10-04-2010, 06:11 PM
Thanks for posting those clips for those of us who have never seen them! Interesting to see how they had isolated one aspect of fighting with pikes and made it full contact (or close to full contact). Is there any reason why an informal pushing contest couldn't be made with aspides and spear (given some basic safety precautions)?
Such a contest would off course not say that much about real hoplite battles since the spears would only be held upright and not threaten the opponent. And I guess it would be too dangerous to have more than about three rows per side (which again would be unrealistic). Nevertheless, full force competition would be a compelling way to see how different pushing methods measure up to eachother under those restrictions. Just remember to wear tooth protection..
Such a contest would off course not say that much about real hoplite battles since the spears would only be held upright and not threaten the opponent. And I guess it would be too dangerous to have more than about three rows per side (which again would be unrealistic). Nevertheless, full force competition would be a compelling way to see how different pushing methods measure up to eachother under those restrictions. Just remember to wear tooth protection..
