Historical Background
After the Eastern Roman Empire stopped its tribute to the Huns around the year 444 AD, Attila’s army again invaded the Balkan regions of the Eastern Empire. Unfortunately, many veteran Byzantine formations had been withdrawn to counter the Vandal threat in Sicily. The only Roman force readily available was under the command of Arnegisclus, but it did contain sizeable contingents of Heavy Cavalry and mounted archers. The Roman army that moved westwards to engage the Hunnic army in the Roman province of Dacia Ripensis, was most likely a combined force of about 25,000.
Attila’s raiding army was perhaps of similar size. The details about Attila’s raid, which culminated in the battle of Utus, as well as the events afterwards, are very obscure. History records that the Romans were defeated, but it seems that losses were severe for both sides.
Arnegisclus’ horse was killed and he fought bravely on foot until he was cut down. The battle of Utus in 447 AD was the last of a series of bloody pitched battles between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Huns. Losses were heavy enough that Attila continued raiding south with only a small force of Hun cavalry until stopped at Thermopylae. Peace was again restored when a treaty was signed a year later in 448 AD in which the Eastern Roman Empire agreed to again pay Attila a large annual tribute. The Byzantines quickly rebuilt their armies, and Attila did not threaten the Balkans again, looking instead toward the weaker Western Roman Empire.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?
War Council
Hun Army (Use Tan blocks)
• Leader: Attila
• 5 Command Cards
• 4 Inspired Action tokens
• Move First
Roman Army (Use Purple blocks)
• Leader: Arnegisclus
• 5 Command Cards
• 2 Inspired Action tokens
Victory
9 Banners
Special Rules
- The Hun Medium and Heavy Cavalry units are armed with bows.
- The Roman Medium and Heavy Cavalry units are not armed with bows.
