- Warriors of the Dark Ages Collection
- 28mm scale
- Contents:
- 16 x Riders and horses
- 8 x Different horse head options. Separate tails to add a little more movement to the models.
- 13 x head options for the riders.
- 16 x axes to hang from the right of the saddle and 16 x swords in scabbards.
- Draco standard bearer arm option.
- The rider bodies are depicted in various armour styles including mail, lamellar and scales. The arms and legs are covered in flexible, tubular metal rings.
- Each rider has two arm pose options. Either upright Kontos or Kontos at the level.
- Molded in gray.
- Plastic packaging dimensions: 9.75” W x 15.0” H x 2.0” D
- Unpainted figures, assembly with glue and painting required.
- Recommended for 14 years or older.
The term "Cataphract" refers to a heavily armored cavalryman, clad from head to toe in mail, scale, or plate armor, mounted on a fully armored horse. The scale armor, often crafted from iron or bronze, could also be made from horn, bone, or hardened leather, dyed in striking colors such as red or green. The horses typically wore elaborate headpieces to protect their faces and mesh coverings for their eyes, constructed from metal or leather.
The first regiments of Cataphractarii were introduced into the Roman army by Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century. A significant expansion of these regiments occurred during the reign of Emperor Constantius II in the 4th century as Rome faced increasing conflicts with the Sassanid Persian Empire, which relied heavily on Cataphracts and the similar Clibanarii.
In battle, Cataphracts advanced at a steady trot rather than a charge, as their substantial weight could quickly exhaust the horse. This measured pace maintained the cohesion of their line, maximizing the impact of their primary weapon, the long kontos (lance). In combat, they would joust or fence with the kontos, transitioning to swords or axes when the lance broke. Historical accounts even describe kontos strikes as powerful enough to decapitate with a single thrust or slash. Infantry greatly feared the Cataphract's charge, often forming dense defensive formations to resist their onslaught.
This model set features figures equipped with either upright or leveled kontos lances, along with a variety of head options for customization. The horses, depicted in dynamic trotting poses, are adorned with detailed scale armor and come with multiple head variants. Together, these components create a visually striking and varied regiment of Cataphracts, perfect for instilling fear in any adversary.
