The Avars, for their part, are scoundrels, devious, and very experienced in military matters.
- Maurikios, Strategikon
Cunning, ruthless, technologically advanced invaders from Central Asia, the Avars burst upon the scene in Europe in the sixth century AD, driving in their path the Slav tribesmen they would conquer and use as "cannon fodder" in their incessant wars of pillage and conquest. From their empire centred upon Pannonia (roughly modern-day Hungary) they sowed fear and dominated their neighbors.
Carried in the Avar tidal wave were peoples they had subdued or who had joined the migration, especially large numbers of Bulgars, who initially adopted Avar dress and equipment on a wide scale.
This line of 15mm models, sculpted by Tony Aldrich, represents the Avars from the summit of their rule in Europe, the First Khaganate of Bayan. They include the mounted Avar nobles, Avar/Bulgar horse archers, and Avar commanders, as well as the hordes of Slavs (from the sixth century, so with smaller shields) that the Avars had at their command. Slav javelinmen are available in larger budget bags as well.
All are extensively researched, including articles and other sources helpfully provided by Duncan Head. (Any mistakes are ours, of course.)
In other news, we have added photos of our 15mm Tadjik Archers. These were the ethnically Persian foot levies of the later medieval Turco-Mongol cavalry armies of the time, most famously the Timurids and White and Black Sheep Turks.
