Numidians

 

The Numidians were a Berber people

In our period there were, seemingly, two big Numidian political units containing lots of little ones.  The sort of thing that often gets called tribal -but that term misses a lot.

During the Punic Wars the Numidian factions changed sides to secure their best possible advantage.  In the end they had to fight the Romans. As Roman opponents went, they did better than many. They ended up as a Roman province subsequently giving the Vandals a rough time.

Their great days were yet to come.  With the Empire and the Vandals gone they headed out west to no small effect. 

They were excellent light cavalry.  It is mainly in that capacity that we find them in the Punic Wars. 

These little fellows are my Numidians for Hannibal and the lads or Scipio and the boys.

It has always struck me that Scipio and Lucullus (an opponent of Mithridates) were essentially honest men as well as exceptionally talented generals.  They were not good at politics.   As you might expect neither of them prospered. 

We may come back to Lucullus and Mithridates.

Hannibal was a military colossus. Ponder that we only know about him from hostile accounts. Imagine what his fans wrote about him.  He made great use of his army's Numidian contingent.

Here are my Numidians. Click for a bigger pic.  Yes, it's working  again.

Essex 15mm Numidians.

Essex and Forged in Battle 15mm Numidian cavalry.

Forged in Battle Numidian cavalry.

Essex Numidian foot.

 

Next up the Spaniards.