CAE.049 / Biblian Era Egyptian Mercenaries

'' Nubian Warriors ''

Inhoud:

43 Figuren in 13 standen

Afmeting: 23mm

Nubia was one of Africa’s oldest civilisations. Stretching from what is now southern Egypt to northern Sudan, it supported human life with difficulty and had a largely scattered tribal society. However it was rich in many natural resources, not the least of which was gold, and its location between the Mediterranean world and Africa (particularly the land of Punt) meant it was always the subject of attention from its more powerful northerly neighbour. It suffered many raids and campaigns from Egypt, who at various times partly conquered it, but it also supplied many Egyptian armies with large numbers of mercenaries, particularly archers for which it was famed.

In view of their particular expertise in archery it is reasonable that so many poses in this set are using that weapon, and with eight such poses the bow is covered very well. Other poses carry spears and simple clubs, which is perfectly appropriate. The chieftain (first figure on bottom row) has acquired an Egyptian sword – not a Nubian weapon but as with officers everywhere money allows the purchase of the best imported weapons. The poses are very good and are particularly effective in representing a large body of archers as they shower an enemy with arrows.