01-26-2008, 01:41 PM
Quote:Besides, Nepos specifically tells us 'round'
Nepos must surely be considered unreliable for the reason stated above. The limited sourcing and the vagueness of their wording make it impossible to argue for round or oval based on written history.
I think the question hinges on whether or not a 12' spear can be weilded one handed. If so they are more like thureophoroi and can be expected to have simmilar capabilities.
If not they are more like Sarissaphoroi, with shared limitations. I am unaware of sarissaphoroi ever using oval shields. I'm also not sure I've ever seen an oval shield with a porpax where the ovoid extended vertically and not horizontally. (I've only seen this grip on "boetian shields", which are almost certainly an artistic invention and never truly existed) Horizontal width is not something that would aid an Iphicratid if he needed to hold the spear with the left hand.
Paul M. Bardunias
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
MODERATOR: [url:2dqwu8yc]http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=4100[/url]
A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
