01-23-2012, 07:35 PM
Since a few of us think this is a subject possibly worthy of its own thread - here it is!
Who were the Skiritai (sciritae); what did they do; how long did they survive; how did they originate? :?:
I'm not certain as to when this unit appeared originally but it was a fully-fledged 'mora' (600 men) in classical times and seems to have survived until the period of the rise of Thebes. However, following Leuktra/Mantinea we hear no more of it. I have always assumed this is because they were co-opted Arkadian troops from a border teritory near Lakonia and under the Theban hegemony were liberated from any previous duties or responsibilities to the Lakedaimonian authorities. They were reputed to have originated from an area called Skiritis - hence the name - but this has been questioned.
I've lifted this next bit from the Spolas/Linothorax thread since it may well fit here more comfortably (sic):
The linothorax and spolas debate is interesting and I thought the possible addition of the 'skiros' as another kind of body armour might give weight to the notion that different materials were tried and tested etc. If Chrimes is correct - that the Skiritai (sciritae) were so named because of their body armour being a leather (and not draped over the shoulders like a hamippoi) or animal 'skin'; rather than denoting their geographic origins - then perhaps some sort of jerkin was used?
Possibly this illustration from page 92 (15-d) of Duncan Head's (DH) Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars which shows such an item is something along the lines of what a 'skiros' type jerkin might have looked like [It is derived from an engraving on an early 4thC temple of Apollo at Bassai in Arkadia]. This is very different from the standard linothorax/spolas (15-main image/-b/-c). It is more like a moulded or shaped garment - perhaps mimicking metal:
This is clearly an aposite moment to repost an image I inserted somewhere on this site a few months back (an helmeted archaic warrior wearing what apears to be a lion or leopard skin):
Which is purported to show a warrior of the Skiritai (by K.M.T. Chrimes - Ancient Sparta [Pithos with Combat and Chariot scenes from Sparta]). She discusses the root meaning of the word 'Skiritai' - related to Athena Skiras; Artemis Skiris; and Dionysos Skiereios? This (mid 6thC) image is too early for the classical period Skiritai of the Spartan army, however, she points out that unit was known for wearing skins rather than armour (something of a traditional hangover from Homeric times). The suggestion was that originally it took the place of the shield, but by the classical period the Skiritai were using the shield as well (as part of the regular phalanx front line) as the pelt. This cladding was also often worn by heroes and deities associated with the chase (hunting).
Further to this is the fact that animal skins are mentioned as playing some part in the festivals of the Skirophoria. Chrimes summation is basically that the Skiritai warrior (if he is one) is shown midway in his development from Homeric animal-skin clad hurler of whatever happened to come to hand - towards fully fledged hoplite. The survival of the name (in her view) is that they continued to wear these corselets of animal skins even once they had become one of the Lakedaimonian hoplite morai, but remained more mobile due to the lighter armament than the other six heavy hoplite morai. It is interesting to note that the Spartans in the 4thC used the word αίγίϛ (aigis) to denote a breastplate in general (and that relates to the animal-skin covering characteristic of the Skiritai).
Their traditional and honoured position on the vulnerable left wing of the army may well date from that final realisation of them as well-protected but light hoplites. There is a certain question as to who exactly the Skiritai were. Suppositions vary from Lakedaimonians billeted in the locality of Skiritis (north of Sparta); Periokoi from that area of the northern Eurotas valley; or more likely (IMHO) recruited Arkadians serving within Lakedaimonian forces in a position of honour (like the British Gurkhas for example) who were obviously neither Spartan, Lakonian or even necessarily Dorian (but were Lakedaimonian by inclusion / incorporation). It is also possible (probable in KMTC's view) that the name actually has nothing to do with this place name - but to do with their costume. The name σκίροϛ (skiros) means tough or hard covering (non-metal) often relating to a 'skin'.
