Spartacus vs Rome, 73 B.C.

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Texus Maximus
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Spartacus vs Rome, 73 B.C.

Post by Texus Maximus » Fri Aug 04, 2023 7:40 pm

Spartacus vs. Rome, 73 B.C.

My nephew and I played two games of Triumph! using my 15mm scale armies of Romans and the Spartacus Revolt army. I took command of the Slave Revolt army for the first battle.

Army Composition

Spartacus

1 x Elite Foot (General)
6 x Heavy Foot
2 x Warriors
1 x Javelin Cavalry
8 x Rabble

Crassus

8 x Elite Foot (General)
1 x Javelin Cavalry
2 x Light Foot
2 x Skirmishers

Before the Battle

There were woods and fields on the edges of the battle but those played small part in the battle. A Roman village was in the center of the board which caused both sides to become hesitant to engage with their heavy infantry within the confines of the buildings.

The Romans were able to use a flank march and set their Italian allies (Javelin Cavalry and two Light Foot) aside for that purpose.

Deployment

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The forces of Spartacus (top of the photo) deployed with their Heavy Infantry and Warriors in a line in the center. They were screened by some Rabble, with more Rabble on the flanks. The Javelin Cavalry was on their left flank. The Elite Foot was behind the Heavy Foot, ready to move into any gaps.

The Romans (bottom of the photo) deployed in a single line, with Skirmishers screening the line on their left flank.

The Battle

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View from the camp of Spartacus, crowded with escaped slaves who have fled there for safety.

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The right flank of the army of Spartacus, which includes desperate people of all ages as armed Rabble.

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The left flank of the slave army.

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Roman peasants are thankful the legions are passing them by.

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The Romans build their customary camp.

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Wild boar in the woods; somehow they have escaped the hunters that Spartacus has attracted to his army.

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Closeup of Crassus and some of his legionaries.

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The Italian Allies arrive on the left flank of the revolting slaves.

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Mounted warriors and rabble turn to face the new threat.

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Romans approach the village.

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The revolt includes escaped slaves using captured Roman equipment and warriors from Gaul fighting in their native style.

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Huge Molossor dogs accompany the Gauls.

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The flank battle begins.

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The armies edge forward.

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A violent clash is imminent.

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Spartacus sends more rabble to the flank.

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The light troops skirmish; many of the slaves are killed but they drive off the Roman skirmishers.

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The Rabble attempt to draw the Romans out of line.

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Some of the Italian allied infantry flee the field.

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The Warriors move forward and break through!

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The Warriors surge into the gap in the Roman line!

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The battle on the flank rages on.

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The warriors begin to exploit the gap and attack the Romans on the flanks.

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The Roman line begins to collapse.

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The final blows are struck. The game ends with the Roman army in retreat.

Conclusion

The Warriors were the decisive force in the battle. They got a +1 bonus when double-ranked against the Elite Foot and only have to beat their combat score (not double it) to win.

We used the rule from Fantasy Triumph! allowing Rabble to move four instead of three, making them more of a threat on the flanks. They held their own against the Javelin Cavalry and Light Foot.
Texus Maximus
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Re: Spartacus vs Rome, 73 B.C.

Post by Texus Maximus » Fri Aug 04, 2023 9:07 pm

I took the Romans and my nephew took the army of Spartacus for another game. There was a steep hill in the center of the board that had a significant effect on the battle.

This time the Romans (bottom of the photo) deployed in traditional fashion with the legionaries in line and the light troops extending the line on both flanks. The Romans kept one stand behind the lines to help in case of another breakthrough. The army of Spartacus (top of the photo) split the Rabble. Half screened the Heavy Foot and the other half went on their right flank along with the Javelin Cavalry.

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The Battle

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The core of the slave revolt army.

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The Rabble advance onto the steep hill. This turned into a stand off, as the Roman Elite Foot refused to advance to engage them there. This was an excellent use of the Rabble (2 point stands) to tie up Elite Foot (4 point stands)

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The battle lines approach.

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Crassus leads the way. A shoving match begins, but the superior quality of the Roman army begins to erode the Heavy Foot. The Romans have a stand of Elite Foot in reserve in order to contain the breakthrough which never came. Roman skirmishers flank the slave revolt line.

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The stand off. No action took place here, which was the intent of Spartacus.

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The Warriors did not break through in this battle.

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The Roman skirmishers helped roll up the slave revolt flank then started for the camp. Escaped slaves and rebels can be seen fleeing up the slopes.

Conclusion

Two great games with some lessons learned. Romans should keep legionaries in reserve to deal with breakthroughs. Rabble in difficult terrain are difficult to dislodge with heavy infantry and can stall your advance for a long time. Warriors in double ranks are a real threat to close order foot.
Gregorius
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Re: Spartacus vs Rome, 73 B.C.

Post by Gregorius » Sat Aug 05, 2023 12:10 am

Great reports Paul, and the slaves certainly punched above their weight in the first game. Fantastic looking armies and terrain as well. The small cameo/scatter pieces certainly adds atmosphere.

Cheers,
Greg in the antipodes.
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Rod
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Re: Spartacus vs Rome, 73 B.C.

Post by Rod » Sat Aug 05, 2023 2:34 am

beautiful looking battle!
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Brummbär
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Re: Spartacus vs Rome, 73 B.C.

Post by Brummbär » Sat Aug 05, 2023 5:49 am

Really really nice!!!! :)
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