07-24-2009, 03:23 AM
Part of the problem is that there was no word specifically for what we now call the hoplite shield- double-gripped and domed. A Greek hoplite would call his shield and "aspis", but he might call any big shield an aspis or a hill that looked domed might be called aspis. Sometimes it was qualified as "Argive aspis", for tradition holds that the particular shape arose there (Pliny even found names of the two men who first created them). I have also seen "Laconian aspides" mentioned, and sometimes the distinction between aspis and peltae can get blurred too.
Hoplon, to my knowlede refers to a tool associated with warfare. Thus a Pan-(h)oply was all of ones gear for war, and a Hoplite was a man geared for war. Since a shield is part of the hoplite's gear, perhaps his most important item, it could be referred to as "hoplon". But this was not a common usage and it is not from the shield alone, but the whole panoply that a hoplite gets his name.
Hoplon, to my knowlede refers to a tool associated with warfare. Thus a Pan-(h)oply was all of ones gear for war, and a Hoplite was a man geared for war. Since a shield is part of the hoplite's gear, perhaps his most important item, it could be referred to as "hoplon". But this was not a common usage and it is not from the shield alone, but the whole panoply that a hoplite gets his name.
Paul M. Bardunias
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
MODERATOR: [url:2dqwu8yc]http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=4100[/url]
A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
