DBA Armies

This list covers the “Empire” of Trebizond (in modern Turkey on the south shore of the Black Sea); from its establishment with Georgian help by Alexios Komnenos following the fall of Constantinople to the 4h Crusade, until its conquest by the Ottomans. It was never a great military power, but relied on its wealth and its troop’s reputation to discourage aggression. Trapezuntine cavalry were “heroes, like terrible lions that never let their prey escape”. Lancers are depicted with helmet, quilted leather armour, large “heater” shield and long pennoned lance. They were supported and then replaced by Turkish- style horse archers, mostly Laz or Tzani from Georgia. Border passes were held by Greco-Laz frontier lords, with garrisons described “as brigands and evil folk”. References: Armies of the Middle Ages Vol 2 1. Heath.