Thessalian Army

[bigalwams]

Can someone point me to resources for a Thessalian Army c450-275BC? I have the Osprey book on "The Ancient Greeks" but it is limited on this specific army.

Thanks

[Bill Sumruld]

The Thessalians seem to be pretty typical Greeks except for one thing, horsemen. Early in the period you probably should choose the 3Lh option and avoid Ax. Later in the period pick the Cv and add any Ax allowed. Thessalia became much richer later in the period and horsemen became much better armed moving from floppy hats and no armor to muscled curaiss and either a Thracian type or Boetian type helmet. Thessalian cavalry also favored wearing a cloak, both early and late from what I can tell. In AMPW figure 26 plus a cloak and petassos (floppy hat) would make a perfect typical trooper of the early part of the period. In AMPW figure 27 with either helmet option would make the basic Cv of the later part of this period. Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars is a good general book for the later part of this period and includes most of their potential enemies as well among the Greeks and Macedonians etc.

I hope this helps a bit.

[Bill Sumruld]

Just a reminder, the Thessalian horsemen may have favored the short muscle curaiss that went only to the waist and used pteurges to cover the loins. You might also check the painting guides for Thessalian cavalry in Alex. the Great lists for some inspiration. He used Thessalian horse almost as much as his own Companions once they became available to him.

[bigalwams]

Thanks. I'll look at your recommendations. That's what I like about this forum...someone always is available to lend advice....

[rudynelson]

Alan, have you already got the Early Ach. Persian army painted?

[bigalwams]

No not yet, still working on it. Started my Christian Nubians as well...