What army to build / Ctd.

Ancients

This period is the largest and most diverse, probably because it spans over 1900 years from the first documented battle in ancient Egypt (Megiddo, 1469BC) to the fall of the Roman Empire (circa 479AD). A few of the more popular wars and campaigns within the ancient period are the Greek / Persian wars (499-448BC), Alexander the Greats campaigns (against the Persians & Indians) and the Roman campaigns (against the Gauls, Britons, Carthage,etc).

Further reading on the Ancients period.

Medieval

The middle ages began around 750AD until about 1492AD. Whilst there was much warfare between 479AD and 750AD (commonly known as the Dark Ages), it was generally confined to raids and small poorly recorded battles. Some of the popular wars fought during the Medieval period are, The Vikings, Norman conquest (1066AD), Mongol Invasion, English Baronial Wars, Scottish Wars of Independence, The Crusades, The Hundred Years' War and the War of the Roses.

Further reading on the Medieval period.

Fantasy

This period covers fantasy literature and cinema as well as mythology and folklore. Heroic armies of Dwarves, Elves and Men can battle the hordes of Orcs and Trolls. Possible battles in this period are the battle of the Five Armies (The Hobbit), Pelennor Fields (The Lord of the Rings), Battle for Tyrsis (The Sword of Shannara), The Riftwar (The Magician) or Thull Mardu (The Belgariad). You could also create your own armies, perhaps based on a current role-playing campaign.

Further reading on the Fantasy period.

Renaissance

This period lasted from 1492 to about 1700 and covers a multitude of different wars and campaigns. The firearm had become much more common during renaissance period (especially cannon) but was not effective enough to complely replace the swords and spears on the battlefield. Popular wars in this era were the Spanish Conquistadores, Rise of the Ottoman Empire, The Thirty Years War and the English Civil War.

Further reading on the Renaissance period.

18th Century

Known as the Age of Reason, linear tactics were introduced onto the battlefield. Elegantly attired professional soldiers deployed on ordered, linear ranks. The pole arm had at last given way to the musket and bayonet. The main campiagns fought during this period were the Seven Years War, Jacobite Rebellions, the Great Northern War (Marlborough), the Indian Wars and the American War of Independence.

Further reading on the Age of Reason.

Napoleonics

From the ashes of the French Revolution a young General won fame and glory, his name Napoleon Boneparte. From 1798 to 1815 he was feared throughout Europe and became known to his enemies as the Corsican Ogre. To the French he was their glorious leader, "Vive L'Empereur". The main campaigns were Third Coalition (Austerlitz,1805), Fourth Coalition (Jena/Auerstadt,1806), Fifth Coalition (Wagram,1809), Sixth Coalition (Invasion of Russia,1812), the Peninsular War (depicted by the "Sharpe" TV series) and the 100 Days war (Waterloo,1815).

Further reading on the Napoleonic Wars.

American Civil War

The American Civil War lasted only 5 years, from 1861 to 1865, and was fought between two sides - the Federal North (Union) and the Confederate South (Rebs). Initially the confederate's enjoyed considerable success, notably General Robert E. Lee and 'Sonewall' Jackson. However, as the war progressed the industrial north had more men available, and the Southern army was bled white and defeated.

Further reading on the American Civil War.

World War II

Needs little introduction we've all seen the movies. From the invasion of Poland in 1939 to the battle for Berlin in 1945, it was a battle between the axis and the allies. Rich sources of material are available, but some areas of warfare are; the Western Front (Britain and her Allies), the Eastern Front (Russia), Africa (Rommel v Monty) and the battle for the Pacific (Americans v Japanese).

Further reading on World War II.