Second Mantinea (362 BC) will be the next battle featured at the 2023 Society of Ancients Battle Day. This has provided me with my next project.
I had thought it unlikely I could raise two Greek hoplite armies from scratch between now and then. That was until Pete O’Toole came forward to offer up his magnificent collection of 1/72nd scale Greeks to fight it out at the Battle Day.
Pete’s figures are a mix of Atlantic, Italieri, Zveda and Hat plastics. Some of his shield designs are slightly unorthodox but completely delightful!
I am now painting up some cavalry and other bits and bobs to supplement them — using Newline Designs 20mm metal figures. These have been an absolute joy to paint. Like many of us, I started wargaming in 1/72nd scale. It leaves me wondering why we ever left that scale instead of bracketing it with 15mm and 25/28mm. I am delighted to be returning to the true wargaming scale!
The unit in front is painted as Theban cavalry (noted for sporting white painted helmets). Behind them some generic cavalry with a distinct lack of clothing. Still on the painting table are heavier cavalry and a temple to decorate the battlefield.