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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Barbarians at my gates!

And I'm not talking about the graduation party we're hosting today for my son!  Here's a quick post up of Gallic & Spanish units off the painting table.  All are Old Glory 15mm and painted for my Field of Glory armies.

Gallic Cavalry:  Since I have 12 bases of chariots painted up, 6 bases of cavalry will do for my Gallic army.  The Greek historian Strabo said of the Gauls, “They are better as cavalry than as infantry; and the best cavalry-force the Romans have comes from these people.”


Gallic Slingers:  8 bases of slingers to screen the Gauls as they go in.

Spanish Large Shield Cavalry:  These are replacements  for Spanish cavalry I sold off with my Carthaginian army months ago.  I have got to find an opportunity to get my Iberian army back on the table!


In his account of the Battle of Cannae, Livy mentions how rare it was for cavalry in the ancient world to meet head on:  "Soon the Gallic and Spanish horse on the Carthaginian left were engaged with the Roman right.  Lack of space made it an unusual cavalry encounter: the antagonists were compelled to charge head-on, front to front; there was no room for outflanking maneuvers, as the river on one side and the massed infantry on the other pinned them in, leaving them no option but to go straight ahead.  The horses soon found themselves brought to a halt, jammed close together in the inadequate space, and the riders set about dragging their opponents from the saddle, turning the contest more or less into an infantry battle.  It was fierce while it lasted, but that was not for long; the Romans were forced to yield and hurriedly withdrew."

Here's hoping the food line at Grant's graduation party today doesn't resemble this ancient mashup! 

33 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks sir! I hope all is well or getting better on the work front!

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  2. This army is going to be so impressive! Great paintjob, I do like the slingers, and very nice historical background!
    Cheers,
    Phil.

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    1. Thanks Phil! You're Mongol AAR was one of the best yet. I don't know how you keep topping perfection!

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  3. Monty, this is a great looking force. The yellows, greens and reds are very vibrant and those splashes of color really provide focus onto the masses. I, too, enjoy the historical background you provide so keep those tidbits coming.

    Here's hoping you avoid a hand-to-hand combat in the graduation food. If unavoidable then good luck!
    Jon

    Jon

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    1. It was close but the party did not end like the Battle of Cannae!

      Thanks for your observations on the colors. This is my 3rd Gallic army and I'm still working to find the balance that says colorful irregulars without veering into the clown army look.

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  4. Lovely Celtic cavalry and slingers Monty :)

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    1. Thanks Tamsin! And BTW, it's your club I'm the most jealous of. Beer and Field of Glory, on weeknights? Be still my beating heart. ;-)

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  5. Greate paint work !!!

    best regards Michael

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    1. Thanks Michael, and I can't wait to browse your old blog!

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  6. You know I like these Celts Monty. You're getting better and better as a painter very quickly. I also noticed you changed your layout and background-very nice!

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    1. Anne, thanks so much! I do want to always get better at this hobby. It's tough to be in the company of so many great painters. You all keep moving the bar up!

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  7. Lovely work! So are these Gallic chaps doubling up as members of a Punic army as well?

    And on the subject of graduation parties, I refer you to one of Pliny's lesser-known works, 'De Partibus Graduationis', wherein he warns against serving excessive quantities of unwatered wine or savouries made from prunes wrapped in bacon with a toothpick in them.
    ; )

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    1. They certainly could but I did sold my Carthaginian army. I'd played them for almost 3 years and was ready for a change-up.

      And you had me LOL at Pliny's lessor known works! With an aching head, I'm thinking I should have followed his advice on unwatered wine.

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  8. That's some very nice brush work Monty!

    Christopher

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  9. Replies
    1. Thanks Cyrus, I think I have a thing for lost causes. Here's hoping I can give the Romans some heartburn!

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  10. Do please pass on my congratulations to your son! Nice work on some brae wee laddies.

    FMB

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    1. That is very kind of you! It was a big day and night, with my son having rented a full karaoke setup. His friends loved it and we adults even dabbled a bit.

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    1. Thanks Jonas! Your new warband has me itching to get in a game of Saga.

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  12. Beautiful work as always, Monty. Vibrant, yet realistic colors. Best, Dean

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  13. Lots of bright colours. Looks cool.
    cheers

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    1. I appreciate it Kiwi. You can't miss these fellows on the tabletop.
      ;-)

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  14. I have to say... your minis look better with every unit you paint! Great work Monty!

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    1. You are too kind but I'm keeping this compliment just the same. Thanks Burkhard!

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  15. Good stuff Monty.....more Spanish as well, always a good thing.
    Richard.

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    1. Thanks sir! One day, I'd love to do an Iberian army in 28mm. Maybe these are practice?

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