De Bellis Antiquitatis (DBA) 3.0 is the definitive edition of the popular fast-play ancient and medieval wargaming rules . The core of the game’s depth lies in its 300+ historical army lists
, which allow players to recreate battles spanning nearly 4,500 years of history. Structure of the Army Lists
The army lists in DBA 3.0 are divided into four main books based on chronological eras: Book I: The Chariot Period (3000 BC – 500 BC)
– Covers early civilizations like the Sumerians, early Egyptians, and Hittites. Book II: The Classical Period (500 BC – 476 AD)
– Features iconic forces such as the Romans, Carthaginians, and Classical Indians. Book III: The Early Medieval Period (476 AD – 1071 AD)
– Includes the Vikings, Saxons, and early Byzantine armies. Book IV: The High Medieval Period (1071 AD – 1500 AD)
– Focuses on knights and longbowmen, including the Hundred Years War. Key Components of Each List
Every army list provides critical technical data for the game, including: Народ.РУ Army Composition
: A fixed set of 12 "elements" (units). Some lists offer choices, such as choosing between bowmen or spearmen to represent different historical periods of the same culture. Aggression Factor
: A numerical value (1–4) used to determine who is the attacker and defender. Home Climate & Terrain
: Specifies the type of terrain the army is most familiar with, which influences the battlefield setup if they are the defender. Enemies and Allies
: A list of historical opponents and potential allied contingents that can be used in larger "Big Battle" games. Fanaticus - DBA Wargaming Turning a DBA 2.2 army into a DBA 3.0 Army Jul 29, 2566 BE —
The DBA 3.0 (De Bellis Antiquitatis) army lists are the cornerstone of this fast-play historical miniature wargaming system, providing players with more than 600 detailed compositions spanning from 3000 BC to 1520 AD. These lists, often found in digital PDF formats or within the official rulebook, act as a bridge between historical accuracy and tactical gameplay. Structure of the Army Lists
In DBA 3.0, every army is standardized to 12 elements, ensuring games remain fast and balanced regardless of the historical era. Each list typically includes: Turning a DBA 2.2 army into a DBA 3.0 Army
DBA 3.0 Army Lists PDF is a critical component of the wargame De Bellis Antiquitatis Dba 3 Army Lists Pdf
(DBA), providing the framework for recreating historical battles across 4,500 years of history. These lists allow players to field balanced, 12-element armies that reflect the tactical realities of their specific historical era. Structure and Historical Coverage
The lists are divided into four chronological "books," ensuring players can find nearly any major army from the dawn of civilization to the Renaissance: Book I (3000 BC – 500 BC):
The "Chariot Period," covering Sumerians, early Egyptians, and Biblical-era forces. Book II (500 BC – 476 AD):
The "Classical Period," featuring Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, and Han Chinese. Book III (476 AD – 1071 AD):
The "Early Medieval Period," including Byzantines, Vikings, and early Arab dynasties. Book IV (1071 AD – 1500 AD):
The "High Medieval/Renaissance Period," covering the Crusades, Hundred Years War, and Mongols. Core Functions of the Army Lists
The primary purpose of these lists is to translate historical research into gameplay mechanics. Each entry typically includes: Troop Composition:
Defines the 12 elements required, distinguishing between "Solid" (steady) and "Fast" (mobile) troop types. Historical Context:
Background notes explaining the army's tactical evolution and major campaigns. Tactical Parameters:
Specifies the army’s "Aggression Factor" (likelihood of being the attacker) and preferred "Home Terrain". Campaign Dynamics: Lists of historical and potential to help players set up authentic matchups. DBA 3.0 Review | Ancient & Medieval Wargaming
The DBA 3.0 Army Lists represent a massive expansion over previous editions, evolving from basic unit lists into a comprehensive historical resource of over 300 armies. 🌟 Key Highlights
Historical Depth: Each list now includes a "potted history" or background section, providing context for the army’s real-world origins.
Reference Material: Lists include historical references (and occasionally fictional ones), making them a useful starting point for further research.
Improved Clarity: The 100+ page section is supported by a 7-page cross-reference and alphabetical index, making it much easier to find specific matchups. De Bellis Antiquitatis (DBA) 3
Unit Refinements: Significant changes were made to troop classifications, such as the introduction of "Fast" vs. "Solid" types, which affects movement and combat bonuses. ⚖️ Pros and Cons
Enormous Variety: Covers from 3000 BC to 1500 AD across four "books".
Potential Errors: Players have noted inconsistencies or inaccuracies in specific lists, leading to unofficial "corrections" guides.
Sub-List Detail: Many entries are broken into specific sub-periods or variations for building precise armies.
Sacrificed Simplicity: Some veterans feel the expansion adds "flavor" but slightly complicates the core simplicity of older versions.
All-in-One: The rulebook typically includes both the core rules and the full lists in a single volume.
