Saitic Egyptian armies?

[Tim Haslam]

Ok,
So what figures do I use in 28mm for Kushite forces around 600BC?

Yup, we’ve got some from Warlord and Footsore.
But when I’m searching I’m also finding references to Nubian warriors?
Could I use Nubian figures? That opens up some possibilities…

Ideally I’d like to convert some plastics, like WG Zulu figures, but would this be too far away in terms of accuracy?

[tikitang]

Yes, Nubians would be fine. I wouldn't use Zulus as their shields, body ornamentations and hairstyles are too distinctly 'Zulu', whereas Nubians/Kushites are fairly interchangeable.

[SJWi]

I'm guessing that most "Nubian" ranges are contemporaneous with Egypt circa 1200BC. Hence the question is did styles of dress and weaponry change in 600 years?

[Tim Haslam]

The thing is, in my game system, there seems to be a ‘gap’ in Egyptian history.

I’ve got Kushite, up to 600BC.
Then a gap,
Then Successor Egyptians from 300BC.

Unfortunately for me, I’ve got an interest in that gap!
I’ve built up a lovely early Persian force and would like some contemporary opponents. Or auxiliary troops.
The only reference I’ve got are Egyptian marines.
(See photo)

So I’m kind of drifting from Kushite into Egypt.

[SJWi]

So, Saitic Egyptian? Not sure many figure choices out there.

[Tim Haslam]

I will need to find army lists for Saitic Egyptians.
They are not an option for WAB, currently.

My main interest is the battle of Thymbra 546BC
Cyrus Vs the Lydians.

Quite a few Egyptians on the Lydian side, obviously absorbed into the new Persian empire afterwards.
So of course it got me thinking about Egyptian armies that may have fought the Persians and Lydians?

[Tim Haslam]

I’ve found it!

I had it all along in my old WRG 6th edition army lists!
Cool

[AdamPHayes]

The thing is, in my game system, there seems to be a ‘gap’ in Egyptian history.

I’ve got Kushite, up to 600BC.
Then a gap,
Then Successor Egyptians from 300BC.

Unfortunately for me, I’ve got an interest in that gap!
I’ve built up a lovely early Persian force and would like some contemporary opponents. Or auxiliary troops.
The only reference I’ve got are Egyptian marines.
(See photo)

So I’m kind of drifting from Kushite into Egypt.

Eureka do some of these if you’re feeling rich...

[Tim Haslam]

I used to own a unit of the Vendel marines, years ago.
They’re still nice figures today.

I’ve got a cunning plan for these….

Plus I’ve found a proxy list in WAB that I can make very few modifications too.

This thread has evolved from Kushite to Saitic Egyptians! Lol

[Tim Haslam]

Changed my title now I’ve gone off on a tangent.

[Easy E]

I am really interested in what you find out about the "Use of Chariots" during the Saitic Period. 

[Tim Haslam]

For that, I’m afraid you’ll need a far greater historical reference than me! 

Having a 40 year old army list from WRG is doing ‘research’ in my book..

For which I should add, that the Saitic list does allow both heavy and light chariots?

[trev]

Here's some information on Kush, maybe it will help drag you back south again. 

https://wildfiregames.com/forum/topic/21602-the-kingdom-of-kush-a-proper-introduction-illustrated/

[SJWi]

If you are looking for more sources Simon Miller's book of ancient army lists has several Egyptian and "Nubian" lists of the period. Robert Morkot's "The Black Pharoahs; Egypts Nubian Rulers" is a good read but is now over 20 years old so I don't know if it is viewed as too dated.  Osprey's MAA volume "Rome's Enemies (5) The Desert Frontier" has some nice plates but is of course from a later period.

[Pattus Magnus]

Don’t forget your Greek and Carian mercenary hoplites in Saite service. They seemed to have been an important factor in unifying Egypt under the dynasty, and in maintaining control afterward, since they were not subject to conflicting local allegiances. I expect they also provided some of the heaviest infantry in later field armies.