are the darkest coloured of the Berbers. The Maures are often associated with other tribes that dwell just below the Atlas mountains. These are the Nigrete and the Pharusii. The Maures existed as an indepent kingdom for a long time before their last king gave his country to Rome upon his death. The Maures later came under the dominion of the Massylian kings at which time raids were launched upon the Africans down the coast and the Canary Islands were explored. The Africans down the coast were negroid and were often traded with by the Carthaginians. The Canary Islands were believed to be uninhabited at the time but later evidence proves it was inhabited by stone age Berbers who had migrated there around 1000 BC.
__Numidians__________________________
The Numidae, meaning 'nomads', were a group of Berber people living in western North Africa in modern day Tunisia and Algeria. They lived a semi-nomadic lifestyle as hunters and herders and were often at odds with the more 'civilized' groups who settled on the coasts. The Numidians were generally divided into their two major factions, the Massylii who controlled the eastern half of Numidia, and the Massaesylii who controlled the western half and the coastline. Born to the saddle and the nomadic lifestyle the Numidians are expert riders and there are few better with a javelin.
__Gaetlians___________________________
The Gaetulii were a group of Berber natives who dwelt south of the Atlas mountains in various oases. They are unusual in being one of the few Berber peoples to be referred to by a designation other than simply 'Libyan' by the Greeks. The Gaetulii consisted of many tribes and are the closest ancestors to modern Berbers. Experts of Saharan lifestyle these men are renowned among the authors of antiquity for their bravery and loyalty and many of them were recruited into the Roman legions.
__Libyans____________________________
The word 'Libya' means Africa, and so the majority of Africans came to be known as 'Libyans' to the Greeks. The major distinction that the Greeks made was when it came to colour. They generally referred to all negroid African populations as 'Ethiopians' and all others as 'Libyans'. The Libyans, whom we today call Berbers, dwelt primarily along the North African Coast from the western edges of Egypt to the Atlantic coast. Normally major distinctions were made between these populations by the Greeks and other ancients such as the Numidians, Gaetulians, and Maures. Even the native Egyptians were seen as a seperate population. Thus the term 'Libyan' went from being a general description of all Africans to a specific description of smaller Berber tribes. Some of the most well known of these tribes are the Garamantines who dwelt in the fazan and hunted the troglodytes from four horse chariots, the Maxyans from whom Carthage rented their lands according to the legends, the Maceans who dwelt along the coast near Lepki and wore their hair in a 'mohawk' style, and the Nasamones who dwelt in and around Augila. Herodotus recorded many fascinating stories about these peoples of which some have been proven true, but the majority remain exaggerated myth.
The Soldiers
We are proud to present just some of the many North African units that will eventually appear in Europa Barbarorum II. All the great peoples of North Africa will be represented on the battlefield, from the West African tribes on the western borders of our map, to the diverse Libyan tribes on the coast of North Africa.
For now we are proud to show you the soldiers who will represent the Garamantine and Maure tribes of North Africa on the Europa Barbarorum II battlefields.
Dorkim Garamantim
(Garamantine Infantry)_____________________________________The Garamantine warriors are masters of hit and run tactics. Striking in raids from their oasis strongholds they attack towns, outposts, watchtowers, and nomadic tribes. They fight first with throwing spears and javelins but can close or hold when necessary with their spears and leather shields. They wear ostrich feathers tied to their heads and paint their bodies to make them appear more fearsome and impressive and wear a cow skin cloak for protection both on the battlefield and against the natural environment.
History: The Garamantines were a group of Berber tribes living in North central Africa on the fringe of the Sahara desert that herded cattle and irrigated farmland. They conducted raids against towns to the North and against the nomadic Saharan people known to the Greeks as the Troglodytai. The Garamantines reached dominance in the second and third century AD and are often referred to as one of the first great Berber nations. They fought on foot, from horseback and from chariots. Much of the evidence for their equipment comes from their own rock art and Egyptian paintings of Libyan soldiers. According to their own later rock art, the Garamantes changed little in appearance from those Libyan tribes which raided dynastic Egypt long before the Greeks and Romans were major world powers.
