Gorgon Studios has recently released the first wave of what we plan on being a comprehensive range of early Etruscan 28mm models. Sculpted by the venerable Steve Saleh, the ‘Army of Lars Porsenna’ range is Gorgon’s first original endeavor and will cover the different troops that comprised an early Etruscan army, making it a very characterful collection of figures. Hoplites, chariots, axemen and priests are just some of the models planned; when the range is completed, it should allow you to recreate the army that vied for control of central Italy against the early Romans, albeit not entirely successfully. For those hobbyists and wargamers who aren’t terribly familiar with the early Etruscan army, I thought a quick introduction might be in order.

To this day, there are competing theories as to the origins of Etruscan culture. Some historians suggest that they were an indigenous people, while others conclude that they were descendants of a mass migration from the Near East. One thing we do know for certain is that around 700 BC they became heavily influenced by their trading partners, the Greeks. It was from the Greek culture, particularly that of Magna Graecia, that the Etruscans would take the idea of the city-state and develop it across central Italy. Greek art, architecture and religion all made its way into Etruscan culture. Similarly, it would be the Greek style of warfare the Etruscans would adopt as their own: the hoplite and the phalanx.

The Etruscans organized their army in the Venetic fighting system, which would become known as the Servian system after it was adopted by the Roman king Servius Tullius for his own army. This system was based on social class, with the wealthy citizens making up the bulk of the 1st Class warriors, equipped with the typical Greek panoply of hoplon shield and heavy spear. These hoplites would fight in the traditional phalanx and would typically form the center of the Etruscan battle-line.

The 2nd and 3rd Class troops would generally be less well-to-do Etruscans or, as likely, allied Latin tribesmen. Whether these were true allies or subjugated tribes isn’t clear and was probably a combination of each. These troops would be more lightly equipped and would form up to the sides of the phalanx during battle. Lastly, the 4th and 5th Class troops would form the skirmish line and deploy on the wings. They would generally be unarmored and carry javelins, slings and bows.

The early Etruscan army also took the field with a contingent of cavalry and light chariots. The exact nature of the Etruscan chariot in battle is a debated topic. Whether they were ceremonial transports for officers and kings or whether they were used as maneuverable weapon platforms is unknown, but it is safe to assume from archeological evidence that the Etruscan army used them.

Around 510 BC, the Roman people revolted against what would be their last king, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus. Tarquinius, of the Etruscan dynasty, immediately appealed to the king of Clusium, Lars Porsenna, for help in reacquiring his throne. Poresenna led an Etruscan army to Rome where one of two things happened. The first possibility involves King Porsenna being so moved by the bravery of the Roman warriors (see Horatius and his bridge and Mucius and his flaming right hand of steadfastness) that he sued for peace and Rome prospered and there was much rejoicing. This possibility, however, smacks of pro-Roman propaganda which is often featured in the works of the Roman historian Livy. The second possibility, which I admit I find more palatable as an Etruscan admirer, sees Porsenna taking the city and holding it for a number of years, before finally being defeated.

For as prevalent as the Etruscan League in central and northern Italy was, its power would eventually wane. In 474 BC, the combined fleets of the Cumaens and Syracusans defeated the Etruscan navy and this battle would mark the end of Etruscan dominance. The fate of Italy would no longer be in their hands and would pass to the upstart hill-dwellers of the Tiber….

You might have discerned by now that we are extremely proud of this new range of figures and consider this endeavor a “labor of love.” Gorgon Studios is committed do getting the ‘Army of Lars Porsenna’ right. I believe we’ve succeeded, so far, in balancing historical accuracy and the needs of the wargamer and collector. So, again, we are proud to introduce this range to you. But be warned, the warriors of Etruria are certainly no Lacedaemonians. The early Etruscan army is best embraced by those who tend to prefer the underdogs of history.

Dave Pauwels
Gorgon Studios
October 2009

Here are a few photos of our display at Historicon 2009 – our first official trade show! Many thanks to Conquest Miniatures for carrying our products at the convention and everyone who helped us to make our deadline.

A quick peak at what our clamshells and/or bags might look like at your friendly local gaming store or convention.

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Bennett was kind enough to send over some photos of his recently completed Spartans. Fantastic work! Check out more of Bennett’s brilliant work on his website.

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The announcement of Gorgon’s first original miniature line probably has some of you wondering what exactly the Army of Lars Porsenna will look like in 28mm. Shortly, we should have the first pictures of the range.

I am, personally, very excited about the new range. Since I saw my first Etruscan tomb pieces at the Field Museum as a kid, I was intrigued by this mysterious culture. I became interested in their society, religion and, obviously, their military equipment and organization.

With the help of a few friends and fellow WAB enthusiasts, I compiled a list of what specific figures we’d require to reconstruct an early Etruscan army. This list, along with a large collection of images, was sent on to sculptor Steve Saleh.

The Models

The First Class hoplites are made up of Etruria’s more wealthy citizens. They are equipped in a similar fashion as their contemporary Greek counterparts, with bronze or linen cuirass and hoplon shield, and fight in the same phalanx formation. These phalanxes would typically form the center of the Etruscan battle-line.

The Second and Third Class spearmen are more lightly armored and would form the wings of the army. These units may have been made up of Etruscans of more modest means as well as Italic allies.

The Fourth Class troops would act in much the same role as the Greek peltast, armed with sling, javelin or bow, they would provide the skirmish screen for the main battle-line.

The Etruscan infantry of the period would be supported by both heavy and light cavalry as well as a corp of chariotry. These light, two-horse chariots were theoretically quite maneuverable on the battle field.

Releases

Over the next months, Gorgon Miniatures plans on releasing the Army of Lars Porsenna in a series of waves. The first releases will focus on the heart of the Etruscan army, the First Class hoplites and their supporting Second and Third Class spearmen. Chariots and cavalry will follow.