The Early Imperial Romans are two commands strong and ready for battle. The painting began with twelve elements of legionnaires, five representing each the legions X Gemina and XIV Gemina M.V. Shield patterns are similar but wings and central spine differ in colour. Tunics were painted white and not the traditional red and I must say, the contrast has more appeal. Red is still present for shield colour, neck cloth and helmet crests. See the links below for references.
Legionnaires
The two
packs of legionnaires gave me five elements for each legion and two elements of
praetorian guard, easily noted by their white helmet crests. Both legions are
further strengthened an element of command figures which can represent a
sub-general when playing double size command or BBDBA (options, options).
Praetorian guard
Two blade
elements were painted as Praetorian Guard. Shield patterns were the 3rd
and 4th cohorts represented in the link below. The shield pattern
for the cavalry is similar but lacking space do not have stars.
Auxilia cavalry
The two
packs of late 1st – early 2nd century cavalry included many with the hexagonal
shield. This was unfortunately as the smaller shields meant less space and
other patterns were selected on a plus side, I could and did add an element of
praetorian cavalry. The Early Imperial Roman list have horse archer and Moorish
light horse for as light horse. The extra cavalry figures from the two packs were
painted as the mounted detachments of the auxilia equitatae which abound in
both provinces of Pannonia. Detachments were small; therefore, each element of
LH represent detachments from two cohorts.
Auxilia infantry
For the two
commands, one pack of auxilia infantry fulfilled the required number of elements
and sagittarii, in both forms 4Bw or Ps, are painted for both commands. Each element
was given a distinct shield pattern, however, two cohort miliaria or double strength
unit are present; the I Aelia Sagittariorum M.E. and the I Ulpia Pannoniorum
M.E.
Command
One pack of
Roman command supplied four generals for this army. As mentioned earlier, two
generals are on foot (4Bd), a single general based with two extra cavalry
figures supplies a mounted command, and lastly, a second mounted figure, accompanied
by a retinue of foot, creates a CP (command post) for special scenarios.
Artillery
These were
a last-minute addition. From a recent sale of Middle Imperial Romans there
remained a few elements over; a ballista with crew and second converted as a
mobile piece. Rummaging through the collection I found two sets of Essex cart
and horse. The carts were given a single trail to allow two mules to replace
the single horse. The Late Roman crew were modified to match an earlier period
and mixing the crew helped to disguise any major differences.
Recommended
viewing.
YouTube
Did RomanLegions really wear red? (Invicta)
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