STRATEGIKON of Athens - Avars in DBM

The Avars were a Turko-Mongol people probably deriving from the nomadic tribes Juan-Juan that dwelled in the central Asian steppe. Around 550 AD they were defeated by the Gok Turks and were forced to migrate westwards. They arrived at the Hungarian Plains at around 555, subjugated various Slavonic tribes, the remnants of the Huns (Bulgars), the Gepids, and formed a mighty Khaganate that included the Hungarian grasslands and a large part of the Balkan Peninsula. The Byzantine Empire suffered a lot from their constant raids although it tried, mostly unsuccessfully, to counter them. Their decline, starts in the aftermath of their failed siege of Constantinople in 626, when their Bulgar subjects rebelled and became independent thus depriving the Avars their military services. Nevertheless the Avar Khaganate survived till the 9th century when it succumbed under the blows of Charlemagne's Franks and Crum's Bulgars.

II. Avars in DBM

According to Strategikon, the Avar army was an organised and disciplined force, consisting of heavily armoured horsemen carrying lances, bows, helmets, chain mails and occasionally small shields. Large part of the heavy cavalry horses had frontal armour. Furthermore they were responsible for the spread of stirrip in Europe. This description translates in DBM to Reg Cv(S). The army (book 3, pg 13) has 12 compulsory elements while there are 2-4 regular generals available. Reg Cv(S) is excellent for manoeuvring, with a decent capability of surviving enemy shooting, or when in close combat. These merits are exploited mainly when Cv(S) conduct flank assaults. However it is not so useful frontally and in general should avoid frontal attacks against bow or linear formations against Kn. It should also avoid good spearmen and pikemen. In its most interesting period (558-631) there are various subject people that add to the potential of the army.

At least 10 Bulgar horse archer Irr LH(S), valuable in pinning and skirmishing the enemy, flank attacking and picking-up small numbers of enemy Knights. Occasionally they can be used for close combat against archers (Bw or Ps), Auxilia even Blades. The CvS/LHS combination is great especially against mounted and we must not forget that Cv and LH are the only troop types that do not suffer from Quick Kill (QK) in DBM

Furthermore there are 0-4 Gepid Irr Kn(F) that provide some small frontal assault capabilities. Their target should be carefully selected. Ideally weak foot such as Ax, Bd, Wb, Bw, SpI or against brittle mounted such as Cv or Kn(X/I). Useless confrontation with enemy Kn(F/O/S) should be avoided as this, due to lack of numbers, seldom leads to enemy line penetration. In any case we must provide them with overlaps.

The mix is finalised with masses of Slavic foot Irr Ax(O/I). These are cheap fillers that boost the army’s Element Equivalent (EE) levels but are also good R/Dgo defenders or contesters. They can hunt down enemy Camelry (CmO) and under certain circumstances can attack Bw or hold for a limited time heavy foot. This should be a last measure resort. It is a pity to send Ax(I) into the melee while you have armoured Cv(S)!

III. Order of battle - Tactics

It can be argued that in a cavalry army (=manoeuvre army) PIPs are a major factor to success. The lack of heavy troops capable of effective frontal attack makes flank attacks almost imperative. Therefore, all 4 regular generals should be fielded. The 12 compulsory Cv(S) are adequate as well as the 10 LH(S). 4 Gepid Kn are a must so that the enemy will not deploy unpunished brittle troops in the open. Finally we have the issue of the quantity and quality of the Slavic foot. After taking into account the optimum break points at 400Aps we opt for 5 Ax(O), 17 Ax(I) and 3 Ps(I). For the unlikely event of defending and the opponent choosing a river, 1 element of monoxyla is included. If we add the EE we have 53,5EE. These are divided to 18,5 (main strike command) 13 (secondary strike command) 15,5 (defensive command) and 6,5 (reserve command).

In armies like this each command should be appointed with specific tasks. The main strike command consists of Reg Cv(S) and LH(S), with the Ax(I) hiding in R/Dgo. Its mission is to engage and destroy a flank or a weak point in the enemy battleline, backed by the secondary strike command (mainly the Gepid Kn). This command is structured so that even if all the Gepids are lost it will not demoralise. Moreover, the Cv(S) and LH(S) keep marauding enemy LH at bay while the Khagan manoeuvres the Gepids into a suitable position to attack.

The defencive command has multiple tasks. As it defends the baggage it should be deployed in such a way as to deceive the enemy as to where we intend to strike. (E.g. Defensive command deployed on the extreme lest, attack on extreme right). It should –taking advantage of terrain– defend a large part of the battlefield, so that our strike commands can launch a massed attack and are not harassed by enemy troops. In addition it should be used in such a way that obliges the opponent to spent PIPs against it. The more PIPs are used against it the better for our attack. 7 Ax can seize a terrain or contest it if needed. It should be noted that when we are attacking we should put -when eligible- 3 Steep Hills of 1 feature equivalent and 2 H(S) of ½ FE. We use the hills that arrive on our side to prepare a good position for the defensive command and with those that arrive on the opponent’s side we limit choices and space available to him.

Last but not least the reserve command, which can offer a lot. It is used either to give extra numerical superiority needed during an attack or stiffen the defensive wing if greatly outnumbered. In general we should not commit to a war of attrition because usually we will be outnumbered. Plenty of PIPs give us the chance to protect our troops in advance (e.g. redeploy them or re-arrange advantageous match-ups). In any case 75% of the capital troops in this army are (S)! Furthermore if things start deteriorating disengage so that you can either attack again or withdraw out of danger. PIPS needed to do so will almost always be there.

Needless to point out the importance of reserves both locally and strategically. I prefer to lose a Kn frontally from an enemy Kn with 1-6 than lose 2 Knights from recoil after s side attack.

The offensive will lead you to victory and it is better to attack and lose than sit back and wait pathetically for the other guy to charge in. Effective plan, seizure of the initiative timed and decisive attack are the main contributors to victory. Go on then, Attack!

"My centre gives ground, my left flank collapses.
The situation is perfect. I attack!"

Avars in DBM

I. Historical Background

II. Avars in DBM

III. Order of battle - Tactics