Byzantine Roster Showcase

Here comes the Byzantines! This roster is based on the army under Manuel I Komnenos.

Varangian Guard
Elite foreign mercenaries served as the elite guard of the Byzantine military. Not only were they incredible fighters on the battlefield, but their disinterest in local politics and personal loyalty to the Emperor made them the best guards in Roman history.

Hippeus
Cavalrymen under Manuel I Komnenos emulated the fighting styles of the Latin Knights to keep up with the changing pace of the battlefield. A powerful charge with a couched lance with feet in their stirrups became the new deciding factor for victory among the Byzantines.

Skutatos
The old Skutatos armed with shield and kontarion were the staple of the Byzantine infantry force that stood the test of time. Their slow but steady advancing spearwall formed the anchor of any Byzantine field army.

Peltastes
The Peltastes were the agile complement to their Skutatoi counterparts. Armed lightly to tread quickly on the battlefield, they waited for the opportunity to find gaps in the enemy lines to deal a quick and devastating massacre.

Psilos
The Psiloi were the ranged infantry of the Byzantine army. They were armed with various ranged weapons from javelin to slings but their most common choice was the bow, iconic to the Greeks. They peppered the enemy with projectiles to screen their advancing allies.