12-28-2007, 03:24 AM
Quote:Quote:Is this the kite with a rounded or a flat top? The large flat-top seems to come in about the 14th century; the round-top is considerably earlier.
...the original rounded top, that spread rapidly west, to be used by Normans and French.... the flat-topped variety had appeared perhaps as early as 1170-1180 , and is shown for example on a seal of Richard 1 of England....
That's true for Western Europe (and Outremer). Byzantium and the countries in its region of influence (notably Bulgaria and Serbia) seem to have started using big flat-topped kites, as seen slung over the back of the warrior here, about the 14th century. Certainly, that's the earliest I've seen them appear.
"It is safer and more advantageous to overcome the enemy by planning and generalship than by sheer force"
The Strategikon of Emperor Maurice
Steven Lowe
Australia
The Strategikon of Emperor Maurice
Steven Lowe
Australia