These rules derive from an experimental set demonstrated at the 1988 and 1989 Society
of Ancients conferences and later extended as a commercail set. "De Bellis Antiquitatis"
has extended the combat system, added extra troop types, included fuller explanation
of procedures and philosophy and incorporated setup information and it also includes a
campaign system by Richard Bodley Scott. This version introduces new terrain rules
improving both variety and realism, increases some troops' mobility in particular
circumstances to provide extra opportunities for generalship, and changes some wording
to eliminate ambiguity. As well as the basic battle and campaign rules, it includes 59
suggested mini campaigns, 310 army lists based on those of DBM, covering all important
armies between 3000 BC and 1485 AD, and battle rule variations for larger armies.Our intent was to provide the simplest possible set of wargames rules that retain the feel and generalship requirements of ancient or medieval battle. In 1988, the rule mechanisms were entirely new. They started from the assumptions that the results of command decisions could be shown rather than the minutia of how orders were communicated and interpreted, that the proportions of different troops fielded were decided by availability within their culture and not cost-effectiveness against the current opponent, that differences between troops of the same class and era were relatively unimportant, and that most shooting regardless of theoretical weapon range was at very short distances. The resulting system is more subtle than may be immediately apparent, and is the fruit of much detailed development work. It should not be tampered with.
The average player has memorised the battle rules part way through his or her first game, but tactical skill, especially in the use of light troops, takes longer to develop. A game usually lasts less than an hour, so that a 6 round convention competition can be completed in one day and still leave plenty of time for visiting the trade stands. Since all battles end in outright victory, the organiser's work is minimised. Campaigns for up to six historically opposed armies can also be completed in a single day if desired.
We hoped it would prove acceptable both as an introduction for new players and as a tonic for the jaded. In fact, it has proved the most influential wargames rule set of recent times and is one of the most popular competition rules in the USA.