15mm Hittites

A place to share painting tips and photos of painted armies and figures
Post Reply
Texus Maximus
Sergeant
Posts: 318
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2016 4:04 am
Location: Dallas, Texas

15mm Hittites

Post by Texus Maximus » Thu Apr 29, 2021 3:06 pm

The Hittites were rulers of most of Anatolia (in what is now Turkey) and one of the great powers of the ancient world for about 500 years, starting in about 1700 B.C. Their wars of conquest took them as far as Babylon and Syria all the way to the Egyptian frontier. Their army was characterized by a core of warriors on chariots along with units of spear-armed infantry in a standing army, augmented by reservists and troops from vassal states.

Image

This 15mm army is organized for the “Hittite Old and Middle Kingdom” list as two Chariots, six Light Spear, four Light Foot, two Skirmishers, one Bow Levy, and one Rabble, for a total of 16 stands and 48 points.

Image

Image

Image

Chariots. Hittite chariots are shown in art as a variety of styles, including the box-shape used in this army. It appears that the earlier versions of these chariots had two-man crews, but I opted for the three-man crews that would be appropriate for the battle of Kadesh in 1274 B.C. The horses in the Kadesh reliefs are usually shown as unarmored like the ones used here. The crewmen are wearing a variety of clothing and armor which match the illustrations found in “Armies of the Ancient Near East” published by WRG. The chariots and crew are by Gladiator, except for the general and his driver who are Old Glory figures.

Image

Image

Light Spear. These stands represent the standing army of Hittite troops. The figures are by Old Glory. The figures were converted to have proper Hittite leather helmets like those seen in “Hittite Warrior” by Osprey. About half were also converted to have the distinctive Hittite cape hanging from one shoulder.

Image

Image

Light Foot. The Hittites made great use of vassal troops, allies, or captured and transported enemies. These troops are using issued Hittite clothing and equipment and have long plaited hair hanging down the back, but have beards which set them apart as non-Hittite.

Image

Skirmishers, Bow Levy, and Rabble. These troops have issued clothing and equipment similar to the Light Foot. The stand of rabble represents a group of Canaanites who have been pressed into service or perhaps serving as mercenaries.

References:
Stillman, N. and Tallis, N. (1984). Armies of the Ancient Near East, 3000 BC- 539 BC. WRG.
Bryce, Trevor. (2007) Hittite Warrior. Osprey.
User avatar
David Schlanger
Grand Master WGC
Posts: 280
Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2016 8:01 pm

Re: 15mm Hittites

Post by David Schlanger » Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:37 am

Fantastic! Love the work you have done.

DS
User avatar
Bill Hupp
Sergeant
Posts: 375
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2016 3:55 pm
Location: Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Contact:

Re: 15mm Hittites

Post by Bill Hupp » Mon May 03, 2021 1:45 am

Really nice Paul!
Bill Hupp
Thistle & Rose Miniatures
Post Reply