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Sunday, 14 September 2025

The Savants

When he went to Egypt in 1798 Napoleon developed a fascination with Egyptology. That fascination was sparked and then nurtured by the inclusion in his expedition of a contingent of more than 160 savants or scholars.

Their original purpose was to investigate the practicality of creating a canal to Suez, but during their time in Cairo the savants established the Instiut d'Égypt to spread the Republic's  principle of Enlightenment, improving its agricultural processes and architecture and they studied in depth the fauna, flora and history of Egypt. 


This group of six Savants are joining my French in Egypt army and in the not too distant future will feature in an adventure with a character who has featured on these pages in the past.








22 comments:

  1. Lovely figures Mark, and they look great against the backdrop of your buildings. Will there be a 28mm Rosetta Stone to go with them?

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    1. They were a bit of fun to work on...as for the Rosetta stone, I couldn't possibly comment!

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  2. An interesting read and the figures look great and lovely scenery to set it all off.

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    1. It us an interesting time. Napoleon studied intently while enroute to and during his time in Egypt including reading the Koran so that he could better understand the Egyptians ... it didn't stop them rebelling against him though.

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    1. Thanks Jonathan. They are rather dapper chaps, aren't they?! As ZZTop once said "...every girl crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man..."

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  4. Nice project. Good brushwork. I used the pack as the basis of my French team for Silver Bayonet,Egypt. Be interesting to see how these fare.

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    1. Thanks Joe. They are a nice set. I am hoping that they could see some "action" this week...or next

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  5. These would be perfect for a skirmish level game Mark.....I know how much you like those!

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    1. They will have a role, but not in a skirmish game for sure!

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  6. Nice additions for scene setting,
    Stephen

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  7. Splendid looking scholars! They look especially well in your scratch built surroundings!
    Best Iain

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  8. Superb figures there Mark and very useful for a narrative within a game or of course just as decoration:).

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    1. Thanks Steve. They have had their first 'outing' now.

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  9. Excellent brushwork Mark, they really look the part!

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