Napoleon in Egypt - Expédition Baïonnette en Argent
Scientists & Savants
The Army of the Orient was not only a military force, being accompanied by scientists, archaeologists and administrators to conduct research and to determine the potential of Egypt as a French colony.
Bonaparte established the Egyptian Institute of Arts and Sciences in Cairo, August 1798. The principal objectives of the Institute were the ‘progress of knowledge and its propagation I Egypt’, ‘Research, study and publication of the natural, industrial and historical facts about Egypt’, and ‘To give advice on the various questions upon which it may be consulted by the Government.’
These figures are in civilian clothing, with a couple based on a picture by Bob Marrion. They will be used for the more civilian-type troop choices in the Silver Bayonet, such as Doctors, Occultists and Supernatural Investigators. They can also have potential as clue markers, particularly the sitting chap.
The Egyptian Institute was responsible for finding the Rosetta Stone in 1799, but it was given up to the British as part of the terms of French capitulation in 1801.
What miniature company are these from?
Everything at the start of this project is from Brigade Games in the US. Paul Hicks has sculpted a really range of Napoleonic figures for them. The lack of a UK distributor means expensive shipping, but I guess it also stops me buying too many!