Triballi sarrissa

[sitalkes]

I have found a textual reference to Thracian cavalry with lances. Minor M. Markle says in his article "Use of the Sarissa by Philip and Alexander of Macedon" (p 490) "... the conclusion is inescapable that in 339 BC the Triballian cavalry were armed with sarissas." He is referring to a passage by Didymus "He (Philip) received his third wound during the foray against the Triballi, when one of his pursuers thrust a sarissa into his right thigh and made him lame" Justin adds "... Philip was wounded in his thigh in such a way that his horse was slain through his own body" Markle says " Surely, Philip fleeing on his horse cound not have been wounded by a Triballian infantryman chasing him with a long lance. If Philip was mounted so must have been his pursuer." He's got a point but I don't necessarily agree with this - such a wound would have to have a lot of force behind it, which might be more easily achieved by an infantryman. Maybe a thigh is easier to reach from the ground. Also, would a man on horseback go for a thigh, would it not be easier to strike for the back or some other, larger area? Possibly the lance was being held low down, parallel to the horse, as shown in many paintings, so this might result in a thigh injury. At the same time, the thigh injury must have been minor as a cut to the femoral artery would quickly kill. Anybody got any ideas about this?