BOSPORAN INFANTRYMAN

An extract from Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars
by Duncan Head, illustrated by Ian Heath

81. BOSPORAN INFANTRYMAN

The new army which emerged in the Bosporan state in the 3rd century was not very Greek in appearance. Greek equipment like 8la (a gilded bronze helmet, late 4th century, with high Thracian skull but with a nasal) gave way to Sarmatian-style armour and weapons among the cavalry. This figure is based on a number of terracotta figurines of infantrymen. He has a tunic decorated in Scythian style, loose trousers, and a tall cap closest to Thracian types. His shield is the Hellenistic thureos, and weapons are javelins, perhaps spear, and short sword. Others were archers.

See Bosporan Terracotta Statuettes

Next: 82. EARLY SARMATIAN HORSE ARCHER in Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars by Duncan Head and Ian Heath