Sunday 20 January 2013

Yet More Hoplites.

This time they are Aetolian League flavoured with a sprinkling of Athenians.





I've decided to continue with the city state monograms on the hoplons for the most part as they're more economical to do time wise & probably a little more suitable for late era hoplites. The AT of Aetolia is taken from coins of the period as is the AMP of Athens, there is some doubt as to whether these coin monograms would have been used as shield decoration but in the absence of other information they will have to do. The Athenian gorgon was a departure to see if I could represent one in miniature, but I fear treading too far down that path may lead ultimately to a padded cell.

Saturday 19 January 2013

Ukrainian Armour.

Going somewhat off topic here but my Christmas present from 'her indoors' arrived from the Ukraine this week:


 Handmade to measure in 12 gauge steel at very reasonable cost, these will join the other pieces of the 14th/15th century panoply already acquired. Theres some way to go yet before I'm fully 'cap a pie' but I've got enough now to start practicing some Fechtbuche moves without fear of serious harm.

Saturday 12 January 2013

H is for Hoplite.

The beginning of 2013 marks a return to the classical era here at HGA Towers, in the interests of my own sanity (and eyesight) I've decided to take a break from painting webbing & frogging and instead concentrate on finishing the two boxes of Victrix hoplites I bought last year. Sadly I neglected to consider that this involves painting pteruges so the descent into cross eyed madness continues un-abated.





These fellows are destined to be used recreating the Battle of Crannon c. 321BC where an alliance of Greek city states led by Athens challenged the rule of Macedon following the death of Alexander. Hence the hoplons above featuring the bull of Phokis, one of Athens allies during the Lamian War.
Theres quite a bit of work to do before the project comes to fruition, once another 60 odd hoplites are finished there are peltasts & Thessalian cavalry to consider, not to mention various Asiatic auxiliary types to round out the Macedonian force.