Linear-A – 083 – Neo-Assyrian Empire Siege Engineer “Hupsu” Set 4

Description:

Neo-Assyrian Empire (911–609 BCE) was renowned for its advanced military engineering, particularly in siege warfare. Sappers—specialized military engineers—played a crucial role in the Assyrian army’s ability to conquer fortified cities.

Assyrian sappers were tasked with undermining enemy fortifications. They employed techniques such as digging tunnels beneath city walls to weaken and collapse them, a method known as sapping. These operations were often conducted in conjunction with other siege tactics, including the use of battering rams and siege towers.

The Assyrians were among the first to establish a permanent corps of military engineers within their army. This corps was responsible for constructing siege engines, ladders, and battering rams, as well as executing sapping operations. Their expertise allowed the Assyrian military to conduct complex siege operations effectively, contributing to the empire’s expansion and dominance in the ancient Near East.

One notable example of Assyrian siegecraft is the siege of Lachish in 701 BCE. During this campaign, Assyrian engineers constructed massive earthen ramps to bring siege engines close to the city walls, while sappers worked to undermine the fortifications. The successful siege of Lachish demonstrated the effectiveness of the Assyrian military’s engineering capabilities.

In summary, sappers were integral to the Neo-Assyrian military’s success in siege warfare. Their skills in undermining fortifications and constructing siege equipment allowed the Assyrian Empire to conquer and control a vast territory, leaving a lasting legacy in military engineering history.

This box contains 40 figures in 10 poses, all of them in a 4x format. Also include a big siege shield, used to cover sappers or archers while working during a siege.

The set notably include 3 sapper poses, while the rest of the set is composed of shield bearers, carrying large shields used to cover archers, archers and three more poses, tow for spearmen (one of them is labeled also as a sapper in the back box) and one for a mace armed man.

The poses are well sculpted, using 3D print technologies cast is nice and clean, but figures keep showing bows strings totally disproportioned. Another problem for the most exigent, is the mix of centuries which spam from 9th BC to 7th BC centuries, with changes in clothes, helmets and armors.