The Return of the Kriegshut

Wille calls his large shed for gaming his Kriegshut, and to celebrate its return after much refurbishment, we are putting on a rather grand ancients battle on Saturday. These photos show the setup.

The battle is loosely based on historical events. The young Gnaeus Pompeius (who calls himself Magnus), has decided that he needs to show all of Rome that he truly is great by marching on Sertorius in Spain. After raising auxiliaries from his home estates in Northern Italy and Cisalpine Gaul to add to the five legions voted him in exasperation by the senate, he marches through Gallia Transalpina, overawing the locals and levying more troops as he goes. He has a real chip on his shoulder about coming from Picenum and feels the need to prove himself once and for all. Arriving in Spain, he is joined by a contingent of Numidian auxiliaries sent by the long-suffering Metellus, who has been campaigning against Sertorius for several years now. The war is at a stalemate, but Metellus sees the coming of Pompey as a chance to increase the odds, just so long as the headstrong Pompey doesn't get himself and his army killed. The combined force meets the army of Sertorius, composed of three veteran legions, supplemented by many Spanish and Celtiberians. The fight is on.

First up are the Gauls on the right wing of Pompey's army, photographed by a reconnaissance unit from the opposite side.

To their left are some Roman-equipped Gallic troops, and then the first of Pompey's legions. Casualty markers can be seen waiting behind them.

Pompey's centre: legions on the plain.

His centre left: more legionaries and some massed auxiliary North Italian foot, all nice and safe on a large imposing ridge.

The final shot of the brash youngster's army shows the Numidians arrayed on his left, with a few Roman heavy horse in reserve.

Above is the first photo of the army of Sertorius, a force of Spanish cavalry, facing the Numidians.

The massed Spanish foot are next, commanded by a Roman working for Sertorius. Spaniards like hills.

The legions of Sertorius.

Celtiberians.

Finally, at his extreme left, Sertorius has placed a whole load of Caetrati.

A long table shot from one flank. Sertorius on the left, Pompey on the right.

A close-up of the Spanish cavalry.

The Spanish on their hill.

Many Numidians.

Italians and legionaries infesting a hilltop in Spain.

Many Caetrati, with Celtiberians stretching off into the distance.

A few Gauls. They like trees.

Last is a low level shot taken from the left rear of the Pompeian forces. The game is being played on Saturday. I have no idea who will win. Except Willie - he hates Romans, and so will win regardless as they slaughter one another in their endless civil wars. It does look as though many others will go down with them one way or another, though...