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Description
A concept drawing of an Republican Roman (Late 3rd BCE - 2nd BCE) Women Warrior for the Historically Wrong Sketch Series - Project Antiquity which aims to portray Women Warriors of various cultures in a fictitious anachronistic historical settings based on the Classical Antiquity Era of Warfare. This drawing represents the Roman Republic Era during one of the greatest military conflict in the ancient world, the Punic Wars in the Late 3rd Century BC to 2nd Century BC.
The Punic War is an excellent historical era whereby the Roman Republic was given it's spotlight in the world. We all know that their triumph against their Carthaginian rival resulted in the birth of Roman Supremacy in the Western Mediterranean, one that would pave a way for further conquest and is transformation into the Roman Empire.
Interestingly enough, there's a lot more study done on the equipment of Roman Army in this era than its predecessors, although the detail is still minor compared to that in the Imperial Era. At least, one thing that can be easily put into creativity when it comes to portraying Roman Women Warrior of this era is in the uniformity of the equipment, which makes the Roman Army somewhat distinctive. As such, this drawing is dedicated to portray the imaginary of the era, the 2nd Donkey Legion of the Hiberii Extraordinarii.
The name Hiberii came from the fact that the origin of this legion lies in the conquest of the Iberian Province which was previously held by Carthage. The Iberians and the Celtiberians were known for their warlike and ferocious attitude, just like their neighboring celts. While the celts loved to fight in one-on-one heroic battle, the Iberians preferred ambush and guerrilla tactic. Nevertheless, in this series, the Iberians Women were recruited into the Donkey's Legion, just like the Italic Allies in the 1st Donkey Legion. This also includes the Islanders of Corsica and Sardinia, who were also known for their bravery and warlike attitude (as well as rebellious).
In this drawing, the women warrior are depicted in a heavy mix of anachronistic equipment, all of which, were drawn from the various wars during this era. The first woman at the bottom is depicted with a mail cuirass of Celtic fashion as well as Montefortino Helmet with 3 black feather. On the other hand, the Woman in the middle is depicted with similar mail cuirass, but of Greco-Roman fashion (See the shoulder strap) as well as a Italo-Corinthian Helmet without the cheek plate. Their armament are typical of the Roman Infantry, though historically speaking, their fashion would suit the Triarii and hence, the use of spear instead of gladius as depicted in the drawing. All of these were inspired by the relief at the Monument of Aemilius Paulus in Delphi as well as the Monument of Minerva at Tarragona. Lastly, the 3rd woman behind is depicted with simple bronze cuirass with bleached tunic as well as a speculative helmet (Boeotian?) with hair plum, denoting officer rank as described by tacticus. She is based on the relief at the Altar of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, so historical accuracy is speculative.
The scene is perhaps one of the most radical I've ever made over the entire series of HWS. The challenge for me was to put multiple main characters in a believable setting, which somewhat very tricky. I wanted to go beyond my current drawing skills and if possible, break from my comfort zone to explore a more complex and immersive scenery, which resulted in the battle scene of the Donkey's legion fighting against Carthage. While my previous Women Warriors drawing solely focus on the characters and their interaction, creating a believable image of heroine, this depiction is an entirely different image altogether. There's no heroism nor romanticism of the characters depicted, they are simply fighting to kill their enemies with the hope of seeing another dawn. War is a pretty bloody business and I'm a bit skeptical if people would appreciate the depiction of women warriors like this.....but in anycase, I'm happy with the result.
"Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam"
Inspired by the Music: De Bello Civili Romanum
INTRODUCTION TO HWS: DONKEY'S LEGION AND ROMAN WOMEN WARRIORS
INTRODUCTION TO HWS: DONKEY'S LEGION AND ROMAN WOMEN WARRIORS
Anyone that has at least a minimal understanding of Latin can easily identify that the title translates as "Donkey's Legion II" and perhaps, wondering why I choose that name. Technically speaking, the HWS series deals with portrayal of Women Warriors in historically inspired armors, as such, depicting ancient Roman Women Warriors is not only historically inaccurate, but also quite challenging. The name Donkey Legion was born from the association of Donkey as domestic animals, which is different to Horse, a symbol of masculinity and war. Roman Women had limited rights and were forbidden in participating war. as such, even if combat demands their participation, it was extremely limited. The Donkey Legion is a mock up name which gives a justification of a "female roman legion", who was initially raised from the Roman Allies and branded with the Donkey name to emphasize that while women warrior in Roman society were extraordinary, they would still be associated with their domestic role. Nevertheless, just like how Marius infantry were branded as Marius Mules after his military reform which transformed Roman Army into professional fighting force, so too will the reputation of Donkey Legion change from being a mockery to an impressive fighting force within the context of HWS Ancient Series.
ARTIST COMMENTARY
The Punic War is an excellent historical era whereby the Roman Republic was given it's spotlight in the world. We all know that their triumph against their Carthaginian rival resulted in the birth of Roman Supremacy in the Western Mediterranean, one that would pave a way for further conquest and is transformation into the Roman Empire.
Interestingly enough, there's a lot more study done on the equipment of Roman Army in this era than its predecessors, although the detail is still minor compared to that in the Imperial Era. At least, one thing that can be easily put into creativity when it comes to portraying Roman Women Warrior of this era is in the uniformity of the equipment, which makes the Roman Army somewhat distinctive. As such, this drawing is dedicated to portray the imaginary of the era, the 2nd Donkey Legion of the Hiberii Extraordinarii.
The name Hiberii came from the fact that the origin of this legion lies in the conquest of the Iberian Province which was previously held by Carthage. The Iberians and the Celtiberians were known for their warlike and ferocious attitude, just like their neighboring celts. While the celts loved to fight in one-on-one heroic battle, the Iberians preferred ambush and guerrilla tactic. Nevertheless, in this series, the Iberians Women were recruited into the Donkey's Legion, just like the Italic Allies in the 1st Donkey Legion. This also includes the Islanders of Corsica and Sardinia, who were also known for their bravery and warlike attitude (as well as rebellious).
In this drawing, the women warrior are depicted in a heavy mix of anachronistic equipment, all of which, were drawn from the various wars during this era. The first woman at the bottom is depicted with a mail cuirass of Celtic fashion as well as Montefortino Helmet with 3 black feather. On the other hand, the Woman in the middle is depicted with similar mail cuirass, but of Greco-Roman fashion (See the shoulder strap) as well as a Italo-Corinthian Helmet without the cheek plate. Their armament are typical of the Roman Infantry, though historically speaking, their fashion would suit the Triarii and hence, the use of spear instead of gladius as depicted in the drawing. All of these were inspired by the relief at the Monument of Aemilius Paulus in Delphi as well as the Monument of Minerva at Tarragona. Lastly, the 3rd woman behind is depicted with simple bronze cuirass with bleached tunic as well as a speculative helmet (Boeotian?) with hair plum, denoting officer rank as described by tacticus. She is based on the relief at the Altar of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, so historical accuracy is speculative.
The scene is perhaps one of the most radical I've ever made over the entire series of HWS. The challenge for me was to put multiple main characters in a believable setting, which somewhat very tricky. I wanted to go beyond my current drawing skills and if possible, break from my comfort zone to explore a more complex and immersive scenery, which resulted in the battle scene of the Donkey's legion fighting against Carthage. While my previous Women Warriors drawing solely focus on the characters and their interaction, creating a believable image of heroine, this depiction is an entirely different image altogether. There's no heroism nor romanticism of the characters depicted, they are simply fighting to kill their enemies with the hope of seeing another dawn. War is a pretty bloody business and I'm a bit skeptical if people would appreciate the depiction of women warriors like this.....but in anycase, I'm happy with the result.
REFERENCES AND RELATED MEDIA
Developed based on the concept sketch of Roman Women Warrior:
HWS: Antiquity - Roman Women Warriors Concept
Legio Asinus I Socii Extraordinarii
:origin()/pre04/de04/th/pre/i/2015/284/8/0/legio_asinus_i_socii_extraordinarii_of_spqr_by_gambargin-d9cpyjq.jpg)
as well as Carthage
:origin()/pre05/c561/th/pre/i/2015/105/b/0/muttunbaal_thap_sanim_of_qarta_hadasti__carthage__by_gambargin-d87xnna.jpg)
Credit goes to Pelycosaur24
who has greatly contributed her advise and suggestions in the series.
