DBA Armies

III/13 AVAR 553 AD - 826 AD

This list describes the army of the Avars, who were probably the combined remnants of the Juan-juan and the White Huns after both were driven west by the Gok Turks. They subjugated the Bulgars, the Gepids and many of the southern Slavs and in 562 came into conflict with the Frankish kingdoms, but lost face after a failed attack on Constantinople in 626 in conjunction with the Sassanids. This inspired the Slavs and Bulgars to rebel, leaving only a rump Avar state in modern Hungary. The Franks led by Charlemagne inflicted several defeats on them, culminating with the capture of their great “ring” earthwork in 791 and defeat by a combined Frankish and Bulgarian attack in 796. They were finished off by Bulgars in 826. Maurice describes Avar cavalry as having mail, swords (but not shields), bows and lances (slung over their shoulders when not in use); and the richest as riding horses with frontal armour of iron or felt. They probably introduced the stirrup to the Byzantines. Maurice calls them scoundrels, devious and very experienced in military matters (high compliments from a Byzantine?), and says they are governed by fear, prefer to win by deceit, surprise attacks and cutting off supplies, are ruthless, scorn their oaths, do not keep agreements and even while making them and accepting gifts are planning treachery and betrayal. They fought as multiple groups in a single wide line with a small reserve, disliked rough going and never fought dismounted. Playing an Avar in a wargames campaign would be fun if you have forgiving friends. Reference: Armies of the Dark Ages 1. Heath, Maurice’s Strategikon G.T. Dennis (trans).

III/13a — Avar Army 553 AD - 557 AD & 632 AD - 826 AD

List: 1 x General (Cv), 9 x noble cavalry (Cv), 2 x cavalry (LH or Cv)
Terrain: Steppe
Aggression: 3
Enemies:
Allies: III/14b

III/13b — Avar Army 558 AD - 631 AD

List: 1 x General (Cv), 4 x nobles (Cv), 2 x horse archers (LH), 3 x Slav javelinmen (3Ax), 1 x Slav archers & scouts (Ps), 1 x Slav javelinmen (3Ax) or [in 626 AD onlyJ stone-throwers (Art)
Terrain: Steppe
Aggression: 3
Enemies:
Allies: II/69c