Ancient Naval Actium Wargame

This week on Little Wars TV, the guys return to KZbin with colorful fleets of 1/1200 miniature ships to refight the most decisive naval battle of antiquity--the Battle of Actium. It's 31 BC and the Roman Republic stands at a crossroads with Octavian and Antony waging a civil war for control of the Mediterranean. Antony and Cleopatra have amassed a formidable fleet along the coast of Greece for an invasion of Italy. But Octavian and Agrippa assemble a fleet of their own to contest the crossing and bottle up their opponents in the Ambracian Gulf. Can Antony and Cleopatra break out of the blockade?
To play this wargame, we're fielding 1/1200 Langton miniatures. In an upcoming video we'll show you how to paint these tiny ships. The rules in today's game are a modification of Warlord Games' "Hail Caesar" system adapted by Mark Backhouse. He calls the naval version "Hail Agrippa" and you can download Mark's changes from WSS Magazine at this link for free:
www.karwansara...
If you would like a free quick reference sheet and a copy of our Actium scenario, you can go to the Free Stuff section of Little Wars TV! We have our custom QRS and the scenario available as free PDFs for you and your friends to try at home. You can also listen to our podcast conversation with Mark Backhouse for free on Little Wars FM:
/ 106966781
Do you want MORE Hail Agrippa action? Then check out the latest issue of WSS Magazine, which features a sprawling 6-part mini campaign for the Philippi Campaign fought between Caesar and Pompey. Mark Backhouse and Greg of Little Wars TV collaborated to assemble this series of linked historical scenarios. Go check it out at Wargames, Soldiers, and Strategy magazine.
www.karwansara...
Finally, a huge "thank you" to Dr. Adrian Goldsworthy for joining us on Little Wars TV. Read all about the Battle of Actium and the campaign surrounding it in his book, "Antony and Cleopatra!" We're leaving a link below and it's NOT an affiliate link. Just a good book and military history lover will enjoy.
www.amazon.com...

[@emielpeper9248]

What I love and adore about this channel is that the wargames are always set against the historical context. It never feels like "look at the fun little soldiers" but as a true exploration of history.

[@anathardayaldar]

I love their summarizing that keeps the tabletop battle to only a few minutes. Instead of other channel's "battle reports" that spend an hour showing every excruciating piece move and dice roll.

[@Roberthomas]

It’s my favorite part as well! Although I have a soft spot for the one game of Star Wars: Legion they did.

[@LittleWarsTV]

Haha we have a soft spot for that one too. It was so fun. One of our least viewed episodes!

[@LittleWarsTV]

Thank you! We take our military history seriously around here!

[@ScottB1775]

Glad Little Wars TV is back. Can't wait to see what battles will be tackeld in this new age.

[@swedichboy1000]

Would´ve been cool to have a Roman civil war campaign with Patron supporters as generals, in a similar vein to the Epirus Campaign.

[@LittleWarsTV]

Hmmmmm that’s an interesting idea…

[@christiankoppang8296]

@@LittleWarsTVyes Please! Dream roles: Miles- Cicero Chal- Antony Tony- Decimus Brutus Greg- Octavian Josh- Agrippa Dave- Cassius Tom- Brutus

[@cjhuntsinger2277]

Boys please never take such a long hiatus again. It’s been too long and u guys single-handedly push the hobby into the mainstream. Many other channels are great but yours is the best and closer to my heart the first. I’ve had the great pleasure of meaning many of you at hmgs events in PA. I can’t wait to get home just in time for fall in

[@Eruidraith]

Really excited for more Little Wars!!! Best channel on the platform. Alas for the poor treasure ships caught inches from freedom! What a way to go

[@LittleWarsTV]

Truly! Zach was a single move away from escaping with the treasure.

[@Eruidraith]

@@LittleWarsTV gold may be the “sinews of war” but it sure seems to balance on the back of the tiniest chances!

[@darthredbeard2421]

Really love the Rome Total War music being used. Adds to the feel of an ancient battle. One account I can really picture of a Naval Commander using a rowboat to go from one ship to another was the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812 where Oliver Hazard Perry abandoned the USS Lawrence and transferred his flag to the USS Niagara to continue the fight.

[@j.b.macadam6516]

My Girlfriend just finished a book on Cleopatra, and I was able to convince her to watch your video! We both enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@mikebevibevi]

Hearing this context from the good Doctor is the greatest thing ive experienced in a wargaming video. Your club is awesome!!

