Constantine XI Palaeologos, the last emperor; He was given the option to abandon his City and rule Mistra as a subject to the Sultan, but he refused, saying that he did not have the authority or the right to do such a thing to his people, and chose to fight and die at the side of his soldiers instead.
Even when it was obvious that he was going to be defeated, he said that "It is inacceptable for the City to have fallen and the Emperor to still be alive ". So he tore off his royal garments so that his body would not be identified (and get defiled), gathered his few remaining soldiers and charged the enemy head on. A true hero by any standards. Especially when you compare him to today’s politicians.
I still have to finish; his sword, the rim of his shield, his boots and his cape. Concerning his armor; The traditional byzantine armor was the special lamenar klivanion. However, from the 13th to the 15th centuary A.C., full plate armor grew in popularity. It was however very expensive, and only nobles, or the cataphracts of the latinikon regiment could afford it. Palaeologos, havin lived in the 15th centuary (and being the emperor) would probably wear it.
My first 10 halberdiens are finally ready for war!
I am not sure as to what byzantine unit they correspond for. I think they are “skoutatoi” armed with “eteropelekis”, although a unit called “menaulatoi” did bear a special polearm, called “menaulion” (no sh#t Sherlock )
Being honest I don’t really like when history enters too much in a fantasy contest but your minis are undoubtedly well realized! Good job (I especially like the Herbal Mineral Salt Standard:))!!!
Make sure the Emperor has a purple cloak. As the story goes during the final assault on the city in 1453 he cast off his purple cloak and joined the defenders fighting to the death.
Make sure the Emperor has a purple cloak. As the story goes during the final assault on the city in 1453 he cast off his purple cloak and joined the defenders fighting to the death.
Oh yeah, awesome stuff BTW.
Willmark
Ah! I see that you are well informed on the subject! Don't worry. I will be sculpting a cloak, and it will be purple.
Make sure the Emperor has a purple cloak. As the story goes during the final assault on the city in 1453 he cast off his purple cloak and joined the defenders fighting to the death.
Oh yeah, awesome stuff BTW.
Willmark
Ah! I see that you are well informed on the subject! Don't worry. I will be sculpting a cloak, and it will be purple.
Golder Goldeater
Indeed.
My favorite time period is from about 800-1489. The later end of that range has some wildly factinating parts of history that are sheer awesome. After that thing are intriguing during the Elizabethean age and the English Civil War but not as compelling as the dark, middle and late middle ages.
How bad ass is that you know you can't beat your foe but you resolve to fight anyways. Constantine XI should be rembered along with the 12 Worthies. I'd say that's the best example of human spirit, or bravery. Facing your death and meeting it on your own choosing. Truly a shame that a great Emperor came to the Byzantines after so many poor ones and too late to stem the tide.
being a huge fan of the byzantine empire and playing them every chance i get in any video game, i am totally in love with this idea/army and wished i had one!
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