Severan Army vs. the Later Moorish

Those readers who have followed the history of the Roman Limes will know that North Africa held a peculiar status; it lacked a formal defensive system of walls and forts. Since the Augustan period as the number of coloniae in North Africa increased, land estates became fortified strong points which served well enough to frustrate the raiders from the Atlas Mountains. Here is one punitive expedition resulting in three battles.

II/64b Middle Imperial Roman (Western)

1 x general (Cv), 1 x cavalry (Cv), 1 x horse archer (LH), 4 x legionnaires (4Bd), 3 x auxiliary (4Ax),  1 x archers (4Bw), 1 x Cataphract (3Kn).

II/57 Later Moorish

1 x general (LH), 5 x light horse (LH), 6 x javelinmen (3Ax or Ps).

Game one

Exiting the valley space the Romans could see a cloud of skirmishing cavalry and foot were quickly approaching.

The legion quickly moved forward and would drive through their ranks with auxilia supporting the effort on both 

flanks.

The legionnaires in their excitement were quickly leaving their supports behind. A unit of reserve cavalry was sent to support the legionary left, but help would not arrive in time to help the right flank now engulfed by hordes of Moorish foot troops. The situation was very tense as the score evened up, 3 – 3.

Rome now delivered a well coordinated counter attack catching a number of enemy off guard, some cut off from friends or had their flight blocked were quickly cut to pieces. Score 6 – 3 for Rome.

Game two

Rome could see her right flank fully exposed to the open waste land and to compensate the army deployed in a compact formation almost inviting the Moors to lap around while Rome worked from a central position.

That was the plan.

The Moors did send light horse to occupy the Roman right, but took measures to first clear the wood of auxilia before committing the entire army.

Encountering still resistance in the wood, Rome used the moment to move her legions forward hoping to catch the enemy off balance.

This had the desired effect of shattering the Moorish effort into disjointed attacks. Unfortunately, Rome had the better of the opportunity. Score 4 – 1 for Rome.

Game three

Rome caught the Moors at a disadvantageous moment as her army was split by a series of hills. The legions would quickly move forward while the cavalry followed in support.

Some time elapsed between signalling the various units that a storm rising out from the desert was nearly missed. This sent Roman units scrambling to form a line of troops on the left flank while the legionary units held their advance in check.

The situation became so desperate the entire cavalry reserve was committed to stave off the Moorish attack.

In less than 30 minutes (2 bounds) all was quiet again as the dust trails or Moors were seen retreating. Score 6 - 2 for Rome.