Historical Liberties: Some reviewers suggest that certain obscure lists lean more toward fiction than hard history. 💡 Pro-Tips for Players DBA 3.0 :- Review - Monday Knights Wargaming Club
The army lists for De Bellis Antiquitatis (DBA) 3.0 are a comprehensive collection of over 300 historical military compositions spanning from 3000 BC to 1515 AD. Published by Sue Laflin-Barker, these lists are integrated into the core rulebook and provide a standardized 12-element structure for quick-play ancient and medieval wargaming. Structure of the Army Lists
The lists are organized into four chronological "Books," each covering a specific historical era: Turning a DBA 2.2 army into a DBA 3.0 Army
The official DBA 3.0 army lists are not free in their complete form. They are copyrighted by the Wargames Research Group (WRG) and published by various distributors (e.g., Caliver Books, Alternative Armies, or directly via the Society of Ancients).
Among veteran players, the most sought-after document is the "DBA 3.0 All Armies In One Table" PDF. This massive spreadsheet-like document, often circulating via Dropbox or Google Sheets (converted to PDF), lists all 300+ armies side-by-side. It allows you to compare the number of Knights in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem (IV/26) against the Ayyubid Egyptians (IV/27) in seconds.
To find this specific version, search for: "DBA 3.0 army matrix" pdf or "Master Army List" DBA 3.0.
Q: Is there a DBA 3 Army Lists PDF for 28mm figures? A: Yes. The lists are scale-agnostic. The PDF lists element counts, not figure sizes. The same PDF works for 6mm, 10mm, 15mm, or 28mm.
Q: My PDF is in monochrome. Is that a problem? A: No, but color helps. Most PDFs use a colored border to separate "Book I" (Early) from "Book IV" (Medieval). If yours is black and white, just read the Roman numeral prefixes (I, II, III, IV) carefully. Tournament play often enforces a specific set/version of
Q: Can I use a DBA 2.2 Army Lists PDF for DBA 3.0? A: Absolutely not. You will lose every game. The points (element factors) changed so drastically that a 2.2 army is illegal in 3.0 tournaments. Always verify the top of the PDF says "DBA Version 3.0."
The DBA 3 Army Lists PDF is more than just a chart. It is a gateway to hundreds of hours of painting, planning, and pushing lead across a 2x2 foot table. Whether you are fielding the Roman Legions (II/56) or the Samurai (III/73), having a clean, annotated, print-ready PDF is your most powerful tool.
Your next steps:
Good luck, Strategos. May your pips be high and your flanks secure.
Do you have a specific DBA 3 Army List PDF you’d like reviewed or explained? Leave a request in the comments below (or check your local wargaming club’s resource page).
De Bellis Antiquitatis (DBA) version 3.0 represents the pinnacle of fast-play ancient and medieval wargaming. Central to its enduring popularity is the massive collection of over 300 army lists that allow players to recreate virtually any conflict from 3000 BC to 1500 AD.
While many enthusiasts search for a "DBA 3 Army Lists PDF," it is important to note that the official rules and complete lists are protected intellectual property and are typically sold as a comprehensive physical or digital package. However, numerous community-driven and official supplementary resources are available to help you navigate, organize, and correct these lists. The Structure of DBA 3.0 Army Lists
The army lists in DBA 3.0 are divided into four chronological "books," each covering a distinct era of warfare:
Book I: The Chariot Period (3000 BC – 500 BC): Features early Sumerian, Egyptian, and Biblical armies.
Book II: The Classical Period (500 BC – 476 AD): Includes the rise of Rome, the Hellenistic successor states, and Classical Indian armies.
Book III: The Early Medieval Period (476 AD – 1071 AD): Covers the "Dark Ages," Viking raids, and the Byzantine Empire.
Book IV: The High Medieval Period (1071 AD – 1500 AD): Focuses on the Crusades, the Hundred Years' War, and the rise of gunpowder.
DBA 3.0 Army Lists: Chariot Period | PDF | Troy | Hittites - Scribd
Important Warning: Many websites offering “free DBA 3.0 army lists PDF” host outdated (2.2 or 2.0) lists or infringe copyright. Using incorrect lists will break game balance because troop values changed significantly from 2.2 to 3.0 (e.g., 3Kn vs 3Cv mechanics). Always verify you have the 3.0 version.
Disclaimer: This article does not host or link to copyrighted files. However, we provide legitimate sources.
site:google.com "DBA 3" army list filetype:pdf.Warning: Avoid random PDF hosting sites that offer "DBA 3 Army Lists Full Free." These often contain the outdated 2.2 lists (which are incompatible) or are riddled with scan errors missing crucial 3.0 rule changes, such as the new "Scythed Chariot" rules or the revised "Knight" factor.
Benefits include:
Plus... it's free!