04-02-2009, 05:33 PM
Paul wrote:
>I don't have a viewpoint on the existence circa 500 BC of the so-called "Boeotian" shield,
>but given Hoplite tactics, I doubt it, unless it took the form of the circular shield with
>cutouts at the side to look vaguely like the 'Heroic' type....
I think it has been argued that the hoplite "revolution" is still ongoing around 500 BC, and if that is the case there is good reason to view the shield as an artifact of "heroic" as opposed to "hoplite" combat still occuring in the period.
A good example of this is the scene in Herodotus on the retaking of Cyprus is the combat between Onesilus and Artybius:
"To this his henchman answered, “My King, ready am I to do either or both, whatever you desire. Nevertheless, I will tell you what I think is in your best interest. [4] To my mind, a king and general should be met in battle by a king and general (For if you lay low a man who is a general, you have achieved a great feat. Failing that, if he lays you low, as I pray he may not, it is but half the misfortune to be slain by a noble enemy). For us servants it is fitting that we fight with servants like ourselves and with that horse. Do not fear his tricks, for I promise that he will never again do battle with any man.” (Hdt. 5.111, http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/tex ... pter%3D111 )
If, as from examples like this, we can see that heroic combat is still a factor in the period, the possibility of the shield surviving for heroic combat seems like a reasonable position to hold.
Have fun!
Cole
>I don't have a viewpoint on the existence circa 500 BC of the so-called "Boeotian" shield,
>but given Hoplite tactics, I doubt it, unless it took the form of the circular shield with
>cutouts at the side to look vaguely like the 'Heroic' type....
I think it has been argued that the hoplite "revolution" is still ongoing around 500 BC, and if that is the case there is good reason to view the shield as an artifact of "heroic" as opposed to "hoplite" combat still occuring in the period.
A good example of this is the scene in Herodotus on the retaking of Cyprus is the combat between Onesilus and Artybius:
"To this his henchman answered, “My King, ready am I to do either or both, whatever you desire. Nevertheless, I will tell you what I think is in your best interest. [4] To my mind, a king and general should be met in battle by a king and general (For if you lay low a man who is a general, you have achieved a great feat. Failing that, if he lays you low, as I pray he may not, it is but half the misfortune to be slain by a noble enemy). For us servants it is fitting that we fight with servants like ourselves and with that horse. Do not fear his tricks, for I promise that he will never again do battle with any man.” (Hdt. 5.111, http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/tex ... pter%3D111 )
If, as from examples like this, we can see that heroic combat is still a factor in the period, the possibility of the shield surviving for heroic combat seems like a reasonable position to hold.
Have fun!
Cole
Cole