[@hdgdgdirntdhrvgt3018]

So glad your back

[@Jake-mz7cw]

I really like the amount of detail you went into in this one. Definitely gave a feel for how the game played as a game

[@davidcollins2648]

Using stills from the Caesar series matches perfectly the images most of us have. The eyeliner is forgiven.

[@codysing1223]

Emperor Aurelien vs Tetricus! One of, if not the largest Roman on Roman battle recorded. It would be fascinating to see something similar done.

[@Anvilarm07]

They're ba - ack! Great batrep and lots of interesting history. I like the pre-game strategic decisions, and the rules sound very cool. And the miniatures look wonderful. Well done.

[@jamesdilworth7109]

Genuinely very excited by this, and having Dr Goldsworthy on the channel, who has written some of the best books on the Hellenistic and Republican Roman period

[@kyleashley]

i have some Adrian Goldsworthy audio books, very re listenable and evocative bringing history to life, great to see him here.

[@currybr]

Very fun episode. Losing their treasury must be a real pain in the asp for Antony and Cleopatra.

[@Shenaldrac]

I think my favorite part of ancient naval battles, in history and in terms of tabletop playability, is that the ships are small enough and their draft shallow enough that fights can happen close enough to shore for terrain to matter.

[@SusCalvin]

Even people who are good at navigating prefer to hug the coast. Going out to open sea is a bit scary.

[@gringofett3944]

Excellent game. Great video.

[@generalsmite7167]

I had the pleasure to play this game at historicon it was a great experience. I was not as found of the rule set as not being able to play from command roles can be un fun but it does add a realistic flavor

[@stuartsimpson3696]

absolutely brilliant episode, I have never thought about ancient warfare or naval combat. Am very intrigued. thanks guys

[@LittleWarsTV]

We’ve played a number of rules over the years and Mark’s Hail Caesar mod is brilliant. Really gives a fun game

[@Mandowinger]

It's great to see you all back in the saddle with videos. The game looked great, and the narration was superb. Thanks for doing what you do to grow the hobby.

[@LittleWarsTV]

Thanks for saying thanks!

[@afetbinttuzani]

Another great battle. Glad to have you folks back at the table. Love the Cleopatra eye make-up! 🙂

[@The1JHorton]

It was fun to hear the Rome: Total War music in the background around 24 minutes in.

[@yaitz3313]

The one criticism I have is the sound quality. There's a lot of static in the battle scenes.

[@andrewtodd5919]

Great game and glad the fellas are back. Was rooting for Chalgrippa and OctDAVian lol. Zack attack almost pulled it off. Remember though you can't have Antony without TONY lol

[@jonahchristensen5050]

Glad for you guys to be back! Eager to spend every evening watching you guys play war games!

[@ExLibrisbyMikeBooklover]

Great video! Love the historical context! Leaving on the modern day town on the gulf entrance where the battle took place this video was of particular interest to me!

[@mattmuller3756]

Your doctor at the outset is very good. Gonna get one of his books may start with the one advertised. The attached history makes your videos great. Very much enjoy these thanks for posting.

[@ericfarrington366]

Nice work. I am glad you are back, and always enjoy a good naval battle.

[@Jbreuhan2]

Amazing. So interesting. So much to learn! As always, the best battle reports on the internet!

[@coffie1852]

Love that you have adrian on, his rome series on yt is very good

[@mraschlewin8034]

The more I learn about Cleopatra and Antony, the more I think Antony was an idiot, and by extension Cleopatra was an idiot for trusting that he knew what he was doing. I read that in their time in Egypt waiting to face down Octavian, Cleopatra was considering leaving for some of her relatives in the east to both put some distance from Romes area of influence, get some familial financial support, as well as recruit from areas that still had recruits worthy of the effort. And apparently she stuck around because Antony was so certain he could fend off Octavian easily when he arrived in Egypt, and he refused to come with because he was so certain of his victory. And then the army he was so certain would fend off or even defeat Octavian essentially disintegrated.

[@janm.johansen9806]

I don't think he was. Quite the contrary. Give Jeffrey Tatum's 'A Noble Ruin' a read. it's nuanced and very, very good.

[@MrChelomo]

The History of Rome podcast has a more balanced take which puts Antony and Cleopatra's decisions in the political context at the time.

