Unit Mini Preview: Al-Haras al-Sudani
Unit Mini Preview: Al-Haras al-Sudani
From its inception the Fatimid Caliphate employed slave-recruited soldiers of sub-Saharan African origin. Though the Fatimids were Shi’ites, they ruled over a vast empire of predominately Sunni Muslims. Consequently, they counted on the loyalty of these abid al-shira (owned men) to help maintain control. The most skilled and loyal of the abid al-shira were organized into elite guard regiments (al-haras al-Sudani) who were clothed in elaborate textiles and equipped with high-quality often gilded weapons and armor from the royal arsenal.
~Jermagon
In the late Fatimid era, al-Haras al-Sudani had a significant influence in the Caliph's court. Their leader was given the title of Mu'taman al-Khilafa (literally - trustworthy of the Caliphate). When Saladin came to Egypt with his Kurdish army he was not well-received by the Sudani who saw him as a rival for the Caliph’s favor. They conspired against Saladin by secretly corresponding with the Crusader States, inviting them to invade Egypt. When Saladin discovered the conspiracy, he ordered their leaders to be executed. The Sudani guard revolted but where defeated by Saladin who had their remainder executed in 1170. (Edited by Sumskilz)
~Sumskilz
Creating the faces for this unit was one of the most time consuming parts, but I’m very pleased with the result.
In the reign of Al-Zahir (1021-1036) an arms factory was built in Cairo where 3,000 craftsmen produced equipment for the royal arsenal using a system similar to a modern assembly line.
The appearance of the guard regiments was an important part of the Caliph’s prestige. Often a defeat at the empires edge could be compensated for by an elaborate show of power in Egypt including military parades featuring the Caliph’s disciplined guard regiments with their highly decorated shields and gilded helmets.
Credits:
Textures and models by Sumskilz incorporating several pieces by Ronin and Lance of the Rusichi Mod. Shield model by Stefaneke with slight modifications to its shape by Sumskilz (Thanks to Leif Erikson and Absinthia for the shield straps idea).
Unit concept, research, and description by Sumskilz (Thanks to Jermagon for the additional historical context posted above).
Originally Posted by Enros
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Re: Unit Mini Preview: Al-Haras al-Sudani
Excellent !!
. Can we expect more now.