Developed based on the concept sketch of Roman Women Warrior:
HWS: Antiquity - Roman Women Warriors Concept
Legio Asinus I Socii Extraordinarii
as well as Carthage
Credit goes to Pelycosaur24
who has greatly contributed her advise and suggestions in the series. Image size
2952x4352px 21.75 MB
© 2015 - 2024 Gambargin
Comments35
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Truly, this war with the cursed Elephant riders has turned the world on its head. In light of the defeat at Cannae, I had been so frantic with trying to train new recruits and implement the rules of Fabius that I hadn't been focusing on my family too hard, after all, my two sons could look after my wife and daughter whilst I was working to save our very people and way of life! Apparently, I should have. My sons apparently did not notice how absent my wife and daughter were, until one day I walk back into my home to see them both dressed in soldier's uniforms that they had no doubt stolen. Both Octavianus and Paetinus claimed ignorance, they have apparently lost both their senses of sight and sound.
Before I had even a chance to speak about how outrageous this sight was, they interrupted me, going on about how if Rome was going to fall, they were going to fight and die next to their sons and husbands, and that we were in no position to argue turning fighting forces away. If this had come from a man, I might be impressed with such patriotism, but coming from my wife and only daughter just seemed to make my stomach churn in disgust. Of course, after a few more long hours of arguments, I received word of something even more ludicrous than the sight of the women of my house in full armor. Apparently, the dictator Fabius had decided to form the Donkey Legion of Hiberii Extrodinarii. Apparently, my wife and daughter were not alone in their sentiment, and Fabius, in another moment of madness, had condone this women legion, and to freshly pour salt on this open wound, had command that I not only train these madwomen, but also would command them in battle! Such a Ludicrous notion has proven to me that the world has lost all reason, and that Hannibal has driven the most sane leader to absolute madness. I wish I could reject such a notion, but with the Carthaginians lurking our own country, I have no choice but to comply with the decision of Fabius.
To think the Carthaginians could push us so far....
-------
Training of the women has continued for the past few days with haste. The process has been both vexing and fascinating. In many ways, they remind me of a fresh recruit. Many of them have never held weapons, moved in armor, or gone hours without sleep or food. In many ways, training them was nearly exactly the same as I would a man. Many of them are from our holdings in Spain as well, seeing how the fighting on the Iberian peninsula has caused a great many of them to petition for the chance to fight for any cause that drives Carthage from their homes. However, many seem to eye me with both suspicion and disgust. It appears that having me, man, taking command over them seems to have made them suspicious.
They are unconvinced that my appointment has made them nothing more than a simple group of soldiers that are there for simple morale purposes. For many, I not only have to instruct on what to do, but also on why they must do so or they never listen. Discipline is mandatory for our army to function, and I pray that they learn such as quickly as they can for the sake of Rome itself. My own wife and daughter are among these legions, and they are ever present in my thoughts as the training continues.
-------
This "Donkey legion" that I now must command is now in Iberia, where Scipio has continued to impress with the ability to defeat Hasdrubal. It appears that Carthrage is attempting another attempt to retake the territory. We've been lining up and staring at each other for days. Many in this legion are anxious to fight, but Scipio seems to have another plan. Tonight we are to draw up our lines close to the enemy camp, as well as change up our lines. If things go right, we just might give them their own little Cannae.
I know many in the legion are itching to prove themselves. Many of them even think they'll even get to serve in the army after this war, should we win of course. I find myself, oddly, rooting for each of them. I've trained them to the best of my ability, have seen many of them grow, much like I did in my first years in the army, and will now be fighting along side each of them. I cannot help but feel an odd kinship with each of them, like my own soldiers I've fought beside before.
