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Wargamers usually split history into periods where similar types of armies existed and hence similar rules mechanisms can be used. The "Ancients" period is usually taken as 3000BC-1500AD, so from the first Sumerian city states until firearms start to come into widespread use. This is a very colourful period with a huge variety of armies and cultures potentially appearing on the tabletop. This is of course the period of Alexander the Great and Caesar but also perhaps less well known great generals like Li Shimin, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane. The combination of exotic dress and troops like Elephants make for very varied armies. In some ways the lack of complete historical records means that painters, modelers and game designers have free reign to tackle historical subjects that appeal to them in innovative ways. However historical wargaming, since at least the late 1960s, has always placed an emphasis on research based on primary historical documents such as the fragmentary contemporary eyewitness reports of battles during this period so players with more of a historian bent will have plenty to explore too.

This combination of appeals has meant that Ancients is one of the most popular periods for wargamers, consistently attracting a large number of players. In turn this availability of opponents has given rise to the viability of Ancients as a period for wargames competitions which have much in common with chess competitions, but with a more relaxed atmosphere. These competitive events drive an involvement of some purely competiton-focused players for whom the game itself, leagues, ratings and representing Ireland at international competitions is their primary interest rather than the historical or painting/modeling aspects of the hobby.

There are numerous sets of wargames rules available for this period but this article will concentrate on DBMM, the most popular set of Ancients wargames rules in use in Ireland. There are between seven and eight DBMM competitions in Ireland each year and many Irish players have also attended GB and international events, such as those organised by the International Wargames Federation (IWF), of which RINIWA is a member. In 2007 RINIWA hosted the IWF European Individual Championships at which 110 players competed over three days. Typical competitions in Ireland are about 20 players and they are currently held in Dublin, Cork and Belfast.

To find out more look at these articles:

What is DBMM? - A general introduction to the rules.

DBMM at Dublin Games Guild - A look at what's happening for Ancients players at a Dublin club

DBMM Resources here and on the Web - A list of useful links for DBMM players.