This list is drawn from the Praecepta Militarium of Nikephoros II and is a list for the purist Byzantine general who wants to use his native troops. The list doesn't just show what was suggested in the text but what was apparently available.

A concession has been made to the text with the infantry gaining a better flank defence to represent Greek Fire Siphoneers and the organised detachments actually provided to defend the same flanks.

In addition the infantry was expected to withstand Cataphracts in a shallow formation, a thing not expected before, or later, which suggests a higher standard of infantry or a better formaton.

Much less in the way of troop choices with horse armour is available than in previous armies since the text makes it clear that the army was hard put to provide enough horse armour for the Kataphractoi, let alone other units.

Era: Triumph of Cavalry		Nikephorian Praecepta Army Army 963AD to 969 AD	CR: H: 5 L: 4			BP: 2	Init: 7
Core
Number	Type	Description	Key	FV	PROT	Weapon	Cost
1	HC	Tagmatic cavalry(d!)	Key	5[1]0	2	Lances/Bows	15
1	HC	Tagmatic Cavalry(d!)	Key	5[1]0	1	Lances/Bows	14
2	LC	Procursatores	Key	3[0]0	1	Lances/Bows	10
2	SI	Bows		2[1]1	2	Bows	2
Bonus:
1	KAT	Kataphractoi*	Key	6[2]0	3	Various	16
1	HC	Tagmatics(d!)	Key	4[1]0	1	Lances/Bows	12
2	HC	Thematics(d!)	Key	4[1]0	1	Lances/Bows	12
1	LC	Hyperkerastoi	Key	1[0]0	1	Bows	6
2	HC	Normans/Lombards	Key	5[1]0	1	Lances	11
2	LC	Magyars/Petchenegs	Key	2[0]0	1	Various/Bows	8
4	FT	Kontaratoi**	Key	6[2]1	1	Spears/Bows	10
4	FT	Kontaratoi**	Key	5[2]1	1	Spears/Bows	8
1	FT	Varangians	Key	6[1]1	1	Spears	8
2	WB	Varangians	Key	5[1]3	1	Various	8
2	SI	Javelins		3[1]2	2	Javelins	2
2	SI	Slings		3[1]2	2	Slings	2
5	SI	Bows		2[1]1	2	Bows	2

Terrain:

Core: 1GR

Bonus: (Max: 3 ) 2GR; 2SH; 1RG;

Notes:

Core: 97 Bonus: 206

Notes:

*Kataphractoi are not subject to obligatory charge.

** One line only may be used in a battle. Either FV6 or FV5 not both.

*** Warbands may not be used with FT Varangians. WB have 4 break points and move 6 inches.

Ordo Link: Nikephorian Praecepta

Last Edited: 02 May 2006

List Author: Luxor