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The Ultramarines are a legendary Space Marine chapter in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, known for their bravery, skill, and unyielding devotion to the Emperor of Mankind. Here we will delve into the history and founding of the Ultramarines, exploring their role in the early days of the Imperium and their continued growth and influence in the galaxy.

“The Vanilla Marines” aka The Poster Boys

Ultramarines are the undeniable poster boys of the Space Marines. Just taking a scroll through Games Workshop’s site, you can see that all units are painted as Ultramarines, unless they are unique to a different Space Marine Chapter. When you buy a box of Space Marines, you will undoubtedly get a sheet of Ultramarine decals accompanying it, and if you want to use another chapter’s decals you have to special order it from an Upgrade Sprue.

But this doesn’t mean that the Ultramarines can’t be interesting or that there’s anything intrinsically boring about them. In fact, one of the best aspect of the Ultramarines is that they are a combined-forces Chapter and that you can use any non-chapter-specific Space Marine unit in your Ultramarines army.

The History of the Ultramarines

Founding of the Ultramarines

The First Founding was the initial creation of the Space Marine Legions, 20,000 years before the current era. During this time, the Emperor of Mankind used his genetic knowledge to create the Primarchs, 20 genetically engineered superhumans who would lead the Space Marine Legions.

One of the Primarchs was Roboute Guilliman, who was the Primarch of the Ultramarines Legion. Guilliman was a brilliant strategist and tactician, with a strong sense of justice and a unwavering devotion to the Emperor. He led the Ultramarines to many victories and established their reputation as one of the most powerful Space Marine chapters.

Roboute Guilliman played a significant role in the founding of the Ultramarines. He was instrumental in the development of the Codex Astartes, a set of guidelines and teachings that would shape the tactics and beliefs of the Space Marines for centuries to come (we’ll talk about it more below). Guilliman was a visionary leader who inspired the Ultramarines to greatness and set the standard for all Space Marine chapters to follow.

Roboute Guilliman had fallen in battle against Fulgrim, now a demon, and was placed in stasis where he remained for 10,000 years only to be brought back to health by Belisaurius Cawl (at the beginning of 8th Edition Warhammer 40k).

The Unification Wars and the Ultramarines’ involvement

The Ultramarines were involved in the Unification Wars, a series of wars fought by the Emperor of Mankind to unify the various factions of humanity under his rule. The Ultramarines played a crucial role in these wars, serving as the Emperor’s right hand and helping to bring order to the chaos of the early Imperium.

Expansion of the Ultramarines’ territory and influence

With their victories in the Unification Wars, the Ultramarines expanded their territory and influence. They established their headquarters in the Ultramar system, which they defended to this day as their own.

The Ultramarines’ stance and involvement in the Horus Heresy

The Ultramarines have always been staunchly loyal to the Emperor of Mankind. Despite the chaos and confusion of the Horus Heresy, the Ultramarines remained true to their oaths and continued to fight for the Imperium and the Emperor.

Battle of Calth

One of the key battles of the Horus Heresy was the Battle of Calth, where the Ultramarines faced off against the traitorous Word Bearers Legion. The battle was long and brutal, with both sides suffering heavy casualties, but in the end, the Ultramarines emerged victorious and helped to turn the tide of the war in favor of the Loyalists.

Defense of Macragge

Another key moment for the Ultramarines during the Horus Heresy was the Defense of Macragge, where the chapter’s homeworld was attacked by the forces of the traitorous Ultramarines’ brother chapter, the Word Bearers. The Ultramarines fought bravely, and with the help of Roboute Guilliman, who had been resurrected from stasis, they were able to repel the attack and secure their homeworld.

Impact of the Horus Heresy on the Ultramarines

Losses and casualties

The Horus Heresy was a brutal conflict, and the Ultramarines suffered significant losses and casualties. Many of the chapter’s finest warriors were lost in battle, and their homeworld of Macragge was heavily damaged.

