The Avars were a powerful nomadic steppe people who dominated much of Central and Eastern Europe during the Early Middle Ages. At their height, the Avar Khaganate could field armies of around 20,000 mounted warriors, supported by large contingents of subject peoples and allied tribes. Frequent recipients of Byzantine tribute, the Avars were a major military threat to the Eastern Roman Empire. In 626 AD, they joined forces with the Sassanid Persians in the famous Siege of Constantinople, one of the most significant medieval siege attempts. However, the assault ultimately failed. In its aftermath, subject groups such as the Bulgars revolted and broke away from Avar control, weakening their dominance. Although the Avar Khaganate remained a regional power for some time, its influence gradually declined and was ultimately destroyed during the campaigns of Charlemagne in the early 9th century. These 28mm metal Avar miniatures are ideal for historical wargaming armies representing early medieval steppe cavalry, nomadic forces, or Byzantine-era opponents.