[@mjinoz1677]

Great stuff as always! Fascinating to see how it played out and how well the rules adaptation worked.

[@boatboy8617]

Loved this guys, more boats please!

[@andyshaw5378]

Great video guys. Awesome history and liked the rules. Plus Intrigued by the band T shirt I am now listening to the sword 🤘🏻

[@Max-dx1dw]

So good that you guys are back

[@LittleWarsTV]

Thanks Max! Happy to be back to tabletop!

[@GojoGunning]

Very happy to see you guys back. Please, please please keep uploading. Love your guys’ content

[@bobm203]

Gents…great looking game. Many thanks for doing the video, very enjoyable…as usual.

[@duanebrady8446]

Really glad you guys are back

[@joshuataylor7213]

This seems like a really dynamic and fun system. As much as i enjoy a good competitive game where skill and cunning are 90% likely to win the day, im more for dice driven results (not to say generalship doesn't matter here) for the majority of my casual, at-home games these days. Thanks for the free rules!

[@lawrence142002]

I have been looking forward to the next wargame for so long! So glad to see you guys back!

[@kaliforniapark]

Glad to see you're back 🎉

[@karelmucha4277]

I missed naval wargames i Hope there would be more of those

[@JRufu]

So glad you're back guys.

[@TheEchoscapes]

Great timing! I've been learning about actium this week and thinking about how I would play ot out on the table

[@williamtanner2166]

Glad to see you guys back at it!

[@mattmuller3756]

Awesome choice and a nice fight. One thing to consider doubt the Ceasarian side knew that Anthony and the Egyptians were gonna attempt to escape and sacrifice there army and navy in order to do so. Sort of changes how both sides fight this scenario. Very neat to see it though.

[@wolfcommando8467]

Glad you guys are finally back!

[@duffymakowski5400]

Nice video! Welcome back!👍 Did someone ask if orks were driving? PROPPA!😛🍻

[@Maryland2]

So awesome, what a great morning!

[@board-qu9iu]

Your back!!! Nice game you got 🎉 I hope next time you do some wargames about Latin America or the US Civil War

[@Kamjitus]

LOVE THE SWORD SHIRT \m/

[@amtmannb.4627]

Actium is very challenging battle for the player of Marc Antony if we take everything in account. It would be even more interesting if he could win it in one way or another if Cleopatra is not leaving the battlefield with her ships. Following the historical events it is very obvious which is Marc Antony's plan to escape the outcome of the fighting with his queen... Nice to see you gaming the battle. I'm not a friend of rolling so many dice, but I see the benefit of it for these rules. Great video!

[@edwilson5727]

Great to see you chaps back, and to see Dr Goldsworthy again.. never forgetting he was an analyst on 'Time Commanders'!

[@LittleWarsTV]

That was such a fun show. Too bad it was so short lived!

[@michaelstein7510]

I believe he was also featured in the History Channel series “Decisive Battles” back in 2004 that used Rome Total War to showcase ancient battles. Loved that show.

[@edwilson5727]

@@michaelstein7510 i may have to have a look for that too! i know they were also in the more recent 2016 series of TC which is very hard to find as BBC seem to have hidden it away in their vaults!!

[@simonkevnorris]

Don't forget that Richard Hammond (Top Gear) was the host at one stage. He brought enthusiasm.

[@jeffnorris3913]

So glad you guys are back

[@hamsteronthepaintingtable6465]

Great and love the background story too 😄

[@jordancrump7518]

Excellent video as always! I was playing Rome: TW (House Julii ftw) when I pressed play on this video. I was really confused at first when I started hearing the game soundtrack because I had my PC muted so I could watch/listen to this video on another device😂

[@MateusVIII]

The Rome Total War soundtrack in the background is nostalgic

[@LittleWarsTV]

Probably the best soundtrack in the entire series. Medieval 2 was pretty iconic.

[@sirguy6678]

Awesome video!

[@EricVulgaris]

great battle, great history, and great taste in bands.

[@markmatzeder6208]

Excellent battle. Looked fun.

[@shin0bili]

Gotta love that RTW music

[@hanskloss7930]

Good to see you back! Another greay video, I have only one gripe, there is a lot of audio noise during the gameplay scenes I hope it will get better in newer videos.

