Strategy & Tactics Quarterly 33, Armies of the Dark Ages

Strategy & Tactics Quarterly #33 – Armies of the Dark Ages is an issue of the military history publication produced by Decision Games as part of the Strategy & Tactics Quarterly series. Each issue provides an in-depth study of a single historical topic supported by extensive maps, illustrations, and analytical commentary.

This issue explores warfare during the transition from the collapse of the Western Roman Empire to the early Middle Ages, roughly covering the period AD 476 to 732. It focuses on the rise of warlord-led armies as the professional Roman military system disintegrated following the barbarian invasions.

A central theme of the study is the legendary figure of King Arthur, often interpreted as a Romano-British war leader who may have organized resistance against Saxon invasions. The publication analyzes the structure of early medieval armies, their weapons, tactics, and leadership.

Several important battles are examined to illustrate the evolution of warfare during this period, including:

• Badon Hill, fought between Britons and Saxons;
• Nechtansmere, a decisive clash between Anglo-Saxons and Picts;
• Tours (732), where Charles Martel confronted Umayyad forces.

The issue also contrasts early medieval warlord armies with the Byzantine military system, which preserved many Roman traditions, and discusses the long-lasting influence of Arthurian legends on military culture and historical interpretation.

Contents

• illustrated military history magazine
• approximately 116 pages
• numerous historical maps, diagrams and illustrations
• in-depth analysis of early medieval warfare.

Technical Information

• Publisher: Decision Games
• Series: Strategy & Tactics Quarterly
• Issue: 33
• Theme: Early Medieval warfare / Dark Ages armies
• Language: English
• Format: illustrated military history magazine.