Iphicratian Pelte & Pelte Sarrisophoron

[Paullus Scipio]

Paul B. wrote:-

I would submit that "peltas summetrous" could be read as you would read "thorakes linenoi", the qualifier setting it apart from anything in the greek tradition. Otherwise why not simply call it a pelta, or qualify it through some connection with a greek troop type who had a round pelta?

...I wouldn't disagree that the 'symmetrous' is a qualifier, but it is more likely to distinguish a round pelte ( for which there is plenty of other evidence) from a crescent- shaped one, rather than an oval type( for which there is no evidence......) Besides, Nepos specifically tells us 'round', and he was likely drawing on the same source as Diodorus, so 'symmetrous' is almost certainly round too.....