Description
These fierce axemen came from the ancient Georgian kingdom of Kartli, a region that sat on the divide between east and west. The kingdom of Kartli remained mostly independent until its association with both Pontus and Armenia led it into direct conflict with Rome during Pompey’s eastern campaigns. They were then treated as a subject state, eventually becoming formally allied to Rome following the disputes between Emperor Hadrian and Pharasmanes, the king of Kartli. Kartli did supply axemen as both mercenaries and auxiliaries to the Romans. In battle these axemen used one-handed axes that could inflict horrible wounds, and carried round shields. They also wore helmets, scale shirts and, later, chainmail. They were, by the standards of the day, rather well equipped.
