Assyrian Medium Infantry

This is part 2 of a series on my Ancient Assyrian army (mostly "new" Minifigs of the late 1970's).

These kind of  figures appear on Assyrian reliefs, and are sometimes termed "Pioneers". They may have been that, or troops that fought with (? 2 handed) maces. 

For wargames tactical variety, we have assumed the later. They are usually shown wearing mail shirts.

More of a "Light Heavy Infantry" unit in the old WRG parlance!

Map of the early Assyrian state and neighboring powers circa 1450 BC (from Wikipedia).

Thjis is a unit of Medium Spearmen (again, LMI in old WRG speak).

The Assyrians were often at war with the neighboring Kingdom of Urartu, which they often defeated but never conquered. The troops armed in this style were either imitations of their foes, or Urartuan troops incorporated within the Assyrian army.

Map for Middle Assyrian period,  1392 - 934 BC (from Wikipedia)

In either case, the crested helmet was characteristic of these troops. 

Here's another unit of these troops.

Handy for protecting flanks or rough terrain in wargames terms.

The crossed belts on the chest, looking remarkably "Napoleonic, were characteristic of the dress of these troops depicted in Assyrian reliefs. 

Map of Neo-Assyrian Empire and expansions, and vicinity  (from Wikipedia once again).

Well now, *these* chaps certainly don't look like Medium Infantry, do they?

No, in fact the conical shields mark them as belonging to the Quradu, or Assyrian Royal Guards.

The mail shirts are clearly seen here.

Yep, these fellows mean business!

A little Assyrian inspiration, Hollywood style - trailer for a "maybe someday" movie on the Assyrians.

Fear the goat from the front, the horse from the rear and man from all sides!

(Assyrian Proverb)