09-19-2014, 09:02 PM
*** NOTE: I moved this post and the replies to a new topic because it had drifted from the original intent of the thread***
Hoplites can't form at 45 cm spacing and present the shield face to the enemy by the way, that is surely a spacing for sarissaphoroi. I believe the 45 cm spacing a Macedonian innovation, though we could argue Homeric inspiration.
It is humorous in light of this to read Chris Mathews book, because his whole thesis is based on hoplites forming at 45cm, yet he never once shows hoplites at this spacing. Oh, he thinks he does, but all you need is a ruler to see he never can. See the attached image I made for a future blog post on his book.
[attachment=10784]MathewsDiagram.jpg[/attachment]
I have avoided tearing apart his book because I am such a proponent of reenactment and experimental archaeology, but I am seeing so much baloney from it tossed around as fact that I will have to address it at some point.
Hoplites can't form at 45 cm spacing and present the shield face to the enemy by the way, that is surely a spacing for sarissaphoroi. I believe the 45 cm spacing a Macedonian innovation, though we could argue Homeric inspiration.
It is humorous in light of this to read Chris Mathews book, because his whole thesis is based on hoplites forming at 45cm, yet he never once shows hoplites at this spacing. Oh, he thinks he does, but all you need is a ruler to see he never can. See the attached image I made for a future blog post on his book.
[attachment=10784]MathewsDiagram.jpg[/attachment]
I have avoided tearing apart his book because I am such a proponent of reenactment and experimental archaeology, but I am seeing so much baloney from it tossed around as fact that I will have to address it at some point.
Paul M. Bardunias
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
MODERATOR: [url:2dqwu8yc]http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=4100[/url]
A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"