King & Country
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KING & COUNTRY DISPATCHES
April 2025
April 2025
Hi Guys,
Can’t quite believe we’re already going into the 4th month of 2025!!! How time flies when you’re enjoying yourself and having fun at the same time.
This month is a relatively modest one with no vehicles and no aircraft models BUT some very interesting and unusual subject matter and unique figures to go with them.
Now, read on…
1. BEING RELEASED IN APRIL…
Might and Murder in Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome was an epic civilisation that began with the city’s founding in the 8th Century B.C. and lasted until its final collapse during the 5th Century A.D.
During these years it grew and expanded controlling its neighbours with a combination of treaties and brute, military power.
After subjugating the entire Italian peninsula it then became the premier power in and around the Mediterranean region and large parts of Europe.
At its height it also controlled the North African coast, Egypt, the Balkans, Crimea and much of, what we now call the Middle East.
This Roman Empire covered almost 2 million square miles with an estimated 60-90 million subjects of all races and religions, approximately 20% of the world’s population at that time.
During these years the Roman state evolved from an elective monarchy to a classical republic and finally into an increasingly autocratic military dictatorship ruled over by a long succession of Emperors, Generals and Senators whose various reputations went from ‘wise, good and honest’ all the way to ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’ and virtually all points in between!
Here are a few welcome additions to our Ancient Roman series…
ROM080 ‘General Marcus Agrippa’
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (63BC-12BC) was a Roman General, statesman and architect who was a close friend and son-in-law to the Emperor Augustus, Agrippa gained fame and laurels for his major military victories, notably the Battle of Actium in 31BC when he defeated the combined armies of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
In addition to his military victories he was also responsible for the construction of many notable buildings in Rome including the original ‘Pantheon’. Our K&C figure shows him mounted in full ceremonial armour and wearing the blue cape of a Roman admiral in honour of his great naval victory.
ROM082 ‘The New Roman Legionaries’ (2 fig. Set)
As most collectors know you can never have too many marching soldiers and these two Roman Legionaries are no exception. Perfect in multiples for a ‘Roman Triumph.’
ROM083 ‘The Death of Caesar’ (4 fig. Set)
Ancient Rome’s most famous politician and personality Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of rebellious senators on the ‘Ides of March’ (March 15, 44B.C.)
Lured to a meeting of the Senate by a group of Senators, he was stabbed no less than 23 times before dying.
Among the principal conspirators (and assassins) of Caesar were Marcus Brutus, Gaius Cassius and Decimus Albinus. All three are part of this set.
The three conspirators can bee seen surrounding the stricken Caesar as they plunge their daggers once more into the helpless victim.
As can be seen in some of our photos showing this 4-figure set, K&C’s ancient Roman Triumphal Arch (SP117) provides a perfect backdrop.
ROM084 ‘The Marching Optios’ (Set of 2)
In the Roman Legions an ‘Optio’ held a rank in each ‘Century’ similar to that of an Executive Officer. The main function of these soldiers in battle was to be stationed at the rear of the ranks and keep the troops in order.
Among their other duties were to enforce the orders of the Centurion and / or take over command of the Century in battle should the need arise plus other administrative duties while in camp or on the march.
As an interesting side note, Optio pay was double the standard Legionary payment. Optios were also the most likely candidates to be promoted to ‘Centurion’ if that appointment became vacant.
AVAILABLE: Early April
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