About the Society

The Society of Ancients is a long-established international amateur society for the promotion of the study of ancient and medieval military history and wargaming the period 3000 BC to 1500 AD. It is run by volunteers for the benefit of its worldwide membership.

The Society publishes a bi-monthly journal, Slingshot, containing a wide range of items related to Ancient and Medieval military history and wargaming contributed by Society members.  It organises various events, including an annual games day and members' conference, and runs a wargames championship.  The Society also publishes a number of games and booklets which are available from our web store.

Watch an introductory video here:     

Membership is open to all, and lasts for 6 issues of Slingshot.


 

 

legion rulebook cover

Legion

£15

The 2015 revision of Phil Sabin's grand-tactical classic Legion. Features fully redesigned art work, colour board and counters and 36 historical battle scenarios.

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The Society of Ancients is proud to present our 2015 reissue of Legion, the second in Phil Sabin's classic trilogy of grand-tactical explorations of ancient battle. Reprinted with new board and counter art, Legion revisits 36 pivotal battlefields of the ancient world, from the desperate fighting between Athens and Persia at Marathon in 490 BC through to Caesar's final victory at Munda four hundred and fifty years later. 

  • The rules and scenarios are unchanged from the first edition, but where the original game was designed primarily for use with figures, Justin Swanton's new board and counter art is designed to be played as printed (some assembly is required).
  • The rules and scenarios are based wherever possible on primary sources and are designed for simulation as well as play value. A handicap system gives both sides a chance at game victory.
  • In addition to the full historical scenarios, Legion includes a fast-play introductory game and rules for tournament-style play.
  • Although more detailed than both Phil Sabin's earlier game Phalanx and his more recent Strategos/Lost Battles system, Legion can still be played to completion in two or three hours and is suitable for both across the table and solitaire play.
  • The game emphasizes troop quality over troop quantity, the importance of leadership, includes rules for weather and terrain, and scales to accurately represent different battles.

 counters sheet 1

Counters side 1

 

A Legion game set up
A Legion game set up with terrain

The Society needs you!

The Society of Ancients is a volunteer organisation, and relies on its members.  It's very easy to join -– just click on the button below, or for more details, go to the join page, add a membership to your cart and check out using Paypal.  You can alternatively download a postal membership form.  Membership costs £36 for 6 issues of Slingshot (normally a year), plus access to the forum.

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