DBA Armies

The capture of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade and founding of the Latin empire split the remaining Byzantine possessions into the two large states of Nikaia (Nicea) and Epiros (IV/33) and some smaller. This list covers the Nikaian army from then until the recapture of Constantinople (by passing Cuman raiders who found an open gate). Despite reduced resources, it was an effective army which rarely lost a battle. Varangians were now axemen and recruited entirely from English. Stratiotai were reservist skirmishing lancers of mixed quality (some depicted without armour) supported by pronoiai (grants of rents from specific land) and called up to serve anywhere. Latinikon were Frankish knights mainly recruited from Constantinople (the Latin emperor being poor and Byzantine pay generous). Skythikon were Pechenegs or Cumans, tourkopouloi Christianized Turks and vardariotai guards recruited from Magyar settlers; all were regular horse archers. Infantry were mainly archers from Anatolia. References: Armies and Enemies of the Crusades 1. Heath, Armies of the Middle Ages Vol 2 1. Heath, The Late Byzantine Army M.C. Bartusis.