specifics in Spear fighting combat

[Robert Vermaat]

Hi Paul,

I can't think off-hand of a specific word for the Hoplites "spear".....it was just "spear" = dory
And I think Hasta was often used as a translation but the two words were not quite synonymous.

I know, I was just checking if such a name even existed.

"infantry kontos" ? What is that? AFIK, there is no such thing ( and I am reasonably certain until at least until 200AD or later...) - can you produce some unequivocal evidence for such a thing ? :?

Just a description, based on several examples. You have asked about unequivocal evidence before, which of course can't be preented for just about any question regarding description of any ancient weapon.
But as I've written at least twice before, we hear from several author that they use the word kontos or contus with regards to a spear used by the infantry. To which you usually reply that ít must be a pilum, without providing that unequivocal evidence yourself. :wink:

But to return to the thread, this might be just a like the one I have in mind. It's clearly a thrusting spear (therefore not a pilum), clearly longer than the multi-purpose lancea, meant for one-handed use (therefore not a sarissa or a cavalry contus).

But several sources still write about a kontos or contus in the hands of heavy infantry, who clearly use this weapon as well as hold a shield. Hence the modernism 'infantry kontos', which describes just what it is: a one-handed thrusting spear longer than the pilum or the lancea, and of which we have several descriptions as well as artistic representations, like the one shown in this thread.

And yes, I'm in the right thread, for I was enquiring after a possible Greek name for what I see.