04-20-2007, 05:24 AM
Interesting. I wonder why no archeological remains of a successor to the spathae exists. Maybe because by the 6th century the sword was demoted to a secondary status while being superceded by long pikes. If I'm not mistaken, I think infantry began to resemble the old phalanx, coming full circle in the evolutionary development of tactical formations.
BTW, in one of my books there's mention of a Securis - a long sword - being carried by Byzantine infantrymen from this same period.
Thanks for your help, Felix.
~Theo
BTW, in one of my books there's mention of a Securis - a long sword - being carried by Byzantine infantrymen from this same period.
Thanks for your help, Felix.
~Theo
Jaime