DBA Armies

This list covers Prussian armies from the start of the Northern Crusade until their final subjection by the Teutonic Order and also the Livs and Letts living between the Estonians and the Lithuanians. The Prussian tribes never achieved unity. The most enthusiastic part of the army were the noble horsemen and their immediate followers, who they sometimes dismounted to join in berserk charges from woods and fight doggedly until over-whelmed. These were supplemented by much less valorous peasant farmers who tended to melt away into the trees in face of superior numbers. Arms were narrow- bladed thrusting spears, swords, light axes (some thrown) and almond-shaped shields. Prussians were ruddy-faced, with long blonde hair. Clothing was bleached un-dyed linen or wool, leading the Teutonics to condemn white clothes as “heathen” (despite their own white habit). Chieftains wore gold or silver plaque belts. Reference: Armies of Feudal Europe 1. Heath.