Roman Legionaries Then and Now?

 Two sets of the backbone of Roman power, nineteen centuries apart, the dreaded Legionaries. 

1st Century C.E. One of the most feared sights on the battlefield, a unit of Roman Legionaries on the attack. With the sure knowledge that they were the best soldiers in the World, these Imperial Legionnaires fear no one.  After a flight of pilums, it's time to hit the foes with the Gladius. "Death to the enemies of the Empire, and glory for the Legion." For almost two centuries, the legionaries of Rome enforced the "Pax Romana" (Peace of Rome) a time where most of Western Europe and the countries of the Mediterranean Sea were at peace, without a major war. An accomplishment that has never been duplicated to this very day.

Before the countless hordes of "Barbarian" invaders arrived in later centuries, it was often the truth that the greatest danger to a unit of Roman legionaries was another unit of Roman legionaries due to the frequent wars between rival factions for control of the Empire.  But that is a "Post Pax Romana" time, so for now these elites of Roman rule the Euro-Mediterranean World.

1900+ years later and a new force of Roman elite warriors has appeared in the Post Great War World.
As seen in this patrol from the hidden city-state of Novum Imperium Romanum Consularis Julius Augusts XXIII (New Roman Empire of Consul Julius Augusts XXIII) which protects the Empires hidden nature. Strangers they locate are either eliminated or made slaves of the Imperium. They are armed with the latest in Roman small arms weapons technology. 

Centurion Hadrius Corfortium is armed with a Electi Parvus Sagitta Dirigentes (Elite Small Arrow Shooting i.e. heavy submachinegun). Four troopers have the Parvus Sagitta Dirigentes (Small Arrow Shooting-i.e. a Submachinegun) Two have the Gravisbus Sagitta Dirigentis (Heavy Arrow Shooting-i.e. Assualt Rifle). Stong fire support is given by a Multi Sagittam  Dirigentis (Many Arrow Shooting-i.e Light Machinegun). While for serious problems the very deadly Constantinus Ignis Iaculator (Constantin's Fire Thrower-i.e. Flame Thrower) is always ready to burn away troublesome intruders. For defense, their Galea (Helmet), Lorica Segmentata (Body Armor), and Scutum (Large Shield) are made of Sagitta Probationem Metallum ("Bullet Proof" Metal).The Signifer is not just a standard, it is also the squads Missis Aer Nutiis Acciprentis (radio Transmitter/Receiver) The insulated helmet allows two-way communication with command base. 

Soon the day will come when the Novum Imperium Romanum will make itself known and the World will again tremble under the trod of Romes Legionnaires!

"SPQR-SPQR-SPQR-Legionnaires are the Boss!"

With the sure knowledge that they are the best soldiers in the World, these Imperial Legionnaires fear no one.

                                            After a flight of pilums...

                             it's time to hit them with the Gladius!

Death to the enemies of the Empire, and glory for the Legion.

These are plastic pieces I painted this week.

Service without Peer

Being blind from birth has not hindered Galia, handmaiden to the great Lady Julia Drucilla.

Galia is a 28mm metal piece from Warlord.

"Wine Sirs?"

Lydia, the serving wench with a flair. Wine and other treats are available for the right "price."

Lydia is a 28mm metal piece from Warlord

Cooling her Mistress

Watching the latest triumph of her brother, Consul Antonius Germanicus, the Lady Messilena is cooled by her hand-maiden Dilu. The balcony offers a fine view of the proceedings while Dilu keeps her mistress cool with her fan.

Both are 28mm metal pieces from Warlord.

Scouts of Goth

Alerikk the Goth is the leading eyes of a raiding party that has crossed Roman frontier.

Joined by two brothers in arms, Elerrikk and Sven (some questionable parentage involved with the latter), the three scouts are tasked with finding a path to rich loot in the lands of the Empire.

All three are plastic 28mm pieces from Warlord.

We live to Raid WIP

A bloodthirsty barbarian raiding party readies to attack the Roman Frontier.

