Historical Background
From as early as 549 the Emperor Justinian I had planned to dispatch a major army to Italy to conclude the protracted war with the Ostrogoths. The imperial chamberlain (cubicularius) Narses was appointed to command in mid 551. The following spring Narses led this Byzantine army around the coast of the Adriatic as far as Ancona and then turned inland aiming to march down the Via Flaminia to Rome. At a place known as Busta Gallorum, near the village of Taginae, the Byzantines encountered the Ostrogothic army commanded by King Totila, who had been advancing to intercept them. Although he enjoyed superiority in numbers, Narses deployed his army in a strong defensive position. In the center, he massed the large body of Germanic mercenaries dismounted in a dense formation and placed the Byzantine troops to either side.
War Council
Ostrogoth Army (Use Tan blocks and Byzantine Inspired Actions)
• Leader: Totila
• 5 Command Cards
• 3 Inspired Action tokens
• Move First
Byzantine Army (Use Purple blocks)
• Leader: Narses
• 5 Command Cards
• 3 Inspired Action tokens
Victory
6 Banners
Special Rules
• The Byzantine Medium and Heavy Cavalry units are armed with bows.
• The Ostrogoth Medium and Heavy Cavalry units are not armed with bows
