View War Games Rules 3000 BC to 1485 AD
The Wargames Research Group have published their ancient rules since 1969. The current versions in general use are De Bellis Antiquitatis and De Bellis Multitudinis. However earlier editions are of interest in seeing the progression of changes.
The 1st and 2nd editions are available online at Phil Barker’s site. Changes were evolutionary up to the 6th edition, but the 7th edition created major changes, including:
* A shift from a figure representing 20 men to a notional 38-85 men.
* The basing of figures in elements with each element have a common frontage (60mm for 25mm scale figures, 40mm for 15mm and 6mm scale figures).
* Individual figures no longer being removed as a result of melee or shooting losses on the basis that the depths of formations would thin rather than frontages shrink as casualties mounted.
* A more focused concentration on generalship rather than minor differences in weapons.