II/13 SAMNITE 355 BC - 272 BC

This list covers the Samnite armies from the foundation of the Samnite League. They fought hard against the Romans in a series of wars between 343 and 272 BC and were the only Italian nation they feared. Their main strength was in swift- moving infantry armed with javelins and a (possibly tapered) scutum and wearing crested helmets, greaves and usually corslet. Unlike other Oscan infantry these were organised in cohorts and commanded by officers. They used the wooded hills of their home territory to great advantage. Where possible, they would surround an enemy force and pelt it with javelins, but would also charge downhill on enemy or block them in a narrow valley. Their first charge was most dangerous as they used a single line without reserves. Although they had fewer cavalry than the Romans and these were armed with javelins, they charged rather than skirmished. Reference: Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars D. Head.

II/13 — Samnite Army 355 BC - 272 BC

List: 1 x General (Cv or 4Ax), 10 x warriors (4Ax), 1 x warriors (4Ax) or skirmishing javelinmen (Ps)
Terrain: Hilly
Aggression: 1
Allies: (I/36a and/or I/36d and/or II/8b and/or II/8c) or (I/55e and/or I/57b or II/8b and/or II/11) or II/10