Herodotos refers to the Garamantes as a fierce and aggressive tribe that would hunt down the Troglodytai but also says that they are a people who know little of war. Herodotos made the Garamantines famous for his fanciful tale of the cattle they raised which supposedly had horns so long they had to graze backwards. The last Roman triumph celebrated by a general not related to the Imperator, or the Imperator himself, was against the Garamantes in the first century BC by Lucius Cornelius Balbus.
Parasim Garamantim
(Garamantine Cavalry)_____________________________________The Garamantine warriors are masters of hit and run tactics. Striking in raids from their oasis strongholds they attack towns, outposts, watchtowers, and nomadic tribes. Their cavalry fight first with throwing spears and javelins but can close or chase when necessary with their spears and leather shields. They wear ostrich feathers tied to their heads and paint their bodies to make them appear more fearsome and impressive and wear a cow skin cloak for protection both on the battlefield and against the natural environment.
These men, despite their daring disposition, are light cavalry and should not be expected to break the enemy in a frontal charge. Rather, these men are best used to encircle the enemy and to chase down those who attempt to flee the battlefield.
History: The Garamantines were a group of Berber tribes living in North central Africa on the fringe of the Sahara desert that herded cattle and irrigated farmland. They conducted raids against towns to the North and against the nomadic Saharan people known to the Greeks as the Troglodytai. The Garamantines reached dominance in the second and third century AD and are often referred to as one of the first great Berber nations. They fought on foot, from horseback and from chariots. Much of the evidence for their equipment comes from their own rock art and Egyptian paintings of Libyan soldiers. According to their own later rock art, the Garamantes changed little in appearance from those Libyan tribes which raided dynastic Egypt long before the Greeks and Romans were major world powers.
Herodotos refers to the Garamantes as a fierce and aggressive tribe that would hunt down the Troglodytai but also says that they are a people who know little of war. Herodotos made the Garamantines famous for his fanciful tale of the cattle they raised which supposedly had horns so long they had to graze backwards. The last Roman triumph celebrated by a general not related to the Imperator, or the Imperator himself, was against the Garamantes in the first century BC by Lucius Cornelius Balbus.
Merkabim Garamantim
(Garamantine Chariots)_____________________________________The Garamantine nobles and chieftains ride in large chariots across the desert from which they throw spears and javelins at their enemies. These men are the most wealthy and highest ranking among the tribes of the Garamantes and thus wear more elaborate clothing, such as pants. They also carry Berber swords, though these are difficult to wield from the back of a moving chariot. Beware of the zealous nature of these men as they will try to engage the enemy, even in close quarters, for they are used to hunting down the cowardly Troglodytai Ethiopians of the Sahara, and not accustomed to facing disciplined soldiers. Use them with care and they will ride down your foes for you!
History: The chariots used by the Garamantes are described in Herodotus as being four horsed. While this style did exist in North Africa, the Carthaginians using four horse chariots for example, it was somewhat impractical. The rock art of the Garamantines depicts their chariots as being driven by two horses, which seems a more realistic number. As Herodotus is known for his embellishment, the archaeological evidence was favoured.
The Garamantines were a group of Berber tribes living in North central Africa on the fringe of the Sahara desert that herded cattle and irrigated farmland. They conducted raids against towns to the North and against the nomadic Saharan people known to the Greeks as the Troglodytai. The Garamantines reached dominance in the second and third century AD and are often referred to as one of the first great Berber nations. They fought on foot, from horseback and from chariots. Much of the evidence for their equipment comes from their own rock art and Egyptian paintings of Libyan soldiers. According to their own later rock art, the Garamantes changed little in appearance from those Libyan tribes which raided dynastic Egypt long before the Greeks and Romans were major world powers.
Herodotos refers to the Garamantes as a fierce and aggressive tribe that would hunt down the Troglodytai but also says that they are a people who know little of war. Herodotos made the Garamantines famous for his fanciful tale of the cattle they raised which supposedly had horns so long they had to graze backwards. The last Roman triumph celebrated by a general not related to the Imperator, or the Imperator himself, was against the Garamantes in the first century BC by Lucius Cornelius Balbus.