These are 28mm plastic pieces from Warlord.

Finally!

"Finally-I get to be seen and not a "artillery piece" in sight," thinks Fezix the Gaul. A plastic 28mm piece from Warlord and a nice break from all the cannons and gunners of the last few posts.

One Way to Make a Point!

The balista was the Ancient World's final word on sniper fire.

With ranges up to 300 meters, the deadly bolts fired from these weapons were used to both hit individuals as well as to smash defences and demoralise defenders in siege attacks.

Less useful in fluid battles, they were no the less a deadly tool in well trained armies and could harass the enemies formations before closing to hand to hand combat.

This metal piece is from my Warhammer collection, I painted her in the early 1990's.

The Assassin was a Lady

The female assassin, as deadly as her male counterpart, and less conspicuous.

After completing her deed, Ciúin Dúnmharú slips away leaving death in her wake.

 

Ciúin is a 25mm metal piece from the 1970's Ral Partha fantasy collection.

Some day we might be Legionaires too

Supporting the legionaires of Rome were the lighter armed and armored Auxiliary troop.  Those of exceptional skill might be able to join the regulars of the legion.

Two cohorts of the legion with Auxiliary support, ready to expand an protect the empire.

These are more of the 25mm metal Minifig pieces that I never finished as more quality pieces came on line and my interest in Ancients wained in the late 1970's.

We come for Spartacus!

Ready to crush the upstart Spartacus, two cohorts of the Roman City Guard advance towards Mt. Vesuvius.

I just watched the 1960's version of "Spartacus" and decided to trot out these old Minifig Romans that I started in the 1980's.

As you can see I never did finish them, although they did see a couple of battles-a rare event for me as I prefer to use fully painted pieces.

The detail of Minifig pieces from 1970's designs was very basic by modern standard, but they were very inexpensive allowing for good sized armies in most historic periods.

There are all 25mm metal pieces.

Am I late for the Raid?

With his pot helm and long sword, Betilx is ready for a quick raid on the Romans with his Warlord chief...except he seems to have all ready left with the rest of the warriors. Oh well, better luck next time Betilx.

Betilx is a plastic 28mm piece from Warlord.

There can only be one Chieftain!

Unnoticed by his intended victim, Berifix sneaks behind Chieftain Visganvix, one swift blow and the village will have a new Chief.

"A few more steps and the smarter man will lead,is that not the best way to chose a ruler," thinks Berifix as he prepares to strike.

But Visganvix did not become Chieftain by lack of skill and luck, some sixth warrior sense has warned him in time to defend his life and his power.

Now it will be skill, strength and the favor of the War God that decides who will rule their Belgi village!

Both warriors are 28mm plastic pieces from Warlord Games.

Proud Chieftan

Armed and armored with the finest quality equipment, Visganvix is a proud Belgi Chieftain. Confident in his skills and leadership ability, and that none would dare challenge him...

Another 28mm plastic piece from Warlord.

Living by the Sword

Berifix wears the Roman helmet he took from his first kill with great pride as he stalks his next victim.

With each kill his prestige within the tribe grows, soon his fame will be great enough to challenge the chief for leadership. Berifix is sure in that battle he will be the victor standing over the dead body of yet other foe.

Berifix is a plastic 25mm piece from Warlord.

Gauls on a Raid-WIP

Until their conquest by Caesar's Legions, the warriors of Gaul were a bitter thorn in the side of Rome. Here are the latest batch of barbarian Gauls in stages of painting as they get ready to join their fellows I have already finished.

These are plastic and 28mm metal pieces from Warlord Games. I especially like the warrior in the front left wearing the helmet of a vanquished Roman Legionnaire.

Ouch that's got a hurt!

"Remember grandfather cover your self when the Romans throw their pil...ohh too late!"

The Roman Pilum was a deadly weapon when in the hands of a well trained legionnaire. This unfortunate barbarian warrior has found this out first hand.

These barbarians are plastic/metal 28mm pieces from Warlord Games.