MACSS-01
John Jenkins Designs
Not yet released - expected in mid-August.
The Argyraspides were elite Macedonian soldiers who carried silver plated shields. The original unit were Hypaspists serving in the army of Alexander the Great.
They were a division of the Macedonian army, and were picked men commanded by Nicanort, the son of Parmenio, as well as Seleucus, and were held in high honour by Alexander. They were hypaspists, having changed their name to the Argyraspides whilst in India under Alexander.
Nicanor, was a distinguished officer in the service of Alexander the Great.
He is first mentioned at the passage of the Danube river, in the expedition of Alexander against the Getae, 335, when he led the phalanx. During the expedition into Asia he appears to have held the chief command of the Hypaspists. It is mentioned of him holding this post in the three great battles of the Granicus, Issus and of Gaugamela.
He was to accompany Alexander during the rapid march in pursuit of the king Darius III Codmannus in 330. This was probably his last service, as he was to die of disease shortly afterwards, during the advance into Bactria. His death at this time was considered a fortunate event, as it prevented him from participating either in the designs or the fate of his brother Philotas.