Thursday 2 August 2012

Aulus Caecina Alienus and Salonina


Caecina was one of Vitellius' two subordinates, and commanded an independent column that unexpectedly invaded Italy from Switzerland over passes that the Othonians had considered blocked by snow.   He commanded at the battle of Ad Castores, that Phil Hendry, Craig Davey and I will refight at Partizan.


Tacitus describes his scandalous arrival in History Book 2: 20. "Caecina, who seemed to have left his cruelty and profligacy on the other side of the Alps, advanced through Italy with his army under excellent discipline. The towns and colonies, however, found indications of a haughty spirit in the general's dress, when they saw the cloak of various colours, and the trews, a garment of foreign fashion, clothed in which he was wont to speak to their toga-clad citizens. And they resented, as if with a sense of personal wrong, the conduct of his wife Salonina, though it injured no one that she presented a conspicuous figure as she rode through their towns on horseback in a purple habit."

Caecina is an Aventine general, with lightly converted cloak and trews.   Salonina is heavily converted from a Lady Godiva!  I've a few more commanders to post over the next week...


9 comments:

Sire Godefroy said...

The other side of Romanisation then? What a great story for a general, and very nicely executed. Well done!

Cheers
SG

Paul´s Bods said...

I know they did it but I´ve never seen a sidesaddle riding mini..not in 28mm..very original.
Nice little vignette
Cheers
paul

Dr. Willett's Workshop said...

Great diorama, the painting is excellent!

Counterpane said...

Damn, I wish I could make it to Partizan but it clashes with HOTT Berkeley.

Good luck with the game!

Jay said...

Lovely vignette!

Galpy said...

Very very cool they look great will look awesome on the gaming table

BigRedBat said...

Thanks all!

Paul, was the only 28mm sidesaddle mini I could find.

Richard, have a great Berkeley!

Cheers, Simon

Tarty said...

Wonderful stuff.....

Secundus said...

Lovely stuff!