Mitanni Maryannu 4

 

Here are four more Mitanni Maryannu chariots, 15mm this time. Figures are by Gladiator Miniatures and Chariot Miniatures. Unfortunately these are no longer available with the closing of Fighting 15s and Magister Militum. I had a hard time fitting the crew into the chariots, something I remember from my last batch of these figures. There are very limited options now for metal 15mm Biblical figures with Essex Miniatures and Old Glory 15s being the main ranges left.

Eannatum and Ush c.2450 BC - Command and Colors Ancients Game

 

Armies deployed - Umma on the left,
Lagash on the right

Opposite end

Umma infantry advance in the centre

Lagash infantry attack

Umma infantry forced to retreat
and units are destroyed

Last Sunday afternoon I played a solo Command and Colors Ancients game with my Sumerians out in the shed. I noticed recently on the Command and Colors Ancients website that there were some new Sumerian scenarios. I thought I'd try this battle, Eannatum of Lagash versus Ush of Umma c.2450 BC, which was a great victory for Eannatum and Lagash. The famous Stele of Vultures, now in the Louvre, actually commemorates this battle. Both sides had similar forces with a slight advantage in cards and numbers for Lagash. There was a reduction in shooting range for LI bow and some special rules for Sumerian Commander Chariots. I didn't worry about any terrain, it was most likely fought on a flat plain.

The infantry of Umma advanced confidently in the centre, two double time cards in their hand, no doubt bolstering their belief in the favour of the gods! The infantry of Umma were forced to retreat and after several turns had two units destroyed. The Lagash infantry pressed the attack in the centre, while Ush of Umma responded by ordering the advance of his infantry on the right flank. Shooting, casualties and retreats followed but Umma finally had some success clawing back a couple of victory points. It was too little, too late, however and Eannatum of Lagash won easily 6-2 victory points.

Lagash attack again

Umma advances on the right flank

Shooting, casualties and retreats
on the Lagash left flank

Umma finally has some success

Umma claws back a couple of victory points

Lagash win 6-2 victory points

Pagan Rus Varjazi

 

Here are some Pagan Rus Varjazi or Varangians that I've just finished painting. The figures are the very detailed resin kits by V&V Miniatures. The banner and one of the shield transfers are by LBM/Victrix, the other three shield transfers are by Wargames Foundry. The figure in white clothes is Sviatoslav I Igorevich, Prince of Kiev (942-972), based on the Angus McBride's illustration in David Nicolle's Armies of Medieval Russia 750-1250 Osprey book. Sviatoslav had a short career as Prince of Kiev, I found this really interesting online article about him:

https://deremilitari.org/2014/05/the-infamous-svjatoslav-master-of-duplicity-in-war-and-peace/

Sviatoslav was eventually killed by the Pechenegs and their leader Kurja, apparently took his head and made his skull into a drinking cup overlaid with gold! I think Sviatoslav's Last Stand would make an excellent Lion Rampant scenario. I have more Rus Varangians and Pecheneg horse archers to paint but this should be an interesting little project.

Rus Druzhina

 

Here are some Rus Druzhina command figures that I've just finished painting. Figures are by Gripping Beast and the banner and shield transfers by LBM/Victrix. I have more Gripping Beast, Victrix, V&V and Fireforge figures to paint for my Rus army.