04-06-2007, 05:27 AM
Hi,
every theory has its stronger points and its weaker ones. I for example regard the concept of "rugby scrum" or the shoving the man in front of you (which is based on the interpretation of the word othismos, or otheo) similarly ridiculous as you regard the theories of Van Wees. It would be very difficult for the front rankers only to maintain their balance not to say fight with their weapons. Some battles lasted for a long time. It would be physically impossible to endure such a pressure for more than a few minutes. And to take the word othismos or otheo literally is far from justified, if we remember, that Homer, who certainly writes about loose order formations and fights, also uses this words to describe battles and fights.
By the way, Van Wees is not the only one to question the classic look at the hoplite battles a lá Hanson. See Goldworthy, Krentz and others.
Greetings
Alexandr
every theory has its stronger points and its weaker ones. I for example regard the concept of "rugby scrum" or the shoving the man in front of you (which is based on the interpretation of the word othismos, or otheo) similarly ridiculous as you regard the theories of Van Wees. It would be very difficult for the front rankers only to maintain their balance not to say fight with their weapons. Some battles lasted for a long time. It would be physically impossible to endure such a pressure for more than a few minutes. And to take the word othismos or otheo literally is far from justified, if we remember, that Homer, who certainly writes about loose order formations and fights, also uses this words to describe battles and fights.
By the way, Van Wees is not the only one to question the classic look at the hoplite battles a lá Hanson. See Goldworthy, Krentz and others.
Greetings
Alexandr