Dorkim Maurim
(Maure Infantry)_____________________________________
Maure infantry are fast moving skirmishing troops typically used by the Carthaginians and Berber chieftains. They are recruited from the most Western provinces of North Africa. A land known by their warriors and their unique fighting style. They are armed with javelins and a sword of North African origin, similar to the Tabouka used these days by the Tuareg people. The Maures are protected by a shield made of elephant hide and by a cloak made of animal fur that they use like it was a breastplate. Under this they wear a simple loose tunic with broad borders.
They should avoid being sucked into hand-to-hand combat, as they do better in the job of harassing the enemy with their javelins. Their tactics are to pelt the enemy with deadly volleys of javelins, and then swiftly retreat when charged.
History: Historically, Maures were very similar to their Numidian neighbors. Greek and Roman historians say they were darker than other North African tribes, to the point to be called 'Western Ethiopians'. They were also great warriors and were one of the troops mentioned by Hannibal in his inscription left in Italy.
The Mauretanians had a unique west African kingdom that existed as early as the fourth century BC. They are first mentioned as a unique nation and people when they render assistance to the Numidian Prince Massinissa to help him reach his country in order to quell a civil war. The Mauretanians may have participated in the Third Punic War, but this seems to be an error of sorts based on later writings denying any real contact with Rome prior to the Jugurthine War.
During the Jugurthine war the Mauretanians sided with Jugurtha against Rome at a critical juncture, prolonging the war. Ironically it would be the actions of their king, Bocchus I, that would end the war when he betrayed Jugurtha over to Sulla and Marius. The Mauretanian kingdom came to an end when its last king, Bogud, willed his Kingdom to Rome upon his death. The Maures as a people were to continue until the Muslim conquest of North Africa, wherein they were noted for their courage and their resilience as one of the last native populations to be conquered.
Parasim Maurim
(Maure Cavalry)_____________________________________
Maure Cavalry are fast moving skirmishing troops typically used by the Carthaginians and Berber chieftains. They are recruited from the most Western provinces of North Africa. A land known by their warriors and their unique fighting style. They are armed with javelins and a sword of North African origin, similar to the Tabouka used these days by the Tuareg people. The Maures are protected by a small leather shield and by a cloak made of animal fur that they use like it was a breastplate. Under this they wear a simple loose tunic with broad borders. As these men are of a higher status than their infantry counterparts they wear jewelry and their cloaks are made from the skins of more exotic and dangerous animals.
They should avoid being sucked into hand-to-hand combat, as they do better in the job of harassing the enemy with their javelins. Their tactics are to pelt the enemy with deadly volleys of javelins, and then swiftly retreat when charged. Should the opportunity arise they are swift and will easily run down any fleeing enemies.
History: Historically, Maures were very similar to their Numidian neighbors. Greek and Roman historians say they were darker than other North African tribes, to the point to be called 'Western Ethiopians'. They were also great warriors and were one of the troops mentioned by Hannibal in his inscription left in Italy. Maure cavalry participated in the Jugurthine War in vast numbers, outnumbering the legions which engaged them at one point.
The Mauretanians had a unique west African kingdom that existed as early as the fourth century BC. They are first mentioned as a unique nation and people when they render assistance to the Numidian Prince Massinissa to help him reach his country in order to quell a civil war. The Mauretanians may have participated in the Third Punic War, but this seems to be an error of sorts based on later writings denying any real contact with Rome prior to the Jugurthine War.
During the Jugurthine war the Mauretanians sided with Jugurtha against Rome at a critical juncture, prolonging the war. Ironically it would be the actions of their king, Bocchus I, that would end the war when he betrayed Jugurtha over to Sulla and Marius. The Mauretanian kingdom came to an end when its last king, Bogud, willed his Kingdom to Rome upon his death. The Maures as a people were to continue until the Muslim conquest of North Africa, wherein they were noted for their courage and their resilience as one of the last native populations to be conquered.
Elephantes Hulaioi Liboukoi
(Forest Elephants)_____________________________________Imported from the regions far south of Aigyptos or from the mountain forests of northwestern Africa, forest elephants are an exceptionally valuable resource in combat, used mainly by the Ptolemaioi and Qarthadastim. Towering over most other creatures, they can easily scare men and horses alike, with both their size and smell, though elaborate bells and trappings often add to their intimidation. Such corps are directed by their own mahouts riding behind their heads, often a native of their own country who has spent at least two years training his beast from capture. The mahout is armored to better protect against the obvious assault that generally comes against him, launched to bypass the thick natural armor of his mount.
