And now for something a little different...
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The
Strategikon o Basileio is a work of the late 11th/early 12th century traditional ascribed to Roman Emperor Demetrios Megos. Its actual author is not known - some attribute it to known Roman general Isaakios Thrakesios, and others as a ghost-written work by Demetrios' son Nikolaios. What is known is that it provides a unique and detailed look at the Romanoi armies between the ascension of the Komnenids and the First Seljuq War. The work deals extensively not just with the proper usage of various units and peoples on the battlefield, but also gives us an idea on how the Romans recruited these troops and related to the peoples within their borders...
From
Strategikon o Basilieo (Strategies of an Emperor) - by Demetrios Komnenos
On Mercenaries
The Pecheneg is a wily fellow, hence their danger to the Empire before they were pacified. A good general will use this to his advantage - they are amazing foragers and grazers, and capable of immense feats of archery on horseback. Most come armed with bows and swords, protected by shirts of mail and small shields. They are an ideal counterweight to the Turks, Saracens, and others who rely on horse skirmishing to harass larger, slower enemies. With their keen sense and tracking abilities, they make formidable scouts as well. A wise ruler will grant the Pechenegs great freedom in their homeland, in return for their annual tribute, the safety of Roman citizens, and their unfettered military service.
The people's of the Vardar Valley are among the most formidable warriors known. Much as the Isaurians bolstered the army of Heraklios, the Vardaratoi immensely strengthen our own. Equipped with spear, sword, shield and bow, they are flexible, capable of serving as skirmishers or line cavalry at the generals discretion. Good emperors will maintain a special relation with these people - because they lie outside the normal political arena of Konstantinopolis, their loyalty is as good as their pay. Such emperors will also make sure they stay well paid.
A Norman "milites" mounted, and a Frankish swordsman
The Latinikoi are barbarous, rough-hewn, and irreverant. The show respect for neither the true temporal or the true spiritual leaders of Christ, and are prone to cause all sorts of mayhem and mischief. However, on the battlefield, their ferocity and tenacity once enough pay or spiritual rewards are shown to them is unmatched. The Norman cavalry in particular are useful instruments - with their tactic of charging with lances under arm, when unleashed at the proper moment they are the most devastating unit in war. A good general will keep in mind, however, that the Normans are prone to engage without orders, are haughty and jealous of their pride. Use these attributes to your advantage. The Franks do not field as good of cavalry as the Normans, but their infantry stand powerful and strong. Clad in mail, they often serve as better swordsmen than our own troops, yet their ill disciplined behavior often makes them more of a headache than an asset. Use them only to bolster your ranks as a last resort.
The Varangoi have long formed a heavy core of the Imperial armies, and a wise emperor will keep these Danes, Swedes, and Saxons well paid and close at hand. Like the Vardaratoi they stand outside of Imperial politics, and thus also prove useful as bodyguards and reserve units. Their two handed axes can cleave horses and men alike, and generals who wish to win will keep them as a reserve. Let the enemy break on the walls of your spears, and as they falter, send in the Varangoi, who will sow fear and dread in their ranks, and cut bloody lanes for your cavalry to use.
The term 'Skythikon' is a misnomer, for these are not the Scythians of Darius' fame, but the peoples of the steppe north of the Black Sea. They are many and varied, and each has their own unique traits, needs, and skills. The Avars, the Cumans, even the Bolgars count amongst this group. They are all primarily lightly armed and armored horse-archers, who's ally is speed and suprise. Use them to scout and harass the enemy, either holding a foe at a distance or pulling them in for an ambush.
A Turcopole horseman, and a Saracen spearman
A final potential source for mercenaries - the Saracens themselves. Turcopole cavalry can give many a ruler a good counterbalance to the Turkish horse, and often they will work for little pay. Saracen spear infantry is often lightly armored but remarkably resilient in battle. A reminder - these troops often are followers of Mahomet, and will become rebellious if not allowed to conduct their daily rituals. However, if a commander lets them pray towards Mekkah, and allows them to practice their faith, they will grant him their confidence and trust, and prove most reliable.