DBA Armies

This list covers the army of Armenia from its re-emergence as an independent nation following the crowning of Ashot I Bagratuni “the Great” by both the Abbasid Khalif in 885 and the Byzantine Emperor in 887. The country split in 908, then again in 961 and 970. The list ends with the absorption of the last independent Armenian state until modern times by the Byzantines in 1045. During this period the Armenians tried to steer a neutral course between the Byzantines and the Arabs, though when forced to choose they usually, joined the Byzantines who were fellow Christians, even if unsympathetic ones of the wrong sort. Nakhararks were the nobility and are depicted in helmet and lamellar corslet, armed with lance, sword and a smallish round shield. They are described as impetuous, quick to charge and devastating in effect. Azatks were their mounted followers who fought with javelins, lance or bow. Foot warriors were mostly armed and trained peasant tenants of the nobility, described as fighting in close packed ranks with spear or bow. Spearmen are depicted in helmets, short lamellar corslets (probably of leather) with large pteruges and with small round shields. Levy probably had javelins and small shield, mostly acted as scouts and occasionally became over-enthusiastic at the sight of trespassers or loot. Reference: Armies of the Dark Ages I. Heath.