#8121 Assyrian Allied/Auxiliary Infantry Box and Test sprue
Dated: September 19, updated Novembe 8, 2005
At its height, the Assyrian Empire ruled over a vast and culturally diverse territory extending across much of the ancient Near East. Its armies included not only native Assyrian troops, but also soldiers recruited from conquered territories, subject peoples and allied kingdoms. These auxiliary contingents often retained their own regional clothing, weapons and equipment, making the Assyrian army far more varied in appearance than its famous palace reliefs may at first suggest.
This set represents infantry and archers drawn from the many peoples surrounding the Assyrian heartland. The figures may be used as allied or auxiliary troops serving alongside the Assyrian army, or as the warriors of neighbouring states and tribes opposing Assyrian expansion. Their equipment reflects the broadly shared military traditions of the ancient Near East, where spears, bows and shields of woven reed, wicker, leather and wood were employed throughout the region.
The figures represent infantry armed principally with spears and archers equipped for ranged combat. A large selection of shields is included, comprising long reed shields, round reed shields and long infantry shields, allowing considerable variety when assembling units. Shields from set 8092 Assyrian Infantry may also be used to create additional combinations. The range of figures and equipment makes this a versatile set for building either a larger and more varied Assyrian host or one of the many armies that confronted it.
Box Art
Test sprue
This test sprue was done without any coloring agent. There are 28 infantry with 60 assorted shields, and 16 archers per box. Total of 116 pcs per box. Injection pins should be twisted off the body, this way, they will come off cleanly. There are 28 long reed shields, 28 rounds reed shields and 4 long infantry shields; in addition, the small round cone shield from the Assyrian infantry set can be used with these figures. The accessories should allow the customer to field a more versatile and complete army. This set can be used as Allies/Auxiliaries or enemies of the Assyrian Infantry set.
The Assyrians fought a great many peoples, because their empire expanded in almost every direction. Major opponents included the Babylonians and Elamites to the south and east, Urartu to the north, and the kingdoms and peoples of Syria and the Levant, including Arameans, Israelites, Judahites and various Neo-Hittite states. They also campaigned against Arab tribes, Egyptians and Kushites, and fought peoples such as the Medes, Cimmerians and Scythians around the edges of the empire. At its greatest extent, the Neo-Assyrian Empire stretched from parts of Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean into western Iran.
That broad range is why this set works so well. These figures do not necessarily have to represent one particular nation: with different paint schemes and shield choices, they could plausibly serve as provincial levies, subject troops, allies, or enemies facing the Assyrians across the battlefield.
Line drawings
Archers.
Allied/auxiliary infantry officer and spearmen.
Shields included in this box
can make these combos
Extra shields from set 8092 (Assyrian infantry) can also be used with 8121 figures.
(Note about test shots: Test shots are for testing and checking the mold. They may be mismolded or damaged and do not reflect the final product.)