06-21-2001, 06:03 PM
Salve,<br>
<br>
In stead of holding the wrist at a ninety degree angle (risky because the shield may pivot as described in the post on the <i> testudo</i>) the elbow is held at an angle with the fore arm and wrist extended. The shield is not held with the entire arm stretched down, since then the area covered would leave the shoulders exposed and cover the legs, which are less vulnerable since a blow aimed at those parts of the body can more easily be anticipated, but with the upper arm at an angle too, so that the shield is held higher. It may be a good idea to tilt the shield slightly backward so that the risk of the shield pivoting when hit is further reduced. Also preferably one assumes a stance with the left turned to the opponent rather than standing with both feet next to each other.<br>
<br>
<br>
______\\<br>
..........\\ <- upper arm at an angle from the body<br>
-----...\\<br>
...........\\ <- fore arm held against shield<br>
............\\<br>
..........(_)..))) <-shield boss with hand behind it<br>
.................\\<br>
..................\\<br>
<br>
Forgive my poor drawing skills, but this is roughly the stance i am referring to seen in profile. The dots are for getting the lay out right, for spaces are removed.<br>
<br>
<br>
Ammianus and Tacitus had both been officers in the Roman army, the first one even a career officer, and can be expected to know what they were describing. Both have been attacked for lack of knowledge by modern scholars, but part of the arguments put forward are themselves resting on a shaky basis. I could post a lengthy defence fr their military expertise, but then I will be still be typing an hour from now. However such an essay may be posted later on in a discussion thread on trustworthiness of various sources.<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
<br>
Sander van Dorst<br>
<br>
<p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub45.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showLocalUserPublicProfile?login=sandervandorst>Sander van Dorst</A> at: 6/21/01 8:15:14 pm<br></i>
<br>
In stead of holding the wrist at a ninety degree angle (risky because the shield may pivot as described in the post on the <i> testudo</i>) the elbow is held at an angle with the fore arm and wrist extended. The shield is not held with the entire arm stretched down, since then the area covered would leave the shoulders exposed and cover the legs, which are less vulnerable since a blow aimed at those parts of the body can more easily be anticipated, but with the upper arm at an angle too, so that the shield is held higher. It may be a good idea to tilt the shield slightly backward so that the risk of the shield pivoting when hit is further reduced. Also preferably one assumes a stance with the left turned to the opponent rather than standing with both feet next to each other.<br>
<br>
<br>
______\\<br>
..........\\ <- upper arm at an angle from the body<br>
-----...\\<br>
...........\\ <- fore arm held against shield<br>
............\\<br>
..........(_)..))) <-shield boss with hand behind it<br>
.................\\<br>
..................\\<br>
<br>
Forgive my poor drawing skills, but this is roughly the stance i am referring to seen in profile. The dots are for getting the lay out right, for spaces are removed.<br>
<br>
<br>
Ammianus and Tacitus had both been officers in the Roman army, the first one even a career officer, and can be expected to know what they were describing. Both have been attacked for lack of knowledge by modern scholars, but part of the arguments put forward are themselves resting on a shaky basis. I could post a lengthy defence fr their military expertise, but then I will be still be typing an hour from now. However such an essay may be posted later on in a discussion thread on trustworthiness of various sources.<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
<br>
Sander van Dorst<br>
<br>
<p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub45.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showLocalUserPublicProfile?login=sandervandorst>Sander van Dorst</A> at: 6/21/01 8:15:14 pm<br></i>
