DBA Armies

III/5 MIDDLE FRANKISH 496 AD - 639 AD

This list covers Frankish armies from the absorption of Alamannic Gaul until the death of the last effective Merovingian king Dagobert I. After the death of Clovis in 511, the kingdom was divided between his 4 sons and under their descendents became subject to fluctuating and disconnected partitions. In 623 it finally permanently split on geographical rather than dynastic lines into the kingdoms of Austrasia and Neustria. Most external wars were fought by the Austrasians. Frankish tribal infantry carried iron-rimmed shields with a prominent boss, sword and angon (a large barbed spear with iron-covered shaft) or francisca (a throwing axe with a short wooden handle). They were described as wearing multi-coloured tunics and green cloaks with red embroidery. Mounted nobles had spears, swords, round shields and varying amounts of armour (Cv or Kn). Levies are Gallo-Roman peasants and town militia. References: Armies & Enemies of Imperial Rome P. Barker, Armies of the Dark Ages 1. Heath.

III/5a — Austrasian or Burgundian Armies 496 AD - 639 AD

List: 1 x General (3Kn or Cv), 1 x noble cavalry (3Kn or Cv), 6 x tribesmen (4Wb), 3 x levies (Sp) or tribesmen (4Wb), 1 x archers or Basque javelinmen or slingers (Ps)
Terrain: Arable
Aggression: 3
Enemies:
Allies: II/83a

III/5b — Neustrian, Aquitanian or Provencal Armies 496 AD - 639 AD

List: 1 x General (3Kn or Cv), 1 x noble cavalry (3Kn or Cv), 6 x levy infantry (Sp). 3 x levies (Sp) or tribesmen (3/4Wb), 1 x archers or Basque javelinmen or slingers (Ps)
Terrain: Arable
Aggression: 2
Enemies:
Allies: II/83a