North America
Maya
For two thousand years, the Yucatan peninsula and Guatemala highlands were home to one of the most culturally rich civilizations in history. Never a unified people, the Maya were divided in to dozens of competing city-states and sub-cultures. Their achievements in art and mathematics, among many other things, marked the pinnacle of Pre-Columbian civilization.
From left to right:
- Atlatlman
The atlatl was a common weapon: known to humanity since prehistoric times, it survived in Mesoamerica until the Spanish conquest. Although more typical of the cultures of central Mexico, the atlatl was used by Mayan warriors along with a variety of other weapons.
- Spearman
No common soldier, but someone of high social rank, this warrior shows off his bling. Wearing plumed everything, the spear he wields is a symbol of his power.
Mississippians
The Mississippian culture was quite the opposite of the stereotypical Native North American culture. Characterized by large urban centres and earthen pyramid mounds, complex social systems comparable to Mesoamerican cultures, and trade routes spanning the North American continent, this civilization was located in the eponymous river basin and was contemporary with the Middle Ages in Europe.
The concept art below is based heavily on both modern and 16th century artwork of the Mississippians and descendant cultures.
From left to right:
- Clubman
Possibly a member of the upper class or nobility, this warrior wears padded armour and fights with a large ball-head club.
- Archer
The bow was one of the most common weapons in Precolumbian North America. This particular archer is a native of Florida.
- Spearman
This native of what is now Tennessee stood guard at one of his city's important buildings.
- Birdman
This man is known to us as a 'Birdman' or 'Falcon Dancer'. He is not a warrior, rather, his elaborate costume and flint mace are largely ceremonial.
Olmecs
The Olmecs, the first major civilization in Mesoamerica, flourished during the Preclassic era. The Olmec civilizaton is often referred to as the 'mother culture' of Mesoamerica, due to the origins of many of the facets of Mesoamerican culture in the Olmec period.
- Warrior
The developing trade systems and social stratification of the Preclassic period saw the rise of a warrior class. Charactarized by his distinctive helmet (appearing on the Olmecs' famous stone head monuments), he enters battle with a simple obsidian-studded club.
Tarascans
The Tarascan civilization was located in western Mexico in the Postclassic period of Mesoamerican history (circa 900s to 1500s C.E.). Perhaps the strongest rival of the Aztecs before the Spanish arrival, the Tarascans were often at war with the Aztec Empire, but never conquered by them, largely due to the Tarascans' advanced military organization and superior tactics.
- Chichimec Archer
The Chichimeca were an array of nomadic peoples of northern Mexico. Their name is synonymous with 'barbarian', which is how they were seen by the Aztecs. Several ethnicities served under the Tarascans as soldiers in their fight against the Aztecs. Chichimec archers were known to have fought in two-man teams: One bowman fired arrows at the enemy while one spotter looked out for incoming arrows, and would attempt to catch them in his shield. They are dressed with quilted cotton armour and feathered headdresses.
Teotihuacan
The city of Teotihuacan, already ancient by the time of the Aztecs, was known to them as the 'City of the Gods'. Sitting close to Lake Texcoco in the Valley of Mexico; what was once one of the largest cities in the world reached its peak during the time of the Roman Empire in the Old World. The city's influence spread throughout Mesoamerica, even playing an important role in the Maya region at the height of their civilization.
- Eagle Warrior
The Eagle seems to have been one of the most important animals in the culture of Teotihuacan. This man is an elite soldier in the army of the mysterious Siyaj K'ak', who led an expedition into the heart of the Maya where he conquered, interfered with internal politics, and replaced local rulers. This warrior's costume is designed to be impressive, and strapped on his back is a large mirror-like shield of pyrite.
Toltecs
Preceding the Aztecs as the dominant culture in Central Mexico during the 900s to 1100s C.E.; the Toltecs were admired for their culture by the Aztecs, who claimed descent from them.
- Atlantes Warrior
Giant statues in the main Toltec city of Tula take the form of warriors of an almost god-like quality. This man is elaborately dressed, with feathered helmet and a large butterfly piece adorning his chest. Depicted with a variety of weapons, this soldier in particular fights with the atlatl.
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) available thanks to Sandris.
