#8074 Imperial Roman Auxiliaries
Dated: September 29, 2003.
Painted test shots. Please note that these are only test shots and may not be complete.
From Trajan's Column, this set consists of Eastern Auxiliary archers, Spanish/Balearic slingers and German tribesmen. These latter troops were also known as numerii or symmachiarii (nowadays a Spanish football team); they were hired to fight as-is in their native fashion, as opposed to HaT #8065 Roman Auxiliaries who were outfitted by the Romans and fought more or less in the Roman style in legionary formations.
ARCHERS: The archers' conical helmet and long robes bespeaks their Eastern origin. These archers fill an important role (missile troops) which the Romans were not trained for or did not care for. Their recurved bow was short and powerful, outranging other simpler bows of their day. They were protected by scale or mail armor, and their swords show that they were not defenseless in close quarters.
SLINGERS: Trained from childhood, these Spanish/Balearic slingers were the Mercedes of slingers. They were famous for their skill and marksmenship and much sought after for a thousand years. An accurately thrown slingshot could brain you through the helmet when an arrow might glance off. Besides, ammunition was free. These slingers are additionally protected by a shield. Their cloak can hold ammunition.
TRIBESMEN: Back to the basics: Wild men, a club, a spear, a shield. Easily called up when available, a Roman quartermaster's dream, no additional training necessary.
All figures painted by Roland Kupski (Germany)