The Siege of Jerusalem (Third Edition) (1989) Board Game

The Siege of Jerusalem (Third Edition) is a wargame that was first released in in 1989. Designed by Charles Kibler, George I. Parrish, Jr., and Steve Weiss, the game focuses on the historical event of the siege of Jerusalem during ancient times. Players take on the roles of the defending Jewish forces or the invading Roman legions in a strategic battle for control of the city.

Game Components of The Siege of Jerusalem

A four-piece 29″ x 45″ cardboard hex grid map of the walled city

800 die-cut counters representing infantry, archers, cavalry, ladders, siege engines, towers, ramps, wall damage, and wall breaches

Rulebook

Five scenario books: Rebellion, Assault on the Temple, Assault of Gallus, Night Attack, and Full Siege

Loss & Replacement Record

Time Record

Terrain Effects Chart

Conference Map

Errata Sheet

Two sets of charts

How To Setup The Siege of Jerusalem

Setting up the game involves placing the four-piece map of the walled city, organizing the counters according to the specific scenario chosen, and distributing the various records and charts. Players must ensure all components are correctly positioned and that the rules and scenario books are readily available. The setup process can be complex due to the extensive number of components, requiring careful attention to detail.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Hex grid movement

Counter-based combat

Siege mechanics (ladders, siege engines, wall breaches)

Time management (five-phase limit for the Roman player)

Game Objective

The Roman player’s main objective is to capture the Temple within a five-phase time limit.

The Jewish player aims to defend the city and delay the Roman capture as long as possible.

Player Experience

The Siege of Jerusalem is designed for experienced players with a strong interest in ancient warfare and siege tactics. The game is known for its complexity, detailed mechanics, and lengthy gameplay, which can span 40-80 hours. Players take on the roles of centurion or legate, managing extensive operations that include assaults, defenses, and strategic time management.

Pros

Highly detailed and realistic simulation of ancient siege warfare

Multiple scenarios offering varied gameplay experiences

Award-winning game (Charles S. Roberts Award for Best Pre-World War II Board Game of 1989)

Suitable for team play and moderately suited for solitaire play

Cons

Complex rules that can be challenging to learn

Extremely long gameplay duration

Requires significant space and time commitment

Not recommended for beginners

Personal Thoughts on The Siege of Jerusalem

The Siege of Jerusalem is a masterpiece for wargaming enthusiasts, particularly those fascinated by ancient warfare. It is ideal for players who appreciate the tactical and technical aspects of sieges and have the patience and space to dedicate to a lengthy, complex game. However, it is not suited for casual gamers or those looking for a quick gameplay experience. As Charles Vasey noted, you need a spare room with a big table and a strong interest in the subject matter to fully enjoy this game.

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