Hunnish infantry

[ochoin]

I'm toying with the idea of adding a larger Hun contingent to my Gothic force.
I've noticed that several manufacturers, as well as offering horse archers & some heavier mailed cavalry, also sell Hunnish infantry.

It seemed a little unlikely to me. If needing infantry, the Huns would coerce their various Germanic subjects. However, the idea of a hard-core of heavy Hun infantry was discussed in several places on the web & not entirely quashed, I think.

A bridge too far or should I add to the strength with a unit or maybe two?

donald

[DougM]

I'm not convinced, but bear in mind there were several varieties of Huns, Sabir, Hepthalite etc. So I wouldn't entirely rule it out. I would be more convinced of Hunnic cavalry dismounting if necessary.

[ochoin]

I'm not convinced, but bear in mind there were several varieties of Huns, Sabir, Hepthalite etc. So I wouldn't entirely rule it out. I would be more convinced of Hunnic cavalry dismounting if necessary.

Trouble with that is one of the Roman writers claims the Hunnish cavalry wore boots that were very difficult to walk in.
If that isn't a tall story (alta fabula....) it creates an amusing image of dismounted Huns wobbling across the paddock.

They're such a mysterious people it's hard to find much contemporary stuff & about half of that looks made up.

donald

[goat major]

The DBA book describes the Sabir Huns as having infantry that also worked for the Byzantines and Sassanids as mercenaries. Don’t know what evidence they have for this

[Norman D. Landings]

I always assumed the various Hunnic foot figures were intended to represent dismounted horsemen.

(Although, they might represent germanic tribes who are culturally assimilated, maybe?)

As for Hunnic boots being difficult to walk in - maybe comparatively so, when compared to caligae, but certainly not unmanageable.
I don't think fighting cavalry would choose kit which left them 'hobbled' when dismounted.


Think cowboy boots... godawful if you have to walk any great distance, but you're still functional with them on.