Later Roman spear length

[PMBardunias]

On the spear grip one of my issues with it is if it is so good why didn't hoplites and earlier spearmen use it? Ages ago I gave it ago and I found that compared with the overarm thrust it was much weaker in terms of the blow that can be delivered.

If we accept that the dory had to be thrust through the "V" formed by overlapping shields the overarm thrust becomes more attractive. In this setting the overarm thrust can be brought to bear in a much wider range of motion and from above.

Additionally, if hoplites fought square to the enemy with their shields against their bodies from upperchest to thighs, as opposed to the side-on stance pictured above, the protection of this posture is lost.

I agree that if they fought as the fellow in the picture above then the high underhand might be useful. All of the images of this position I can think of from greek vases are men in single combat, usually heroic, and when they face cavalry.