03-18-2013, 04:47 PM
Quote: I don't have a problem with infantry. My comment is purely related to the fact an assumption is being made that cavalry are attacking at close contact which, I thought, was sufficiently "de-bunked" elsewhere.No need for debunking here. Cavalry shooting arrows are probably out of range of plumbatae, assuming they not close the distance furthur. cavalry throwing with javelins are within plumbata range however, which is attested by Vegetius.
Of course cavarly closing even further (and I assuming that they do so with speed, as any formation does which attempts to limit the time in which they are in range of any distance weapons) to use lance, sword or mace, will be even more in range of plumbatae thrown at them.
Quote:I also sure plumbatae would have a deastating effect against anything unarmoured, so I think really, we are agreeing.
We are. :-)
Quote:May I ask where the references to plumbatae being launched in a "cloud" comes from? Is it a very late source or more contemporary to the weapon usage itself?None as far as I know. This is based on a kindo of 'rule of thumb', where the projectile is compared to arrows, javelins and pila - delivery in one shot/throw seems more effective than fire at will. Which, I hasten to say, would of course not be forbidden. But when you are attacked by a group of men (infantry or cavalry), to me it seemed the most effective to deliver a 'cloud' of projectiles. Hence my description. I don't know of any, but we think of pila as being thrown by rank, I think?
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)