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.
Great looking army, Minifigs mostly?
ReplyDeleteI'm currently working on 18mm Blue Moon Crusaders and Muslims. Yours look superb.
Minifigs, Essex, Old Glory, Viking Forge, and even some old TTG figures mixed in there.
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