Red Box 106 1/72 16th-17th c. Italian Sailors Set 2

Ever since the Mediterranean had been a ‘Roman lake’ Italy had been well-placed to profit from the trade carried out in that most important part of ancient Europe. This only increased as the West gradually became aware of the Middle East and beyond, partly thanks to the crusades from the 11th century. Fortunes were made, and maritime republics like Venice, Genoa and Pisa became far more powerful than their small size would have suggested, but things began to unravel in the 15th century. By the 16th century Italy was being fought over by France, Spain and the Holy Roman Empire, leading to Spanish dominance of the peninsular, but many Italian states like Venice and the Papal States remained independent, and of course with such a long coastline Italian sailors were always kept busy, whether by trade or war.

As with Set 1 in this mini series on Italian Sailors, many of the figures in this set are focused on the galley, which reached the height of its importance in the 16th century before rapidly falling from favour.

Specifications

• Contents: 40 figures
• Poses: 10 poses
• Material: Plastic (Medium Consistency)