Elephants are best used as cavalry screens for your army, where their presence can scare away enemy cavalry. They can also be used to ram through an enemy battle line, though they are less useful when faced with loose order or phalanx infantry. Pyrrhos of Epeiros even innovated a tactic of flank screens when he fought the Romans at Heraklea. Beyond their obvious use against enemy infantry or cavalry, they can also be used in siege combat; battering down gates, though they're highly vulnerable to better prepared installations. Their greatest vulnerability is against skirmishers, slingers and archers, who can pepper them with missiles - eventually toppling them by virtue of their cumulative impact. To counter the effect of enemy skirmishers, it is often wise to array your own in opposition, or to maintain constant attacks upon each individual group.
Historically, the use of elephants in war was largely contained to India, but after the battle of Hydaspes that changed. Though Alexandros never cared over much for the animals, his successors were very much in favor of their use, organizing their own elephants into a distinct corps under their own "elephantarchos". The forest elephant was used in battle after the Ptolemaioi dynasty established itself in Egypt. Being cut off from India by their Seleukid rivals, the Ptolemaioi needed another source of elephants and sent expeditions to the Horn of Africa to gather Forest Elephants and later they established 'elephant stations' to make sure the Ptolemaic armies were well supplied.
Qarthadastim also used forest elephants in war and they seem to have begun using them around 300 BC. The forest elephants were captured in the Tunisian mountain forests, but the Carthaginians also imported elephants from the Seleukides and Ptolemaioi, which might indicate the native herds were not enough to supply the Carthaginian elephant corps.
The Forest Elephant was smaller in size and strength compared to the Indian elephant. The battle of Raphia is often used as an example of the Indian elephant's superiority, as Antiochos III elephants routed Ptolemaios IV elephants, yet it's important to remember that Ptolemaios IV elephants were outnumbered at that battle.
A side effect of the Ptolemaic use of elephants caused the kingdom of Meroe to also start to tame and use elephants during the Hellenistic period, a practice they eventually taught to the Ethiopians as well. The forest elephants could be found in north-western and eastern Africa, but after the Romans conquered north-western Africa they hunted the forest elephant there to extinction due to their love for using them in circus and the arenas.
Despite their great usefulness when properly employed, it was not unusual for elephants to cause defeat for those who employed them. If an enemy was clever enough to devise their own means to combat elephants, as was the case at the battle of Gaza when Ptolemaios planted an 'iron spiked minefield' to ward off elephants, or when Caesar properly utilized slingers and Scipio gaps between his infantry cohorts to channel the elephants, they could be defeated and even turned against their masters. Even pigs were used on occasion, released among elephants who were often scared of their comparatively small, darting forms. However, despite the many different weapons and stratagems being devised to fight them and the huge expenses required to maintain them, the elephant was still considered a valuable asset, maintained widely. The Arche Seleukeia even developed a corps of "elephant guards", whose task was simply to defend the beasts in combat.
We hope you have enjoyed this preview of some of the new units that will be available in North Africa.
Please note that unless stated otherwise, ALL pictures, names, and descriptions 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.
Many thanks to Bwian, who was the mastermind behind bringing chariots into the MTW2 engine. His work and his models have been an incredible help. We would also like to offer our thanks to KnightErrant whose work on developing the tools to import/export animations and models has made all of this possible.
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
We give special thanks to Image Shack and Photobucket that provides us with a simple, foolproof, and free way to show you all these pictures each week.
Have a great day!
Regards,
The Europa Barbarorum team.
Reply With Quote
- Proud Horseman of the Presence 
donated by Brennus for attention to detail.
Originally Posted by Equilibrius
2x
Speaking of which...
) And perhaps something can in the future be done with the Cherusci unit, their unit description says they had exeptional defenense but its the same as similar Germanic units. You wouldn't want to upset the gods, now do you EB?! 
(deep breaths...)
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