Spartan slingers (Mortal Gods)

 

Hello!

Although I had a unit of heavy hoplites left over from the end of the Spartans, I decided to paint some slingers for variety's sake.

And here's today's base of painted models from Victrix Ltd.
To make things more interesting, I changed the head of one of the slingers - but I don't remember where it's from - maybe from Wargames Atlantic?

I think they turned out quite nicely.

best
M.

Ancient Greek slingers (sphendonetai) were highly effective, low-cost light infantry, who used leather or woven fiber slings to hurl stones and lead bullets (glandes) at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Renowned for their range (often outdistancing archers) and accuracy, they targeted enemy troop formations, breaking armor and causing significant casualties. 

Key details regarding ancient Greek slingers:

• Ammunition & Power: While they used common stones, expert slingers often utilized molded lead bullets, sometimes almond-shaped. These bullets could penetrate armor or cause severe blunt force trauma.
• Psychological Warfare: Slingers often inscribed their bullets with taunts like "dexai" ("take that"), or messages invoking gods or commanders.
• Origins: While widespread, specialized slingers were often recruited from specific regions like Rhodes or the Balearic Islands, where their training began in childhood.
• Tactical Role: They were used in the initial stages of battle to harass the enemy, disrupt phalanxes, and protect the flanks of heavier infantry.
• Equipment: Their equipment was minimal—a simple sling and a pouch of stones—making them an efficient, versatile, and inexpensive addition to Greek armies.
  
  
  

  

  https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9c/bb/fc/9cbbfc9508f841d05d097749016ec305.jpg

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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