DBA Armies

The forest people of the Atlantic coast of North America were more culturally advanced than previously supposed, living in palisaded agricultural villages with substantial wooden buildings and combining in large leagues. Their legends include migrating from the south-west and learning forest warfare from earlier inhabitants. Only romantics would oppose them to Vinland Vikings and the legendary Welsh colonists of Prince Madoc. The start date is arbitrary and the end date is that of the introduction of firearms. Before firearms and population loss to European diseases, their main weapon was the bow (described as “quick but not strong”), supplemented by wooden or stone-headed clubs and sometimes spears, shields and/or wooden armour. In pitched battles, both sides lined up and shot at each other until one fled or charged. References: Armies of the 16th Century Vol 2 1. Heath, North American Indians G. Catlin, The Skulking Way of War P.M. Malone, Indian America Eagle/ Walking Turtle.