01-30-2004, 06:51 PM
Can this not be deducted from the equipment found from this period?<br>
<br>
I was told along time ago that it had to do with the shape of the spear head; long and thin can be used for throwing and thrusting, while short and wide is mainly designed for fencing and thrusting.<br>
<br>
Swords got longer (Sparthas come in all diferent sizes, some are very long while others are shorter)<br>
<br>
The main type of helmets which have been found are all of the deep bowled variety with large cheakpieces such as the Hedenheim, Niederbieber and Buch. These helmet types are defensive.<br>
<br>
The Dura oval shields are wider than earlier oval shields. They cover a larger area giving more defence.<br>
<br>
I believe that the Romans were adapting throughout the late 2nd century incorporating these changes in equipment and that traditional types of weapons and style of fighting still co-existed with spear tactics in the 3rd century. Even a defensive unit of spear armed men can act on the offensive when required. The user of the Dura rectangle shield would have been armed with a heavy throwing spear/pilum and a shorter spartha or semi spartha the size of a gladius. <p></p><i></i>
<br>
I was told along time ago that it had to do with the shape of the spear head; long and thin can be used for throwing and thrusting, while short and wide is mainly designed for fencing and thrusting.<br>
<br>
Swords got longer (Sparthas come in all diferent sizes, some are very long while others are shorter)<br>
<br>
The main type of helmets which have been found are all of the deep bowled variety with large cheakpieces such as the Hedenheim, Niederbieber and Buch. These helmet types are defensive.<br>
<br>
The Dura oval shields are wider than earlier oval shields. They cover a larger area giving more defence.<br>
<br>
I believe that the Romans were adapting throughout the late 2nd century incorporating these changes in equipment and that traditional types of weapons and style of fighting still co-existed with spear tactics in the 3rd century. Even a defensive unit of spear armed men can act on the offensive when required. The user of the Dura rectangle shield would have been armed with a heavy throwing spear/pilum and a shorter spartha or semi spartha the size of a gladius. <p></p><i></i>
