Medieval Mycenaeans

The Mycenaeans were the Greeks who inhabited Greece at the time of the Trojan war; they were a warlike people persistently preparing for war and battle. Their cities were massive fortresses with unbelievably thick walls. For over 300 (roughly from 1500B.C-1100B.C) hundred years this citadel dwelling warrior society dominated Greece and eastern Anatolia. The warrior aristocracy fought in plate bronze armour, much as the medieval knights. Society was organized into fifes (counties, provinces) around the massive citadels (picture # 4 remains of the Mycenaean Citadel of Tiryns walls).

( all miniatures are 28mm foundry greeks miniatures)

The Classical Warrior

Classical Greece, which lasted roughly from just 500B.C to 336 B.C, was responsible for many of the beginnings of Western civilization. Modern philosophy, astronomy, art, warfare, mathematics, rhetoric, language, history, and all the sciences owe a great deal to classical Greek influence. Why did all this happen in a period lasting little over a hundred and fifty years? One word, Democracy and meritocracy... O.K that was two words.

These are the same reasons that the United States has succeeded. The political and social rights that the common people have, is directly linked to the Political and social success of the society. If a man knows he has no stake in a society, he will not want to contribute to it; he will be selfish. However, if one knows that with a little hard work and determination their voice will be heard; moreover they can even become part of the ruling class, they WILL be more motivated. A society with the most motivated people running it WILL be more successful. The economic, cultural, and intellectual components of a society will be hyper successful, when the persons with the most merit achieve the highest positions.

The more so this is true, the more successful.

Republic!

These are some pics of my 28mm Republican Romans.

The army of the early-mid Roman Republic was responsible for most of the conquest, and growth that the Empire maintained. The Republics armies had major differences from the Imperial Roman army. It was comprised of a citizen army, not a professional army. Furthermore, the equipment was not standardized till the time of Marius in the late Republic. The Republican Romans were also drawn into five warrior classes based on wealth, Velites (pic#6 skirmishers, also the youngest and poorest ) Hastati ( pic#3 &7 light infantrymen, the lower middle class, young men who fought in the first rank), Principes (pic# 1&2 medium infantrymen, men in the prime of life, they had better armour, and were a bit more wealthy than the Hastati), Triari (pic #4 heavy infantrymen, who fought with a spear opposed to a javelin used by the other ranks; these were also the old wealthy veterans, who could afford the best armour), and the Equites or knights (pic# 5 these were the highest social class of plebs who could afford a horse and maintain it on campaign),

( all miniatures are 28mm foundry republican roman miniatures)

Egyptian army

This is my 28mm New Kingdom Egyptian Army, ever since I saw the Ten Commandments (with Charlton Heston) as a child I have had a love of chariots. They were the super weapon of the late bronze age and any respectable army would have had a considerable number of them. The great Hittite, Babylonian, Mitannian Empires were the contemporaries of the Egyptians of the late bronze age; they all had their own distinct designs and functions. The Egyptian light chariot, has to be my favorite, it sleek, fast, and extremely deadly.
The ancient Egyptians created arguably the most stable, long lasting, unchanging, and distinct cultures in history. This culture was built around a vast pantheon of animal/human gods. Some historians and modern people believe that the ancients were ignorant and dim-witted people compared to today's people. I believe that the ancients were just as intelligent as today's people; the fact remains that for well over 2,000 years this advanced civilization worshiped and believed in falcon headed people, hippo-headed ladies. I believe this may have had to do with either habitual and routine use of drugs by individuals in Egyptian society; or demonic worship... or is that too strange? Nevertheless, I believe there is more to the story of the Egyptians worshiping and maintaining belief for over 2,000 years in thier strange Gods.

( all miniatures are 28mm foundry egyptian miniatures)