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

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1990
- **BGG Rating**: 7.3
- **BGG Rank**: #3926
- **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 60-300 min
- **Weight**: 2.79 / 5
- **Designers**: Philip C. Barker, Richard Bodley Scott, Sue Laflin Barker
- **Artists**: Ingo Martin, Josef Ochmann
- **Publishers**: Hobby Products GmbH, Wargames Research Group, ZBB Editions
- **Categories**: Ancient, Book, Medieval, Miniatures, Renaissance, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Action Points, Dice Rolling, Line of Sight, Measurement Movement, Modular Board, Movement Template, Simulation, Variable Set-up

## Verdict
For historical wargame lovers who don't have time (or patience) for complex rules. Simple but surprisingly deep.Quick and straightforward rulesTactical depth in a lean packageFlexible for different historical periodsToo abstract for detailed miniatures fansNot ideal for casual playersFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
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.

## FAQ
### 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.