Early Sassanid 231-233 A.D. Non SHA List

This is an alternate list for those who think that the descriptions of 1800 chariots in the Scriptores Historiae Augustae are sheer fantasy. My own resolution of the scythed chariot description in the SHA was to accept the only evidence that we have as being accurate absent any reason to believe otherwise. The material up to Opelius Maccrinus is generally accepted as accurate and 231-233 A.D. falls within the accurate time frame. However, for the doubters, here is an alternate variation.

ERA: Age of Empires Ardashir v. Severus Alexander	Early Sassanid 231-233 A.D. Non SHA source version		CR: H:4, L:4	BP: 2	INIT: 6
Core
Number	Type	Key	FV	Missile Prot	Weapon	Cost
1	Cataphracts (d!)	Key	6(2)0	+3	Lance
1	HC (d!) Clibanarii	Key	4(1)0	+2	Lance/bow
1	LC (Subjects)	Key	2(0)0	+1	Jav./bows
1	LC (Arab)	Key	2(0)0	+1	Javelins
1	Elephant	Key	5(3)2	+1	Various
1	SI		2(1)1	+2	Bows
Bonus Units
2	Cataphracts(d!)	Key	6(2)0	+3	Lance	16
1	HC (d!) Clibanarii	Key	5(2)0	+2	Lance/bow	15
2	HC(d!) Clibanarii	Key	4(1)0	+2	Bows	13
2	HC	Key	3(1)0	+1	Bows	10
2	LC (Subject)	Key	2(0)0	+1	Javs./bows	8
2	LC (Nomads)	Key	2(0)0	+1	Javs./bows	8
2	LC (Arabs)	Key	2(0)0	+1	Javelins	7
4	LC (Native horse)	Key	1(0)0	+1	Bows	6
1	Elephant	Key	5(3)2	+1	Various	12
3	SI		2(1)1	+2	Bows	2
3	SI		3(1)2	+2	Slings	2
3	SI		3(1)2	+2	Javelins	2
2	LI (Kurds, Anatolians, etc.)		4(1)2	+1	Javelins	7
4	FT	Key	6(1)1	+2	Spears	9
4	Levy		3(0)0	+0	Spears	4
Core Terrain: 1 GR	Bonus Terrain (2 Max): 3 GR, 2 steep hills, 1 RG

The 3(1)0 clibanarii are the lesser armed cavalry assuming that they were different than the horse archers. 4(1)0 +1 Prot clibanarii may not be used with 3(1)0 +1 Prot clibanarii. They are intended as alternate simulations of the lesser armed cavalry who felt more comfortable with archery than the lance.

All Sassanid HC have impetus. No Sassanid HC or cataphracts are subject to obligatory charge. The cataphracts are described as holding their ground while the archers fired as if their feet were nailed to the ground.

Cataphracts may not outnumber Clibanarii. Clibanarii may not outnumber LC. The reported numbers appear to be 9 more lightly armored cavalry to every cataphract. No distinction is made between unarmored horse archers and horse archers more lightly armored than cataphracts in the sources. I interpreted this as more light armed cavalry (clibanarii) and horses archers combined than cataphracts. The nine to one ratio is impossible to meet at our scale. There are two cataphract units because they were a significant and effective force in the sources.

As a tactical suggestion, the levy make an excellent second rank behind the foot. When used thus, they have some value by giving depth benefits against impetus to the foot. Historically, the Sassanids formed in three lines with the mounted troops in the first followed by the infantry, and backed up by the elephants. In the alternative, the cavalry was on the flanks with the elephants again placed to the rear.

5 Mar 05: All SI with bow changed from 2(0)0 to 2(1)1. Typo on Bonus Nomad LC fixed.

Ordo Link: All of the Sassinid lists have generated significant controversy, and this one is no exception. The most direct discussion can be found on the Middle Sassinid link, but use of the Ordo Search function will reveal many other useful threads/discussions.

Last Edited: 11 April 2006

List Author: Subadoi