Iphicratian Pelte & Pelte Sarrisophoron

[Paullus Scipio]

Paul B. wrote:-

Why on earth are you looking for a greek tradition of oval shields? Iphicrates clearly took the shape from someplace outside of the normal tradition, hence the "reform".

...because if Iphicrates "pelte" was of a new or unusual shape, we should have been told so. In all this hypothetical discussion of 'oval' pelte, we are in danger of losing sight of the fact that in both sources, Iphicrates 'reform' is said to be the replacement of the Hoplite's Aspis with the Pelte, not the introduction of a 'new' or differently shaped one.
Themistoklis wrote:-

A light crescent or not pelt from wicker would offer more the psychological impression to the wielder that he was protected to a degree than actual protection.A spear and other weapons would run it through easily indeed.

I wouldn't be too sure of that! From Homer's time on we hear of shields made of multiple layers of Hide that provide adequate protection.... a wicker shield could be covered by more than one layer of Hide and still be light, and clearly they were adequate enough to protect against javelins, arrows, and slingstones ( which could dent helmets and concuss the wearer, remember! ). Herodotus however tells us that Persian wicker Gerra/sparabara were inadequate to keep out a determined Hoplite heavy spear thrust, or sword slash .....but then peltasts had no business fighting Hoplites hand-to-hand anyway, and didn't usually !!