03-05-2009, 02:43 PM
Hi Cabello
To be fair, I don't think you could draw any conclusions from the illustrations. With the shield covering most of the body of the miles in both images it's quite possible that swords are being worn but are hidden in the images. I do agree that the function of polarms changed significantly in the late empire. When it comes to determining which weapon is primary or secondary, iv'e always thought of it in terms of weapon employment. A pilum or a hasta was generally employed first, followed up by sword, thus the polarm can be consdered 'primary' and sword not.
To be fair, I don't think you could draw any conclusions from the illustrations. With the shield covering most of the body of the miles in both images it's quite possible that swords are being worn but are hidden in the images. I do agree that the function of polarms changed significantly in the late empire. When it comes to determining which weapon is primary or secondary, iv'e always thought of it in terms of weapon employment. A pilum or a hasta was generally employed first, followed up by sword, thus the polarm can be consdered 'primary' and sword not.
MARCVS VLPIVS NERVA (aka Martin McAree)
www.romanarmy.ie
Legion Ireland - Roman Military Society of Ireland
Legionis XX Valeria Victrix Cohors VIII
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.romanarmy.ie
Legion Ireland - Roman Military Society of Ireland
Legionis XX Valeria Victrix Cohors VIII
[email protected]
[email protected]