[@danielh2945]

TWO LANTERNS ARE LIT, LITTLE WARS TV RETURNS BY THE SEA

[@killdozer7530]

Does anyone else think it's fitting that Octavian blundered and Agrippa immediately moved to save him?

[@TheTurtleinariver]

Got Dr. Goldsworthy back on the show! Love to see it! Huge fan of his.

[@michalkosciak6907]

I couldn't wait for you to come back :D can't wait for another film

[@andrewrodgers2180]

By Caesar's ghost that was an awesome episode. Very interesting, I got a little better understanding and feel for this epic battle. I could literally smell the blood and salt in the air. Always a treat to see and hear DR Goldsworthy, I could listen to him for hours. Also I was shocked to see a Roman commander wearing a pro Hannibal shirt, but I am interested in purchasing one. Wondering where you got it from ? Well keep up the excellent work gentlemen and keep rolling 6's.

[@GavinTheFifer]

I need a Roman Civil War Campaign from you guys like the Epirus one, that would be great. A lot to choose from: you could do Caesar vs Pompey, the 2nd Triumvirate vs Caesar’s Assassins, or Antony vs Octavian

[@sambutler429]

so glad you are back!!

[@zombiehampster1397]

Yes! Welcome back. My inner-strategy-child is happy. Seeing the clips/images from Rome just reminds me of 1) How much I loved that series and 2) how much I wished that series had a bigger budget to show that battle... Great battle, glad to see Antony and Cleopatra get away.

[@LittleWarsTV]

We have a big Rome HBO analysis coming soon. Love that show!

[@zombiehampster1397]

@@LittleWarsTV Looking forward to that.

[@haroldmorgan7381]

LEPANTO - Another LARGE FLEET GALLEY BATTLE with about 100 gallies per side would do well with this Battle-System of a unit of ships representing lots-of-ships (in a single stand of ships) ! :-)

[@chrisrobinson196]

I had the pleasure of playing this game at Historicon with Greg. Both sides made the same pre-game decisions, I was Marc Antony but Cleo and I decided to take a more Roman approach than history and fight it out while trying to slip Cleopatra away - very similar to what Zach was doing but our main battle was further to the west (Zach's right). I got pummeled for my efforts, but it looked like Cleopatra might have had an easier flight away when we timed out (the player with her fleets had the same problem with activations). The VP outcome was about the same as here, not good for me. Great fun though, and great players at the convention and fun to play and meet with Greg. Lovely little ships too!

[@LittleWarsTV]

You guys definitely had a much clearer shot to get Cleopatras entire division-with the treasure-off table. And that would likely have won you the game with a decent die roll for the treasure VP value!

[@princeofmoskova]

I still have a "thing" for Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra ....

[@starhalv2427]

I don't know if comments are considered, but I'd love a recreation of the battle of Alesia by LittleWarsTV, as it could have a very interesting dynamic on the board

[@LittleWarsTV]

We read every comment. You will be pleased to know some of us have a keen, keen interest in gaming this battle.

[@starhalv2427]

@@LittleWarsTV I'm very happy. Also, I accidentally left this comment twice, I don't know how it's probably a bug.

[@EmporerRoman]

Great Video!

[@rileyosteen6470]

Good use of Rome: Total War music! I wish you explained a bit more of the scenario proper, for those less familiar with scenario. How the Antonian forces ended up with the loads of treasure they’re escorting away, and such. Great stuff regardless!

[@anathardayaldar]

Shakespear's Anthony has rizz. Me: Yeah that's cool , I guess. Real Life Anthony is all posturing but is incompetent. Me: MY SPIRIT ANIMAL! I wonder if he had imposter syndrome.

[@michaelstein7510]

He seems to have been a good subordinate commander under Caesar, but not a great campaign strategist. He also had a disastrous campaign against the Parthians. He and Cleopatra probably would have been better off hunkering down in the East instead of engaging Octavian’s forces in Greece.

[@bandit5272]

This is the content I'm here for

[@arimarismacon]

They're back!!!

[@user-mc4sq3fk5d]

I am glad you mentioned a future video on prep-painting, building etc the miniatures. If you could add this in with game play that would be most beneficial. Given the upcoming big 210th anniversaries of War of 1812 battles around DC, Baltimore, and New Orleans do you have plans to cover that period? Thanks.

[@artnickles5095]

I thought Cleopatra was less....well...bearded.

[@JakeShadowCitizen]

Can't believe I missed this. Oh and war of 1812, liberate Canada, eh?

