DBA Armies

This list covers the last of the Mound-builder cultures of the Mississippi basin; from the earliest possible contact with Mexico to the south-west or the Forest Leagues to the north-east until the destruction of the Natchez. Each nation had a capital town containing massive mounds supporting temples and council houses and surrounded by palisades and was a rigid theocracy ruled by a “Great Sun”, who was not allowed to touch the ground, so was carried in a litter. Nobles fought with spear and club, were heavily tattooed and wore thick rawhide armour. Most of the army used bows of man-height, which the French reported sometimes penetrated mail but never steel plate. The centre of the army was formed in solid bodies and scouted for and supported on the flanks by young men in more open formation wearing red war-paint. Society was stratified into three classes, “Noble”, “Honoured” and “Stinkard” and military prowess could earn promotion. Stinkards were replenished by recruitment from conquered peoples. References: Armies of the 16th Century Vol 2 1. Heath, North American Indians George Catlin, Indian America Eagle/ Walking Turtle.