Thematic Byzantine Cavalry

    The following are Crusader figures from their Byzantine range. From time to time I add a 12 unit group of cavalry to the collection as eventually I aim to have around 160 plus figures. The reason is due to the make up of the Byzantine Army of the era of 925-1025 AD where depending on the campaign utilization their make up could vary greatly. While fighting in the Balkans and the terrain a large Infantry contingent would be required while in the campaigns against the Arabs (often in countering Arab raids) large cavalry forces would be needed. For Thematic cavalry units I prefer to only utilize a common shield pattern/color while keeping the tunics non uniformed. I also like to use some bow armed figures within the unit but will add during this period one could question for the lesser trained and utilized formations would just regular lance arm formations without the bow contingents be more realistic? As I prefer a variety look I always include both and naturally on  the table top one could call them either a dual armed formation or solely a lance armed formation. Eventually, I will post some thoughts on the formation, equipment, fighting style and battle of this period with a special emphasis on the reign of Basil II as he restored the Byzantine Empire to its most formidable position that it had not been in centuries. 

Byzantine thematic cavalry

     These figures all by Gripping Beast and are meant to comprise a thematic unit. I used a simple hand painted shied design to unify it as an unit and kept a non uniform mix of colors. I prefer [for no specific reason] to have them in units of 12 figures with 4 of them represented by being bow armed capturing the historical approach of byzantine cavalry of utilizing both bows and lances in combat. 

Thematic Byzantines Cavalry

  The dark age period for me is my favorite period when it comes to collecting and painting miniatures and no doubt the Byzantine empire played a huge role in Europe during this time
period. It's a must have army for myself and I never tire of painting them up. Two large ranges
of Byzantines that exist are from  Gripping Beast and Crusader Miniatures. I decided to post a
Mtd unit from each with comparison shots for those who would ever have interest. The one thing
that clearly stands out is the gripping beast miniatures are indeed some what larger and not
 surprising due to their added size have more detail added compared to the crusader line. That being said I'll let the viewer decide which line has the more appeal. Personally, I find no issue using both lines on the table together I just would not mix them into the same unit. The other two issues for people who are contemplating collecting Byzantines from either line would be cost (I do not recall actual cost anyone can do their comparison analysis obviously) and ease of painting. The crusader line I painted up much faster the simplicity of their miniatures was refreshing and they look great I feel without the need of tons of extra detail. This of course is a matter of taste as the Gripping Beast came out nice as well just requires more painting time so it depends on the individual and what he wants to accomplishes in comparison to cost/painting time needed/and final look of the finished product. With that said I tried to include plenty of pics as pictures often say things words cannot.

Crusader Miniatures 

Gripping Beast rear shot

Gripping Beast front shot

Crusdaer on the left Gripping Beast on the right

Gripping Beast Miniatures

Gripping Beast unit shot

Crusader on the left Gripping Beast on the right. In this pic the size difference looks far more prominent

Command figures Crusader on the left Gripping Beast on the right

Crusader rear shot