07-07-2009, 05:55 AM
Perhaps we are partially at cross-purposes here - I was considering the evolution of the Dory from it's traditional form via the introduction of a tapered shaft, possibly larger sauroter, smaller spearhead and so on, which culminated design-wise in the sarissa which had all these characteristics. That is not to deny the influence of all the other factors you have referred to.
However, I do disagree with this:
Such evidence as we have suggests that, as I said:
The evidence strongly suggests that spears grew longer ( the Iphicratean spear, the kamax and ultimately the sarissa), and there is no evidence I am aware of which suggests they got shorter.
However, I do disagree with this:
Quote:Counterweighting does nothing to elongate spears, it can only shorten them.
Such evidence as we have suggests that, as I said:
Quote:I'm not necessarily saying it is. Perhaps the original purpose was to allow increased reach for a given length, but it must have been quickly realised that increased length was now possible.
The evidence strongly suggests that spears grew longer ( the Iphicratean spear, the kamax and ultimately the sarissa), and there is no evidence I am aware of which suggests they got shorter.
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Paul McDonnell-Staff
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff