11-22-2006, 10:45 PM
Thanks for the replies.
A menavlion might be a very strong shorter spear. Nikephoros Phokas seems to be specific in saying that they are deployed at the back of a body of spearmen when faced by a major heavy cavalry charge, which would be the opposite of the illustration. This position might have some merit to it - 16th century pike blocks had men with halberds or two-handed swords in the core of their formations; these shorter weapons might by handier in such crowded circumstances.
The text emphasizes the need for a thick, strong shaft to this weapon; this makes me feel more doubtful that this is some sort of missile weapon; the specific measurements for the length of shaft and head sound more like a shock weapon to me.
A menavlion might be a very strong shorter spear. Nikephoros Phokas seems to be specific in saying that they are deployed at the back of a body of spearmen when faced by a major heavy cavalry charge, which would be the opposite of the illustration. This position might have some merit to it - 16th century pike blocks had men with halberds or two-handed swords in the core of their formations; these shorter weapons might by handier in such crowded circumstances.
The text emphasizes the need for a thick, strong shaft to this weapon; this makes me feel more doubtful that this is some sort of missile weapon; the specific measurements for the length of shaft and head sound more like a shock weapon to me.
Felix Wang