8C Byzantine Italian city militia

[Andreas Johansson]

A friend wondered what city militia spearmen in 8C Byzantine Italy might look like. Might generic "dark age" figures do? Would they look more Roman/Byzantine? Anyone know?

[Duncan Head]

Michael Anastasiadis mentioned them in passing on the old TNE list, but "As to how the milita should be armed, if Agnellus can be trusted, he mentions bows, spears (which could be thrown from land walls), shields and body armour" is of limited help.

But see:
http://warfare.gq/6C-11C/Crucifixion-Santa_Maria_Antiqua-Rome.htm

[Andreas Johansson]

Thank you!

That Longinus is barbarously trousered while the other soldier isn't should license some leeway

[Erpingham]

But see:
http://warfare.gq/6C-11C/Crucifixion-Santa_Maria_Antiqua-Rome.htm

There is a reconstruction of this figure in the Age of Charlemagne by David Nicolle (Plate D 2), though he is in white rather than blue.  He is described as a papal guardsman and has been given a small round red shield.  The reconstruction shows him with a cane lance, which seems to be the case on the original fresco.

[Jim Webster]

I have The Eastern Romans 330-1461 AD
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eastern-Romans-330-1461-AD/dp/9623610890

It has two plates that might be relevant
The Army of the Exarch of Ravenna in 643BC
And Italian Strongholds, 915AD
It shows troops with round shields in a mixture of Lamellar, Leather and mail armour

Jim

[Andreas Johansson]

I have The Eastern Romans 330-1461 AD
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eastern-Romans-330-1461-AD/dp/9623610890

It has two plates that might be relevant
The Army of the Exarch of Ravenna in 643BC
And Italian Strongholds, 915AD
It shows troops with round shields in a mixture of Lamellar, Leather and mail armour

Jim

Thanks, I'll pass the rec on.

[Jim Webster]

I have The Eastern Romans 330-1461 AD
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eastern-Romans-330-1461-AD/dp/9623610890

It has two plates that might be relevant
The Army of the Exarch of Ravenna in 643BC
And Italian Strongholds, 915AD
It shows troops with round shields in a mixture of Lamellar, Leather and mail armour

Jim

Thanks, I'll pass the rec on.

given the rarity of the book and it's cost I've taken a couple of scans of the relevant pages. But I cannot get them small enough for the system to accept as attachments (and still read the text) so if you give me an email address I'll send them direct
Jim