In the 5th-3rd centuries BC, Cretan mercenaries served in the armies of many Greek city-states. Unlike Asian armies (Persians, Phoenicians, etc.), the Greeks did not use archers en masse. Alexander the Great appreciated the effectiveness of using a bow on the battlefield. Several detachments (500 warriors each) took part in all the campaigns of the great commander.
Bows in different parts of Greece differed significantly from each other. The most common type of bow in ancient Greece was composite, however, outside of Crete, bows made like the medieval English longbow from a single piece of wood were often used. Homer describes a bow made from a pair of wild goat horns connected by an insert carved from soft wood, which, apparently, was a fairly effective weapon.
Cretan archers wore simple red tunics, and a sword in a scabbard was attached to their belts. On the back is a quiver with arrows. In the left hand, at the elbow, is a small bronze shield. This shield shone brightly in the sun, giving away the location of the archers, but this is what the Cretans were proud of. On their heads they wore a special red woven bandage.
Scale: 1/32 (54 mm)
Material: tin alloy, acrylic paints
Text update 04/15/2022
