02-13-2008, 04:21 PM
Quote:if Iphicrates really made a change significant enough to warrant mention by doubling the length of the sword of his troops, it would have to have been significantly longer than the average range of lengths we see on iconographic sources and in actual finds.
I disagree. It only had to be twice as long as whatever sword the hoplites were using at the time by the hoplites he was reforming. I don't think we need to look for a new type of sword. Who would have made these new long swords?
If I am correct in my belief that the short swords were specifically designed for the close-quarters combat of othismos, then these new "hoplites" who by their long spears and lack of aspis must stand off, simply went back to using the older, longer swords.
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!"
