Frequently Asked Questions
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What is DBA?

De Bellis Antiquitatis ("The Wars of Antiquity") or DBA is a set of fast-play rules for ancient and medieval wargaming using miniature figures. The rules are authored by Phil and Sue Barker and Richard Bodley Scott and published by the Wargames Research Group. A pre-publication or test set of rules, dubbed De Bellis Societatis Antiquorum was authored by Barker in 1989. The current edition (DBA 2.2) was released in January 2004.  (more info)

Where Can I Buy the Rules?

The DBA Version 2.2 rules have been republished by John Curry's History of Wargaming Project and are available for purchase as a bound soft cover print-on-demand from Lulu.Com.

A group of DBA tournament organizers from around the world joined together to modify and update DBA 2.2 with a set of line-edits, which is dubbed DBA 2.2+ and available as a free download.

The Barkers are currently engaged in developing DBA 3.0, which is expected to be released in 2013, to be followed later by an introductory book entitled "Start Ancients Wargaming", which will include a full set of the DBA 3.0 rules.  Playtest versions of 3.0 have been regularly posted to the DBA Yahoo Group files.

Fanaticus does not sell the DBA rules.

Questions About Getting Started in DBA

Start by browsing the DBA Tips and Guides section for essays on choosing your first DBA army, where to find figures, painting and basing, etc.  The DBA Mentors are also available to help answer questions.  Or contact Chris Brantley at IamFanaticus@gmail.com.

Questions About the Rules and Rules Interpretations

For questions involving interpretation of the rules, the best sources are currently the Fanaticus Rules Questions Forum (use the Search function), WADBAG's Unofficial Guide to DBA and  Bob Beattie's Commentaries on DBA 2.2.

Rules questions are welcome and can be submitted either in the Fanaticus Rules Questions forum or by email to Chris Brantley at IamFanaticus@gmail.com.

Questions About DBA Army Lists

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Last Updated: 12 March 2013
Questions, comments and input welcome.
Send them to Chris Brantley at IamFanaticus@gmail.com.