07-02-2010, 08:19 AM
Back on target once again I have found something useful in what usually is a pile of junk. Deadliest Warrior. Yes, I know that's hard to believe but having wayched, and criticized, the Attila the Hun VS. Alexander the Great episode I realised two things. 1) I extremely underestimate the strength of a sword. 2) The Alanic longsword is likely the deadliest weapon a Sub-Roman British cavalryman would have been packing except maybe for a heavy thrusting spear. Allow me to explain.
As part of their analysis of Attila the Hun they had a Hun descendent, who had partial Hunnic training, ride around on horseback using traditional Hunnic weapons which would have extended to the late Romans; mainly a bow and a sword. Now considering I haven't really seen a Late Roman or Hunnic cavalryman in action, not even a reenactor, this was amazingly impressive. But what has jogged my memory is the fact that Attila was using an Alanic longsword. Now this guy was riding around on horseback swinging this replica blade around seemingly lightly, I don't actually know how stong the blows were, and was able to slice through several cow ribs with ease before being pulled away by the moving horse. Now that, I think, is highly impressive and a good indicator that this type of sword, used properly, could slice through leather armour, shields, maybe even a few helms or two. Your own opinions considering that I don't really know if that's typical and that I don't, nor should, trust this particular show.
As part of their analysis of Attila the Hun they had a Hun descendent, who had partial Hunnic training, ride around on horseback using traditional Hunnic weapons which would have extended to the late Romans; mainly a bow and a sword. Now considering I haven't really seen a Late Roman or Hunnic cavalryman in action, not even a reenactor, this was amazingly impressive. But what has jogged my memory is the fact that Attila was using an Alanic longsword. Now this guy was riding around on horseback swinging this replica blade around seemingly lightly, I don't actually know how stong the blows were, and was able to slice through several cow ribs with ease before being pulled away by the moving horse. Now that, I think, is highly impressive and a good indicator that this type of sword, used properly, could slice through leather armour, shields, maybe even a few helms or two. Your own opinions considering that I don't really know if that's typical and that I don't, nor should, trust this particular show.
Nicholas