Who were the Skiritai (sciritae); what did they do; how long did they survive; how did they originate? :?:
I'm not certain as to when this unit appeared originally but it was a fully-fledged 'mora' (600 men) in classical times and seems to have survived until the period of the rise of Thebes. However, following Leuktra/Mantinea we hear no more of it. I have always assumed this is because they were co-opted Arkadian troops from a border teritory near Lakonia and under the Theban hegemony were liberated from any previous duties or responsibilities to the Lakedaimonian authorities. They were reputed to have originated from an area called Skiritis - hence the name - but this has been questioned.
I've lifted this next bit from the Spolas/Linothorax thread since it may well fit here more comfortably (sic):
The linothorax and spolas debate is interesting and I thought the possible addition of the 'skiros' as another kind of body armour might give weight to the notion that different materials were tried and tested etc. If Chrimes is correct - that the Skiritai (sciritae) were so named because of their body armour being a leather (and not draped over the shoulders like a hamippoi) or animal 'skin'; rather than denoting their geographic origins - then perhaps some sort of jerkin was used?
Quote:The "skir" word root seems mostly to have to do with stony ground from a quick search I did, but I need to search more on this matter-no opinion yet on this.I'm not sure about that Stefanos. It may well be true and/but coincidental. Perhaps the common root linking element means 'hard skin' or 'tough surface' which is sort of what Chrimes suggests.
Possibly this illustration from page 92 (15-d) of Duncan Head's (DH) Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars which shows such an item is something along the lines of what a 'skiros' type jerkin might have looked like [It is derived from an engraving on an early 4thC temple of Apollo at Bassai in Arkadia]. This is very different from the standard linothorax/spolas (15-main image/-b/-c). It is more like a moulded or shaped garment - perhaps mimicking metal:
This is clearly an aposite moment to repost an image I inserted somewhere on this site a few months back (an helmeted archaic warrior wearing what apears to be a lion or leopard skin):
Which is purported to show a warrior of the Skiritai (by K.M.T. Chrimes - Ancient Sparta [Pithos with Combat and Chariot scenes from Sparta]). She discusses the root meaning of the word 'Skiritai' - related to Athena Skiras; Artemis Skiris; and Dionysos Skiereios? This (mid 6thC) image is too early for the classical period Skiritai of the Spartan army, however, she points out that unit was known for wearing skins rather than armour (something of a traditional hangover from Homeric times). The suggestion was that originally it took the place of the shield, but by the classical period the Skiritai were using the shield as well (as part of the regular phalanx front line) as the pelt. This cladding was also often worn by heroes and deities associated with the chase (hunting).
Further to this is the fact that animal skins are mentioned as playing some part in the festivals of the Skirophoria. Chrimes summation is basically that the Skiritai warrior (if he is one) is shown midway in his development from Homeric animal-skin clad hurler of whatever happened to come to hand - towards fully fledged hoplite. The survival of the name (in her view) is that they continued to wear these corselets of animal skins even once they had become one of the Lakedaimonian hoplite morai, but remained more mobile due to the lighter armament than the other six heavy hoplite morai. It is interesting to note that the Spartans in the 4thC used the word αίγίϛ (aigis) to denote a breastplate in general (and that relates to the animal-skin covering characteristic of the Skiritai).
Their traditional and honoured position on the vulnerable left wing of the army may well date from that final realisation of them as well-protected but light hoplites. There is a certain question as to who exactly the Skiritai were. Suppositions vary from Lakedaimonians billeted in the locality of Skiritis (north of Sparta); Periokoi from that area of the northern Eurotas valley; or more likely (IMHO) recruited Arkadians serving within Lakedaimonian forces in a position of honour (like the British Gurkhas for example) who were obviously neither Spartan, Lakonian or even necessarily Dorian (but were Lakedaimonian by inclusion / incorporation). It is also possible (probable in KMTC's view) that the name actually has nothing to do with this place name - but to do with their costume. The name σκίροϛ (skiros) means tough or hard covering (non-metal) often relating to a 'skin'.