Build a Late Roman Horse Archer Contingent for 28mm
By Victrix Limited 28mm miniatures | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to assemble, base, and field a Late Roman horse archer unit for 28mm ancients wargaming, with practical tips on model preparation and tactical deployment.
Quick answer
To build a Late Roman horse archer contingent for 28mm ancients, start with a box of Late Roman Horse Archers, assemble the figures with bows and shields, base them for skirmish formation, and paint them in period-appropriate colors.
Why horse archers matter in Late Roman armies
Late Roman armies increasingly relied on mounted skirmishers to harass enemy flanks and disrupt heavy infantry. Horse archers provide mobile firepower that can outmaneuver slower foot troops and screen your main battle line.
The Victrix Late Roman Horse Archers set includes 12 highly detailed figures with composite bows, swords, and small round shields. The models show riders shooting in multiple directions, reflecting the agility of these skirmishers.
Assembly considerations
Each figure comes with separate arms, bow, and shield. Dry-fit the components before gluing to ensure natural shooting poses. The small round shield straps to the upper left arm, so position the arm accordingly.
The bow case and quiver are separate parts—attach them to the saddle or rider's belt after painting to avoid obscuring details.
How to build your horse archer contingent
- Assemble the figures: Clean mold lines with a hobby knife. Glue arms in shooting poses—mixing front, side, and rear shots for visual variety. Attach the small round shield to the left arm after painting the rider. Common mistake: gluing the shield before painting makes the arm detail hard to reach.
- Base for skirmish formation: Use 25mm x 50mm cavalry bases. Mount each figure individually so you can deploy them in a loose screen or wedge. Leave room for basing materials (sand, static grass) that match your army's theme. Check that the horse hooves sit flush on the base before the glue sets; an uneven base wobbles during play.
- Paint in period colors: Late Roman horse archers often wore tunics in earth tones (buff, brown, faded red) and unarmored or light leather. Paint the bow and quiver with wood tones, and add a wash to the shield for an aged look. Avoid bright, clean colors—these are skirmishers, not parade troops.
- Field the unit tactically: Deploy the horse archers on a flank to harass enemy cavalry or shoot into the rear of engaged infantry. Use their speed to avoid prolonged melee—they are not built for frontal charges. Keep a screening unit of light cavalry nearby to protect them if the enemy closes.
Product facts
- Late Roman Horse Archers: 12 superbly detailed and animated models shooting to the front, side and rear, equipped with composite bow, bow case, arrow quiver, sword, and small round shield. The varied shooting poses let you create a dynamic-looking unit that represents real battlefield tactics, not just a static line of archers.
Late Roman Horse Archers
