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Short description

Libyan mercenary skirmishers. They work well in rough terrain but are vulnerable if caught in the open by cavalry.

Description

These Libyan mercenaries are great skirmishers. They work well in rough terrain but are vulnerable if caught in the open by cavalry. These mercenaries are used to break up enemy units with a shower of javelins - a traditional weapon in Libya - as the battle lines close on each other. They cannot be expected to fight well in a melee however. They are generally similar to the peltasts of other nations: light infantry who carry javelins, swords and small shields (usually fashioned from hardened ostrich hide). They are mobile enough to stay out of trouble but are, as is so often the case with skirmishers, vulnerable when caught on open ground. They are best used in broken and wooded terrain, where they can hide and ambush enemy formations before the main battle is joined. They wear no armour, but inspire fear due to their shaved heads and body paint. Herodotus describes several styles unique to a particular Libyan tribe:

"Above the Nasamones, towards the south, in the district where the wild beasts abound, dwell the Garamantians, who avoid all society or intercourse with their fellow-men, have no weapon of war, and do not know how to defend themselves. These border the Nasamones on the south: westward along the sea-shore their neighbours are the Macea, who, by letting the locks about the crown of their head grow long, while they clip them close everywhere else, make their hair resemble a crest." Herodotus - The Histories, Book IV:172

The head is shaven, except for a 'mohawk' style scalplock which is plaited, with a crescent ornament hanging from the front. This type is shown on 2nd century AD tombstones so was worn throughout the period.