05-29-2011, 03:22 AM
This "as for throwing" is the overhand, over the shoulder wielding of spears. He does not say "to throw". He speaks of how the kontoi are being held. We are actually only debating about the use of the word "akontizein" in regard with the first rank only, which is peculiar in itself. Why only the first rankers, who will be least efficient in this and not all four ranks, as Maurice says? As I already mentioned, I cannot say that Arrian does not mean "to throw", I just think that he does not or if he does he only suggests it as a secondary or opportunity driven choice of action.
My stated opinion is that the use of the word "kontos" is usually reserved for heavier spears that are not regularly supposed to be thrown, whereas the logche is more like a light spear and translating as "lance" can be sometimes also misleading. The "kontarion" is a more encompassing term than a "kontos" is generally, so we cannot really use Maurice as a perfect analogy, although he clearly (in contrast with Arrian) states that these "kontaria" can be thrown at the enemy when he is near enough, the problem being that we are debating the regular meaning of "kontos" and not the use of any spear being employed in a foulcon. In my opinion we cannot say in all certainty whether Arrian has his "kontoi" thrown or not, but even if he is, that would not mean that these were made as throwing weapons, they (contrary to the logchai) were designed for close combat use. Javelins were missile weapons, yet one could perfectly well sometimes use them in close combat too. That would not make them a melee weapon.
My stated opinion is that the use of the word "kontos" is usually reserved for heavier spears that are not regularly supposed to be thrown, whereas the logche is more like a light spear and translating as "lance" can be sometimes also misleading. The "kontarion" is a more encompassing term than a "kontos" is generally, so we cannot really use Maurice as a perfect analogy, although he clearly (in contrast with Arrian) states that these "kontaria" can be thrown at the enemy when he is near enough, the problem being that we are debating the regular meaning of "kontos" and not the use of any spear being employed in a foulcon. In my opinion we cannot say in all certainty whether Arrian has his "kontoi" thrown or not, but even if he is, that would not mean that these were made as throwing weapons, they (contrary to the logchai) were designed for close combat use. Javelins were missile weapons, yet one could perfectly well sometimes use them in close combat too. That would not make them a melee weapon.
