02-26-2005, 12:15 AM
Hi All,<br>
<br>
Isn't there a factor of rhythmic regularity in both the Greek verse of the Paen and marching songs/battle cries and also a factor of taking your mind off the impending business. One to keep you in time and the other to distract possibly nervous new recruits or to surround even veterans in a coccoon of theri culture. I am always reminded of Zulu where the British response to the Zulus is to sing 'Men of Harlech'. Also Alfred the Great with David Hemmigs were the Vikings march to the sound of clashing shield and spear. Bagpipes and even the War-face of today can be seen as such a coccoon/distraction device. Not to mention their possible effect on the enemy.<br>
<br>
Appian's admiration for a battle joined in silence might imply that going about a battle with no distractions was quite unusual and that normally there was the rhythmic clashing of shields or spears and or singing. Ammianius records (although he is not consistent) that clashing arms against shields was a sign of disapproval but clashing spears together was a sign of approval (I think this is in the address of Constantius to the troops) and earlier in the acclamation of Julian.<br>
<br>
Just a couple of quick ideas.<br>
<br>
Cheers<br>
<br>
Muzzaguchi <p></p><i></i>
<br>
Isn't there a factor of rhythmic regularity in both the Greek verse of the Paen and marching songs/battle cries and also a factor of taking your mind off the impending business. One to keep you in time and the other to distract possibly nervous new recruits or to surround even veterans in a coccoon of theri culture. I am always reminded of Zulu where the British response to the Zulus is to sing 'Men of Harlech'. Also Alfred the Great with David Hemmigs were the Vikings march to the sound of clashing shield and spear. Bagpipes and even the War-face of today can be seen as such a coccoon/distraction device. Not to mention their possible effect on the enemy.<br>
<br>
Appian's admiration for a battle joined in silence might imply that going about a battle with no distractions was quite unusual and that normally there was the rhythmic clashing of shields or spears and or singing. Ammianius records (although he is not consistent) that clashing arms against shields was a sign of disapproval but clashing spears together was a sign of approval (I think this is in the address of Constantius to the troops) and earlier in the acclamation of Julian.<br>
<br>
Just a couple of quick ideas.<br>
<br>
Cheers<br>
<br>
Muzzaguchi <p></p><i></i>
Murray K Dahm
Moderator
\'\'\'\'No matter how many you kill, you cannot kill your successor\'\'\'\' - Seneca to Nero - Dio 62
\'\'\'\'There is no way of correcting wrongdoing in those who think that the height of virtue consists in the execution of their will\'\'\'\' - Ammianus Marcellinus 27.7.9
Moderator
\'\'\'\'No matter how many you kill, you cannot kill your successor\'\'\'\' - Seneca to Nero - Dio 62
\'\'\'\'There is no way of correcting wrongdoing in those who think that the height of virtue consists in the execution of their will\'\'\'\' - Ammianus Marcellinus 27.7.9