Strengthening of their resolve

Despite the losses and hardships they faced, the Ultramarines emerged from the Horus Heresy stronger than ever. Their experience in the conflict solidified their resolve and commitment to the Imperium and the Emperor, and they continued to serve as one of the most powerful and respected Space Marine chapters.

Development of Codex Astartes

The Horus Heresy also had a profound impact on the tactics and technology of the Ultramarines. In the aftermath of the conflict, Roboute Guilliman developed the Codex Astartes, which would become the definitive guide for Space Marine tactics and organization.

The Codex Astartes is a tactical manual and guide for the organization and deployment of Space Marine chapters, developed by the Primarch Roboute Guilliman of the Ultramarines. The Codex was written in the aftermath of the Horus Heresy and is based on the experiences and lessons learned during that conflict. It has become the definitive guide for Space Marine tactics and organization and is followed by the majority of Space Marine chapters.

The Codex Astartes divides Space Marine chapters into smaller, more manageable units known as companies, each with its own specialized function. The manual also provides guidelines for the selection and training of Space Marines, the use of armored vehicles, and the deployment of troops in battle. The Codex also emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in combat, as well as the need for Space Marines to work together as a unified force.

The Codex Astartes has had a profound impact on the structure and tactics of Space Marine chapters. Prior to the creation of the Codex, Space Marine chapters were often massive, unwieldy organizations, prone to infighting and lack of cohesion. The Codex helped to streamline and standardize the organization of Space Marine chapters, improving their effectiveness in battle and making them more capable of carrying out their duties as the Emperor’s finest warriors.

The Codex Astartes has been updated and revised over the millennia, but its basic principles and teachings remain unchanged. The manual is widely regarded as a masterpiece of military strategy and is considered a sacred text by many Space Marine chapters. It continues to be followed and studied by Space Marines to this day, and its teachings have helped to shape the face of the Imperium of Man for thousands of years.

(It’s worth mentioning that not all chapters adhere as closely as others to the Codex Astartes. The Space Wolves do not follow the organization laid out in the Codex, and many Space Marine chapters, like the Black Templars, are known to have significantly more Space Marines than the designated 1000.)

The Battle Tactics of the Ultramarines

The Ultramarines are known for their tactical prowess and for their adherence to the teachings of the Codex Astartes. Some of the key elements of Ultramarines battle tactics include:

Use of combined arms: The Ultramarines make use of a wide range of military assets, including infantry, armored vehicles, and air support, to create a highly flexible and adaptable fighting force.

Tactical flexibility: The Ultramarines are trained to be able to switch quickly between different tactics and strategies depending on the situation at hand, in order to maintain the initiative and gain the upper hand.

Emphasis on discipline and control: The Ultramarines place a strong emphasis on maintaining discipline and control in battle, ensuring that their units remain organized and focused even in the heat of combat.

Use of cover and terrain: The Ultramarines make use of cover and terrain to protect themselves from enemy fire and to gain a tactical advantage over their opponents.

Focus on objective-based tactics: The Ultramarines are focused on achieving specific objectives in battle, rather than simply engaging the enemy in a head-to-head confrontation.

Heavy use of artillery: The Ultramarines make extensive use of artillery to support their ground troops and to create opportunities for their infantry to advance.

Integration of psykers: The Ultramarines make use of psykers, who are capable of using their psychic abilities to support the chapter in a variety of ways, such as detecting enemy positions, providing cover from enemy fire, or bolstering the morale of their fellow Space Marines.

These tactics and strategies are designed to maximize the effectiveness of the Ultramarines in battle and to ensure that they are always able to carry out their duties as the Emperor’s finest warriors.

Unique Units of the Ultramarines

Roboute Guilliman: (Buy in USA | Buy in UK) The Primarch of the Ultramarines, who created the Codex Astartes and is regarded as one of the greatest military leaders in the history of the Imperium of Man.

Marneus Calgar: (Buy in USA | Buy in UK) The Chapter Master of the Ultramarines, responsible for leading the chapter and overseeing its operations.