Towards a Later Achaemenid Persian Army- Part 1

 

There comes a time in a man’s life when he looks to his Achaemenids. I was disappointed when I saw mine.  A mixture of old and newish, finished and unfinished.  It was a semi derelict project in desperate need of renovation.  Something had to be done, so I did it.

Where better to start than the essential Greek Hoplites.  The newest and the best of mine are from Forged in Battle. 

They came my way via a splendid ebay bargain.  They are a joy to paint.

Next, a mixture. Some Essex Hoplites with added QRF aspis shields.  The Essex ones come with a cast on non hoplon shield, no rim. So I cut off the originals. The clue’s in the name lads.

Gladiator Hoplites above and below as well.  Nice figures and correct shields.  The spear is way too short though. 

Back in the day the Gladiator Hoplites were,in my opinion, the best of what was available.  There is a Minfig officer in the next pic'.

There are enough of the above to provide a heavy infantry core for a Later Achaemenid Persian Army for use with Simon MacDowell's Civitates Bellantes (A sort of Classical Comitatus) or Piquet’s Pulse of Battle.

Of course, we would betray the spirit of the thing if we missed out on the four horsed scythed chariots. First QRF’s version, a good one I think.

 

I’ve had to use bigger bases to prevent the scythes getting knocked off. Of course my scythed chariots will also see service with Mithridates Scourge of the Romans.

 

Above and below one from Essex.  

Pleasantly, I found that most of my Persian cavalry were done and based needing only a tuft or two to cheer them up.  That may seem an odd thing to write.  Dear Reader, this project began 30 years ago.  We will see them all shortly.  

In other news I've finally learned to use my pin vise drill without snapping the bit.  As a result some very nice Xyston Satrapal cavalry are having their moment on the painting table.