The Campaign

With the sixth installment of the Belisarius Campaign, we are getting close to the end of this epic tale, the tale of the greatest Byzantine general, beautifully told by the Commands & Colors: Medieval game. So far, he was mainly successful in his endeavors against Empire enemies, but will he still be after the battle below? Let us see!

The Scenario

Today, we continue the story of the Callinicum battle. Just to remind everyone: the Sassanids lost at Dara and Satala in 530 AD, but that definitely did not end the so-called Iberian War–a conflict raging between the Byzantine and Sassanid Empires from 526 AD to 532 AD over the eastern Georgian kingdom of Iberia. Spring of 531 AD saw another Sassanid army invading Roman Mesopotamia.

Belisarius was caught unawares by the quick and rapid invasion and had to quickly scramble all the forces he could muster. He outmaneuvered the Persian army and wished to simply retreat but was forced by his subordinates–and threat of mutiny–to deploy for battle. The second scenario in the book shows the second part of the battle when key hills are already occupied by Sassanids and Romans have not much space to maneuver.

GAME 1

The initial deployment of forces–Sassanids already occupying the hills on their left wing.

A vert fast and classic opening–Mounted Charge (using Inspired Leadership) on Roman infantry.

Pretty deadly attack, as one leader dies and a full infantry unit is destroyed.

The best way to lift the pressure is to counter-attack–my units charge Marcin’s left.

Again, pretty decent result, with two units routed. Still, it will be virtually impossible to do anything more as Sassanids are in a strong position on the hills.

But before I can do anything, Marcin plays another Mounted Charge and completely decimates my vulnerable left flank…

Game over–and final dispositions–my Romans lost quickly 1-5.

GAME 2

We switched sides and started an immediate re-match. I was looking forward to payback for the calamity of the first game! Let us see how it went!

A classic opening, isn’t it? That scenario is very confrontational as both sides are only 3 hexes away.

Again, one Byzantine leader dies already in the first round.

Marcin (Romans) will try to counter-attack, but then he is again surprised by my full (not Inspired Leadership) Mounted Charge Card.

A card which brings me in one sweep 3 banners and victory! The Sassanid charges were really deadly.

Another very quick game and another crushing defeat of Belisarius army. He was right resisting his subordinates but did not manage in the end to prevent the battle.

Summary

Callinicum – Part 2 proved to be a very fast, bloody, and extremely deadly scenario–especially for the Byzantines, who lost twice 1-5. Both sides are set up very close, and it is only a matter of minutes before both armies are at their opponent’s throats. Great fun, and we will for sure continue with the game soon!

Thank you!

The BoardGames Chronicle

https://theboardgameschronicle.com/

---

Commands & Colors: Medieval Belisarius Campaign Part 1 – Thannuris (528 AD)

Commands & Colors: Medieval Belisarius Campaign Part 2 – Melebasa (528 AD)

Commands & Colors: Medieval Belisarius Campaign Part 3 – Dara (530 AD)

Commands & Colors: Medieval Belisarius Campaign Part 4 – Satala (530 AD)

Commands & Colors: Medieval Belisarius Campaign Part 5 – Callinicum (531 AD) Part 1