[@bigsarge2085]

So fun!

[@cetx]

It's always puzzled me how involved Cleopatra VII was with the battles that ended up signaling the fall of Egypt. She'd have been much more valuable maintaining morale and cohesion within Egypt, and letting Antony plan the battles. Then again, as Dr. Goldworthy points out, Antony wasn't really the right guy for the job anyway, so maybe it was doomed either way.

[@Aeonicentity]

Classic strong woman syndrome. Gotta micromanage the men.

[@MrEmiosk]

It was mostly Aggripa's genius of naval strategy that allowed such an easy victory. The egyptian navy power was strong, and powerful, as was Anthony's army. The problem was that they weren't able to counter Aggripa's convoy raids as cherry picked supply postings (defensive resupply depots and minor fortifications) that slowly wittled Anthony's ability to supply his men. I would go so far as to say no one was more than conventionally competent, with Anthony being bellow par. But without Agrippa's efforts in directing his fleets (one which was very outnumbered before this battle as they lost the mojority of the fleet to a storm) , there would not have been a second successful landing in Greece.

[@Krauser008]

The Sword rocks!

[@zachhershberger7145]

They sure do

[@haroldmorgan7381]

HOW TO MAKE FIRE COTTON - After seeing the columns of Black Smoke with red paint on the bottom to represent FIRE I remembered HOW TO MAKE FIRE COTTON pieces with YELLOW, ORANGE, and RED yarn - cut short pieces of EACH COLOR then tear into FIBERS then COMBINE (twisting, pulling) the 3 colors of these FIBERS into NEW Rough Strands of FIRE COTTON BALLS ! They looks Really Nice on SHIPS, TANKS, BUILDINGS on the tabletop - some of the guys around here (K.C. Mo.) actually SELL PIECES of IT at local conventions for those that don't want to make their own ( the time involved ) ! Try it ? :-)

[@kelvinrussell2734]

Love little wars it's better than the rest of them i would love to see you guys do Gettysburg again with a different twist have the union launch a counter attack after Pickets charge to see if the union could really have defeated Lee for good on that day hope little was T.V sees this

[@LittleWarsTV]

One of the greatest “what ifs” of the war. Meade was widely criticized for not doing so, though most historians agree he was prudent not to do so. The Army of the Potomac was itself badly bloodied and missing several corps commanders by July 4. Would be a wonderful scenario

[@Arpitan_Carpenter]

magnificent!!

[@LiscenedColonial]

You know... It would be funny if you guys played dungeons and dragons I mean you have all the terrian and a bunch of Viking minis, you just need like mythical creatures. Love the channel its come so far, I think I have been watching sense the D-Day episode, its been a fantastic journey. I hope to meet you guys at a convention one day, keep it up!

[@LittleWarsTV]

…we do play DnD in the club. Just not on the channel!

[@rawpotatofella9654]

Eye makeup that would put JD Vance to shame.

[@ShinTzaddi]

The Undead look

[@JeffDavies-i8q]

Missed Richard Burton, Liz Taylor and Roddy McDowall! More seriously though has Actium ever been featured in any film other than Cleopatra?

[@jirivymlatil3962]

Was it a music from Rome total war I heard?

[@jedidls]

Have y'all ever considered doing a wargame of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry? I'd love to see y'alls take on it.

[@Desertfoxrommel41]

Rome Total War is 20 years old now. Heck, I'm playing a "remastered" version now. Time be flying!

[@cullen9119]

Ever think of shrimp, or a plate of shrimp, and someone says something about "A plate of shrimp?" It's the great universal unconscience. But really, I was thinking about the Battle of Actium today, searched Little Wars TV, and behold--this very day, there this was. Don't drive, though. Driving makes you stupid.

[@JohnStrain-eu6eu]

Done right: voice overs, explanation rules, screen shots. Need improvent, turns of game time, ie how many left, what ends the battle. What is destroyed ie sunk, units/ships. Details on victory cond, not just "its x points". Overall gg, and velcome back.

[@littlejimmyyouman7201]

The Sword!

[@LG-rg4ut]

@LW TV- you should include a short section on alternative rulesets. Just 1-2 that would work.

[@LittleWarsTV]

An excellent suggestion. We will try to add in something like this moving forward

[@nicholaswalsh4462]

I'd have gone for the extra Victory Points.