- Joined
- Feb 2, 2011
- Messages
- 2,305
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF GREECE AND MACEDONIA
THE ACHAEMENID PERSIAN ARMY
PERSIAN HEAVY CAVALRY
The Achaemenid Empire c. 550–330 BC, also called the First Persian Empire, was an ancient Iranian empire based in Western Asia founded by Cyrus the Great. Ranging at its greatest extent from the Balkans in the west to the Indus Valley in the east, it was larger than any previous empire in history, spanning 5.5 (or 8) million square kilometers. Incorporating various peoples of different origins and faiths, it is notable for its successful model of a centralized, bureaucratic administration (through satraps under the King of Kings), for building infrastructure such as road systems and a postal system, the use of an official language across its territories, and the development of civil services and a large professional army. The empire's successes inspired similar systems in later empires.
The Achaemenid Empire encompassed a vast and diverse range of territories, from Anatolia and Egypt to the Indus Valley. This diversity was reflected in its cavalry, which included units from various ethnic groups such as Medes, Persians, Bactrians, Scythians, and Sakas.
Each group brought its own unique style of cavalry warfare, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Achaemenid cavalry.
CYRUS THE YOUNGERS’ BODYGUARD
Based on Xenophon’s descriptions of Cyrus’ bodyguard at the Battle of Kounaxa in 401BC, they are described as having a cuirass under the red tunic, and a bronze helmet. The general appearance of recent illustrations are inspired by a relief in Turkey, which shows a Persian cavalryman with a crested pilos helmet fighting a Greek Hoplite.
Another part of the relief shows bronze horse’s head-armour, and horse’s breast armour of embossed bronze or leather.
It has also been described that the guard wore matching thigh and leg guards.
AP-60
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF GREECE AND MACEDONIA,
THE ACHAEMENID PERSIAN EMPIRE,
PERSIAN HEAVY CAVALRY,
CYRUS THE YOUNGERS’ BODYGUARD.
CRETAN ARCHERS
Cretan archers were a well known class of warrior whose specialist skills were extensively utilized by many ancient armies. They were especially valued in armies such as those of the Greek city states, notably Athens, Sparta and later Macedonia, as well as Rome as these armies could not draw upon substantial numbers of skilled archers from their native populations.
Cretan archers carried a composite bow, which consisted of a wooden core with laminated layers of sinew and horn. These bows while difficult to string and use, they gave the professional Cretan archers greater range over the simple wooden bows of the citizen levies of other armies.
Cretan archers were widely recognized as being amongst the best light missile troops in the ancient world, and as such found employment as mercenaries in many armies, including the armies of Alexander the Great.
Eurybotas was the toxarch, meaning the captain of the archers employed by Alexander.
During the retreat of the ten thousand following the Battle of Cunexa in 401 BC, Xenophon’s hoplites were able to hold off pursuing Persian troops, with the aid of the Cretan archers who formed part of the Greek mercenary army.
On this occasion the Cretans, cut off from supplies, were able to gather and reuse the spent Persian arrows while seizing bowstrings from local peasantry.
Following the conquest of Macedonia and the independent Greek city-states, Cretan archers served as auxiliaries in the Roman army, as reformed by Gaius Marius under the Republic, and later that of the Empire.
They were armed with secondary weapons for use at close quarters, included a sword and small round shields. This undoubtedly gave the Cretan warriors a huge advantage in skirmishing with other light troops.
Crete remained part of the Byzantine Empire until seized by Venice in the aftermath of the Fourth Crusade. During much of this period the island was a Theme (military province), providing both archers and sailors for the Byzantine forces.
In 1452 Venice granted specific permission for Byzantium to resume recruitment of Cretans. One of the last occasions on which Cretan archers are known to have played a significant role was as part of the garrison defending Constantinople against the Turkish army of Mehmet II in May 1453.
