Seven Hills – A Week of Very Ancient Rome

[Mad Doc Morris]

In 1977 at ancient Satricum (Central Italy) archaeologists unearthed a stone block bearing a dedication "of the companions of Poplios Valesios to Mars". Obviously these men were up to no good, as they sought the favour of the fearsome god of war quite possibly for a warlike venture. In their day and age, around 500 BC, warfare in Italy meant cattle raids, pillaging and abducting neighbours, preferably women come wives. All-out battles were still a very rare occasion, "big men" gathered their retinues rather for seasonal bashings, competing for individual glory and the next big haul. In fact, such actions make up the core of Roman mythology. For any wargamer with an interest in skirmish games set in the Ancients period stories like the battle of the Horatii, the Fabian attack on Veii or the defection of Coriolanus are pure gold.

So, over the next seven days I'll be posting my very own retinue of (very ancient) Roman ne'er-do-wells. First and foremost this is an opportunity to paint up a small number of great models from one of my favourite settings. A fun project inspired by the august memory of our first Seven Days of Antiquity. No actual gaming might result from that, as to be expected from me.

We start at the very top, of course: Poplios Valesios himself!

Whether he's to be identified with P. Valerius Poplicola, the legendary man who helped overthrowing the Etruscan kings of Rome, or not – during the 6th and 5th century BC Etruscan influence on Roman culture was still strong. This is reflected by Valesios' shield, bearing the face of χarun, a demon much nastier than his Greek namesake, the ferryman Charon.

Like any erudite aristocrat Valesios also knows how to dress properly. Linen cuirass, a curved blade and greaves complete his Greek hoplite gear, the hallmark of truly civilised people. The masked helmet may be a concession to his less cultivated retainers. Well, the design is admittedly too late for 500 BC, since the range by Aventine is aimed rather at the 3rd century BC onwards. But I love the model too dearly.

The season is almost over. Who will answer his call to arms? Stay tuned.

[Prof.Witchheimer]

Wow, wow  What a painting job on the shield!
Love it, Doc, and love your idea of crossover with seven hills, well done

[philhendry]

That looks really great!

[syrinx0]

A great start to the week.  Looking forward to the rest. 

[OSHIROmodels]

Excellent, the shield in particular 

cheers

James

[S_P]

Great work there

[Furt]

WOW - just wow!!       

[Tellus]

Who sells this super duper shield decal 
Gooood Job, Doc !

[Denouement]

Great detailing, I particularly like the three-toned helmet crest. 

Stuart.

[Phil Robinson]

Splendid, a very nice sheen on the armour too.

[Lagartija Mike]

Beautiful work. The yarun is a great detail, if I ever put together an Etruscan army I'd like to give it a Tuchulcha standard, historical or otherwise, to go with the snake-brandishing priests.

[Jeff965]

Lovely painting, more please 

[Mad Doc Morris]

Many thanks for your comments, chaps! Glad you liked the start, hopefully the next one is not too much of a let-down.

Because Closus the Sabine has no money for fancy dress or equipment – not yet! Despite his name (meaning "lame") he's not only fleet of foot but his cleverness belies his brute appearance. Too young and too poor for military service Closus is eager to climb the social ladder quickly, and if this requires to smash in a few heads and loot a few corpses, so be it.

Before stealing cattle got separated from 'real warfare' there was little need for dedicated skirmishers (like the famous velites later on). Kids and young men who could defend a herd with mere sticks and stones were also able to drive off other herdsmen, perhaps even the occasional armoured one. And to prove oneself in such 'battles' was likely considered an initiation rite as well as an opportunity to grab some better equipment for next season.

Again, a lovely model by Aventine. I particularly liked its determined pose and facial expression. Suits that single true Roman virtue: burning rapacity.

From top to bottom of early Roman society, tomorrow we'll begin to fill in the middle ground. And we'll return to fancy dress, promised!

[Steve F]

A sneaking resemblance to Grumio, there …



Great project.

[Steam Flunky]

A sneaking resemblance to Grumio, there …



Great project.

That is Angela Merkel