The Seljuks

Today's army will be the Seljuk Army of Alp Arlsan at the battle of Manzikert.  This was an entirely cavalry force consisting of Turcoman horse archers backed by the professional Ghilmen (ghulams) of the Sultan and his Emirs. Like most of my 15mm armies this army is a mix of many different manufacturers.  Most of the light Turcoman horse archers are Minifigs with some Essex mixed in.  The heavy cavalry are Old Glory, Essex, Minifigs, Gladiator, and Viking Forge.  On the fateful day of battle Alp Arslan drew up his forces in a typical three wing formation, however he did advance both flanking forces in a crescent shape.  This slowed the flank advance of the Byzantine forces while the center was able to advance more rapidly.  This created gaps in the Byzantine line which would prove decisive later in the day.

The Seljuk Army of Alp Arslan
  

The Seljuk Army of Sultan Alp Arslan arrayed for battle.


Right Flank division of Turcoman Light Cavalry



Center cavalry division


Left Flank division of Turcoman Light Cavalry


Seljuk Emir


Sultan Alp Arslan


Right Flank Emir's Ghilmen


Center Division Ghilmen and Nobles


Left Flank Emir's Ghilmen


Turcoman horse archers


Turkish horse archers


The Seljuk arrow storm


Seljuk Heavy Cavalry


Seljuk Emir's Ghilmen

This army is a colorful one and looks good on the table!  In history it was a remarkably successful army as well.  Although treachery and misinformation played a big role in the victory of Manzikert.




2 comments:

  1. Great looking army, Minifigs mostly?

    I'm currently working on 18mm Blue Moon Crusaders and Muslims. Yours look superb.

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  2. Minifigs, Essex, Old Glory, Viking Forge, and even some old TTG figures mixed in there.

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