Of course, my thoughts are primarily consumed by my own daughter. Massalina, my only daughter and my youngest child, my mind is full of memories of her boundless energy and her impulsive behavior I once found intolerable. Now she excels in her duties as a soldier, my sons will have to work hard to keep up at this rate. But my thoughts are fully of worry, her life could be snuffed out in a single battle. All that untapped potential and youthful enthusiasm, extinguished on her first engagement, like so many will be here. I used to be able to cope with these feelings, but now, with her here, I find them harder to control.
I hope Scipio knows what he's doing. My entire family is now fighting in this war, and I am determined to bring my daughter back to a free and mighty Rome.
------
Thus was written by,
Sextus Horatius Sabinus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welp, I just typed all of this. So.... enjoy I suppose.
Before I had even a chance to speak about how outrageous this sight was, they interrupted me, going on about how if Rome was going to fall, they were going to fight and die next to their sons and husbands, and that we were in no position to argue turning fighting forces away. If this had come from a man, I might be impressed with such patriotism, but coming from my wife and only daughter just seemed to make my stomach churn in disgust. Of course, after a few more long hours of arguments, I received word of something even more ludicrous than the sight of the women of my house in full armor. Apparently, the dictator Fabius had decided to form the Donkey Legion of Hiberii Extrodinarii. Apparently, my wife and daughter were not alone in their sentiment, and Fabius, in another moment of madness, had condone this women legion, and to freshly pour salt on this open wound, had command that I not only train these madwomen, but also would command them in battle! Such a Ludicrous notion has proven to me that the world has lost all reason, and that Hannibal has driven the most sane leader to absolute madness. I wish I could reject such a notion, but with the Carthaginians lurking our own country, I have no choice but to comply with the decision of Fabius.
To think the Carthaginians could push us so far....
-------
Training of the women has continued for the past few days with haste. The process has been both vexing and fascinating. In many ways, they remind me of a fresh recruit. Many of them have never held weapons, moved in armor, or gone hours without sleep or food. In many ways, training them was nearly exactly the same as I would a man. Many of them are from our holdings in Spain as well, seeing how the fighting on the Iberian peninsula has caused a great many of them to petition for the chance to fight for any cause that drives Carthage from their homes. However, many seem to eye me with both suspicion and disgust. It appears that having me, man, taking command over them seems to have made them suspicious.
They are unconvinced that my appointment has made them nothing more than a simple group of soldiers that are there for simple morale purposes. For many, I not only have to instruct on what to do, but also on why they must do so or they never listen. Discipline is mandatory for our army to function, and I pray that they learn such as quickly as they can for the sake of Rome itself. My own wife and daughter are among these legions, and they are ever present in my thoughts as the training continues.
-------
This "Donkey legion" that I now must command is now in Iberia, where Scipio has continued to impress with the ability to defeat Hasdrubal. It appears that Carthrage is attempting another attempt to retake the territory. We've been lining up and staring at each other for days. Many in this legion are anxious to fight, but Scipio seems to have another plan. Tonight we are to draw up our lines close to the enemy camp, as well as change up our lines. If things go right, we just might give them their own little Cannae.
I know many in the legion are itching to prove themselves. Many of them even think they'll even get to serve in the army after this war, should we win of course. I find myself, oddly, rooting for each of them. I've trained them to the best of my ability, have seen many of them grow, much like I did in my first years in the army, and will now be fighting along side each of them. I cannot help but feel an odd kinship with each of them, like my own soldiers I've fought beside before.
Of course, my thoughts are primarily consumed by my own daughter. Massalina, my only daughter and my youngest child, my mind is full of memories of her boundless energy and her impulsive behavior I once found intolerable. Now she excels in her duties as a soldier, my sons will have to work hard to keep up at this rate. But my thoughts are fully of worry, her life could be snuffed out in a single battle. All that untapped potential and youthful enthusiasm, extinguished on her first engagement, like so many will be here. I used to be able to cope with these feelings, but now, with her here, I find them harder to control.
I hope Scipio knows what he's doing. My entire family is now fighting in this war, and I am determined to bring my daughter back to a free and mighty Rome.
------
Thus was written by,
Sextus Horatius Sabinus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welp, I just typed all of this. So.... enjoy I suppose.