About the Society

The Society of Ancients is a long-established international amateur society for the promotion of the study of ancient and medieval military history and wargaming the period 3000 BC to 1500 AD. It is run by volunteers for the benefit of its worldwide membership.

The Society publishes a bi-monthly journal, Slingshot, containing a wide range of items related to Ancient and Medieval military history and wargaming contributed by Society members.  It organises various events, including an annual games day and members' conference, and runs a wargames championship.  The Society also publishes a number of games and booklets which are available from our web store.

Watch an introductory video here:     

Membership is open to all, and lasts for 6 issues of Slingshot.


SOCIETY OF ANCIENTS BATTLEDAY 2024 – ILIPA, 206 BC.

“When Hasdrubal, who was aroused by the shouts of the horsemen, sprang out of his tent and saw the uproar outside his earthwork and the excitement among his men, and in the distance the gleaming standards of the legions and the plain filled with the enemy, he forthwith sent out all his cavalry against the horsemen. As for himself, he marched out of the camp with the infantry column, and in drawing up his line made no change from the customary order…”

Livy, 28.14

The SOA 2024 Battle Day will recreate the Battle of Ilipa and will be held on Sunday 24th March. We have 12 games planned, using a total of 10 different rules sets, and five different figure scales. There are plenty of spots available for people to turn up on the day and join in; no booking is necessary.

Location. Hermitage Village Hall, Pinewood Crescent, Hermitage, Thatcham RG18 9WL. There is ample parking on site.

Outline of The Day:

  • 8am - Hall open for set up.
  • 9am - Introductory talk by Simon MacDowall.
  • 10am - Games begin.
  • 4pm - Concluding session, including look forwards to next year.
  • 5pm - Battle Day ends.

Refreshments. Tea and coffee will be provided, but there is no café or shop on site, so please come with your packed lunches in hand.

Cost. The cost of the Battle Day will be £10 per person for all attendees. Payment will be collected on the day (cash only) so please come prepared; there are no cash machines within walking distance!

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The Society needs you!

The Society of Ancients is a volunteer organisation, and relies on its members.  It's very easy to join -– just click on the button below, or for more details, go to the join page, add a membership to your cart and check out using Paypal.  You can alternatively download a postal membership form.  Membership costs £36 for 6 issues of Slingshot (normally a year), plus access to the forum.

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