DBA Armies

This list covers the period from the appointment of the future emperor Maurikios (Maurice) as Comes Excubitorum or Foederatorum and his reforms of the army. It is largely based on his surviving manual. It includes the epic wars of Heraklios against the Sassanids and then the Arabs; and ends with the completion of the thematic system under Konstans. The army was now almost entirely regular. Kavallarioi were deployed in 2 separated lines an arrow shot apart with the commanding general in the second. They wore helmets with small plumes, hooded mail shirts extending to the elbows and knees, large cloaks, tunic, trousers and boots. They rode on saddles with stirrups copied from the Avars and the horses of the front rank wore frontal armour of iron or felt. They formed up to 10 ranks deep, the 2 foremost and the last armed with long Avar lance, sword and kite-shaped shield, the others only with bow and sword. Some of the bow-armed could instead form on the flanks of the lancers (which were then called “defensores”) or be sent out in front as “cursores” or to scout. Optimates were noble foreigners fighting with their native weapons. If infantry were used, their units usually alternated with kavallarioi or formed the centre. They wore knee-length gothic tunics, a simple cloak and shoes not long boots, and short hair. Most were skoutatoi each with moderate-length spear, helmet, big shield painted a regimental colour, sword, sling and lead-weighted darts. At least those in front had mail corslets. Archers formed behind the skoutatoi for drill. Some shot from behind in battle, but if they were plentiful they deployed on the flanks. In bad going they joined the javelinmen to skirmish, javelinmen being preferred in woods. Both had a small round shield and a short axe. Bolt-shooters are described as in swivel mounts on carts. References: Armies & Enemies of Imperial Rome P. Barker, Armies of the Dark Ages 1. Heath, Maurice’s Strategikon G.T. Dennis (trans), The Age of Hippotoxotai 1. Syvanne, The Byzantine Wars J. Haldon, Warfare, State and Society in the Byzantine World 565-1204 John Haldon.