# Lost Battles: Forty Battles & Campaigns of the Ancient World

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2011
- **BGG Rating**: 7.8
- **BGG Rank**: #7123
- **Players**: 1-4 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 140 min
- **Weight**: 3.13 / 5
- **Designers**: Philip Sabin
- **Artists**: Mark Mahaffey
- **Publishers**: Fifth Column Games
- **Categories**: Ancient, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, Measurement Movement, Modular Board, Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game, Simulation

## Verdict
Lost Battles is a true interactive encyclopedia for military history enthusiasts, offering 40 scenarios spanning centuries of conflict. The system is ingenious in its ability to scale from quick tactical battles to deep strategic campaigns, all while remaining surprisingly accessible. It is a prime example of how a wargame can be deep without being a rulebook nightmare, making it perfect for both group play and immersive solo sessions.Extremely versatile game systemExcellent solo play experienceHigh-quality componentsHistorical accuracy meets accessible designLearning curve for wargame newcomersEnglish language dependencyLarge table space required for mapsHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
If you are a fan of ancient history and have always wanted to command legions or phalanxes without needing a table the size of a football field, Lost Battles is your new best friend. This is not just a game; it is a library of 40 classic battles ranging from the Persian defeat at Marathon to Caesar's victory at Pharsalus. The design is by Professor Philip Sabin, who brought decades of academic research to create a system that balances historical simulation with fluid, accessible gameplay.

The game's greatest strength is its versatility. You can play at the tactical level, focusing on maneuvering your troops on a modular grid of terrain tiles, or scale up to the strategic level, where the map spans from Spain to India. If you are feeling ambitious, you can combine both and manage entire campaigns. Interaction is constant, and the dilemmas are brain-burning: where should you allocate your precious command points? Is it worth risking a general on the front lines to rally the troops? And will that unit of war elephants actually break the enemy line or just exhaust itself in the process?

The game shines by being extremely solitaire-friendly. You can control both sides or follow the historical scenarios effortlessly. The components are top-notch: rigid, mounted terrain tiles, die-cut counters with rounded corners, and a high-quality strategic map. It is the perfect choice for those who want to understand the 'why' behind historical decisions while having fun with a system that doesn't trap you in 500-page rulebooks. If you enjoy wargames that respect your time and offer depth without excessive bureaucracy, this title is a rare gem that deserves a place of honor on your shelf.

## FAQ
### Can it be played solo?
Yes! The game was designed with solitaire play in mind, making it very easy to manage both sides or follow the historical scenarios on your own.

### How long does a game take?
Tactical battles can be fought in about 2 hours, while the strategic game can be completed in as little as 30 minutes.

### Do I need to be a history expert?
No. While the game is historically rich, the rules are clear, and the included book provides excellent design and historical notes for those who want to learn.

### Is it too complex for a wargame beginner?
It has a weight of 3.13, placing it at an intermediate level. It's a great entry point for those looking for something more serious than a standard board game.

### What's in the box?
You get modular terrain tiles, high-quality troop counters, and a strategic map covering from the Mediterranean to India.

### How many players can play?
The game accommodates 1 to 4 players, being very flexible depending on the chosen scenario.