03-25-2009, 10:50 PM
I think turning to illustrations is not helpful. What looks good may not be representative.
I like to turn to Ammianius, a soldier in a 4thC honour guard who saw his own share of battle up close.
At the battle of Adrianople he describes Roman soldiers fighting, unable to draw their sword back, so closely were they packed together. Where were their spears? Book31.13
Then Ammianus gives you the answer: "Most had had their spears shattered in the constant collisions , so they made do with their drawn swords ..." Book 31.13
(my emphasis)
4th C fighting with spears, making do with spatha.
I like to turn to Ammianius, a soldier in a 4thC honour guard who saw his own share of battle up close.
At the battle of Adrianople he describes Roman soldiers fighting, unable to draw their sword back, so closely were they packed together. Where were their spears? Book31.13
Then Ammianus gives you the answer: "Most had had their spears shattered in the constant collisions , so they made do with their drawn swords ..." Book 31.13
(my emphasis)
4th C fighting with spears, making do with spatha.
~ Paul Elliott
The Last Legionary
This book details the lives of Late Roman legionaries garrisoned in Britain in 400AD. It covers everything from battle to rations, camp duties to clothing.
The Last Legionary
This book details the lives of Late Roman legionaries garrisoned in Britain in 400AD. It covers everything from battle to rations, camp duties to clothing.