CRET-01A
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF ANCIENT GREECE AND MACEDONIA,
CRETAN ARCHERS
CRET-01AN
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF ANCIENT GREECE AND MACEDONIA,
CRETAN ARCHERS
CRET-01B
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF ANCIENT GREECE AND MACEDONIA,
CRETAN ARCHERS
CRET-01BN
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF ANCIENT GREECE AND MACEDONIA,
CRETAN ARCHERS
**PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER TO PLACE YOUR PRE-ORDERS**
THE ACHAEMENID PERSIAN ARMY
PERSIAN HEAVY CAVALRY
The Achaemenid Empire c. 550–330 BC, also called the First Persian Empire, was an ancient Iranian empire based in Western Asia founded by Cyrus the Great. Ranging at its greatest extent from the Balkans in the west to the Indus Valley in the east, it was larger than any previous empire in history, spanning 5.5 (or 8) million square kilometers. Incorporating various peoples of different origins and faiths, it is notable for its successful model of a centralized, bureaucratic administration (through satraps under the King of Kings), for building infrastructure such as road systems and a postal system, the use of an official language across its territories, and the development of civil services and a large professional army. The empire's successes inspired similar systems in later empires.
The Achaemenid Empire encompassed a vast and diverse range of territories, from Anatolia and Egypt to the Indus Valley. This diversity was reflected in its cavalry, which included units from various ethnic groups such as Medes, Persians, Bactrians, Scythians, and Sakas.
Each group brought its own unique style of cavalry warfare, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Achaemenid cavalry.
CYRUS THE YOUNGERS’ BODYGUARD
Based on Xenophon’s descriptions of Cyrus’ bodyguard at the Battle of Kounaxa in 401BC, they are described as having a cuirass under the red tunic, and a bronze helmet. The general appearance of recent illustrations are inspired by a relief in Turkey, which shows a Persian cavalryman with a crested pilos helmet fighting a Greek Hoplite.
Another part of the relief shows bronze horse’s head-armour, and horse’s breast armour of embossed bronze or leather.
It has also been described that the guard wore matching thigh and leg guards.
AP-60
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF GREECE AND MACEDONIA,
THE ACHAEMENID PERSIAN EMPIRE,
PERSIAN HEAVY CAVALRY,
CYRUS THE YOUNGERS’ BODYGUARD.
CRETAN ARCHERS
Cretan archers were a well known class of warrior whose specialist skills were extensively utilized by many ancient armies. They were especially valued in armies such as those of the Greek city states, notably Athens, Sparta and later Macedonia, as well as Rome as these armies could not draw upon substantial numbers of skilled archers from their native populations.
Cretan archers carried a composite bow, which consisted of a wooden core with laminated layers of sinew and horn. These bows while difficult to string and use, they gave the professional Cretan archers greater range over the simple wooden bows of the citizen levies of other armies.
Cretan archers were widely recognized as being amongst the best light missile troops in the ancient world, and as such found employment as mercenaries in many armies, including the armies of Alexander the Great.
Eurybotas was the toxarch, meaning the captain of the archers employed by Alexander.
During the retreat of the ten thousand following the Battle of Cunexa in 401 BC, Xenophon’s hoplites were able to hold off pursuing Persian troops, with the aid of the Cretan archers who formed part of the Greek mercenary army.
On this occasion the Cretans, cut off from supplies, were able to gather and reuse the spent Persian arrows while seizing bowstrings from local peasantry.
Following the conquest of Macedonia and the independent Greek city-states, Cretan archers served as auxiliaries in the Roman army, as reformed by Gaius Marius under the Republic, and later that of the Empire.
They were armed with secondary weapons for use at close quarters, included a sword and small round shields. This undoubtedly gave the Cretan warriors a huge advantage in skirmishing with other light troops.
Crete remained part of the Byzantine Empire until seized by Venice in the aftermath of the Fourth Crusade. During much of this period the island was a Theme (military province), providing both archers and sailors for the Byzantine forces.
In 1452 Venice granted specific permission for Byzantium to resume recruitment of Cretans. One of the last occasions on which Cretan archers are known to have played a significant role was as part of the garrison defending Constantinople against the Turkish army of Mehmet II in May 1453.
CRET-01A
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF ANCIENT GREECE AND MACEDONIA,
CRETAN ARCHERS
CRET-01AN
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF ANCIENT GREECE AND MACEDONIA,
CRETAN ARCHERS
CRET-01B
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF ANCIENT GREECE AND MACEDONIA,
CRETAN ARCHERS
CRET-01BN
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF ANCIENT GREECE AND MACEDONIA,
CRETAN ARCHERS
**PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER TO PLACE YOUR PRE-ORDERS**