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De Bellis Antiquitatis: Quick Play Wargame Rules with Army Lists for Ancient and Medieval Battles

Hobby Products GmbH, Wargames Research Group, ZBB Editions · Board game · 1990
2–6 · best 2 60–300 min Weight 2.8/5
— rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Buy Ask about Rules
Our Verdict

For historical wargame lovers who don't have time (or patience) for complex rules. Simple but surprisingly deep.

Highlights
  • Quick and straightforward rules
  • Tactical depth in a lean package
  • Flexible for different historical periods
Keep in mind
  • Too abstract for detailed miniatures fans
  • Not ideal for casual players
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
De Bellis Antiquitatis is a fast-playing, flexible miniatures wargame where you command historical armies in epic battles. Each army has 12 units (called 'elements'), like Blades, Knights, or Warband, each with simple but effective rules. The rules fit on a single sheet of paper, but don't be fooled—the tactical depth is real. If you enjoy the fantasy version, there's Hordes of the Things, and for those who want more detail, expansions like De Bellis Multitudinis (with larger armies) and De Bellis Renationis (extending the period to the end of the Renaissance) are available. Perfect for gamers who want tactical depth without the fuss.
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Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK
6 OK
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Game details

Mechanics

Action Points Dice Rolling Line of Sight Measurement Movement Modular Board Movement Template Simulation Variable Set-up

Categories

Ancient Book Medieval Miniatures Renaissance Wargame

Families

Ancient: Babylon Ancient: Egypt Ancient: Greece Ancient: Rome Ancient: Sparta Components: Miniature agnostic Game: DBx History: Hundred Years Wars Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players War Level of Command: Tactical
Publisher Hobby Products GmbH, Wargames Research Group, ZBB Editions
Designer Philip C. Barker, Richard Bodley Scott, Sue Laflin Barker
Artist Ingo Martin, Josef Ochmann
Community
1,152 owners
0 wishlist
0 played
1,152 interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
2 to 6, but it works best with 2 (head-to-head).
How long does a game take?
1 to 5 hours, depending on army size and player experience.
Do I need specific miniatures?
Nope! The game is 'miniature agnostic'—use whatever you have, as long as unit types are distinguishable.
Is it hard to learn?
Basic rules are simple, but mastering tactics takes time. BGG weight: 2.8/5.
Are there expansions?
Yes! De Bellis Multitudinis adds more detail, and De Bellis Renationis extends the period to 1700.
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