Normanni
It is well-known that the Normans were descended from recent Viking settlers in northern France. It is often overlooked however what a huge impact they had on the early era of the Middle Ages. After 1066 Normandy, although a county was thriving with having conquered England itself. The Normans were direct continuations of the Viking style of merchants, colonisers, sea-farers and warriors. Normans, enjoying the sudden bloom of their homeland, quickly exploded across Europe with strength in numbers and arms during the 11th century. They were key populations in the nobility and warrior classes of England, Scotland, Sicily, Byzantium, Armenia and Syria. We could even speak of this period as being the late Viking Age, or perhaps the Norman Age. For Norman cavalry was considered a highly potent force in many theatres of conflict. Based on a Germanic tradition of using small, sturdy horses that were power-houses in melée and on rough terrain, Normans would first harrass enemy formations with thrown spears before charging into broken defences relying on the brute force of mere sword and shield. Due to the innate martial skills and economy of their origins, Norman equipment was state of the art. Normans were themselves spreading the use of many military fashions due to their own prolific efficiency. Often using Nordic flat-bottomed longboats, Normans even in the Mediterranean could transport an entire cavalry company on one of these single swift, light vessels and have them assault enemy positions. The rapid advance of the Siculo-Normans across southern Italy and into Greece, as well as their success in the First Crusade is often attributed to the Norman expertise of amphibious mobilisations. They were a form of post-Norse marine cavalry if you will, a highly successful cadre of Northern European aggression.
-Sumskilz
We have a lot of new previews coming soon, so this time I'll just let the unit pics speak for themselves.
Credits:
Models: Sumskilz incorporating the work of Ronin and Lance of the Rusichi mod and shield models by Pacco.
Textures: Pacco incorporating the work of Ronin and Lance of the Rusichi mod and normal map by Sumskilz
Horse Textures: Argent Usher with minor modifications by Sumskilz
Unit Concept and Description: Hross
*** Preview Render with 2D Art by Pacco ***