Plumbata

[Brucicus]

Greetings to All,

I have updated my draft paper on plumbatae.  It is available here: https://www.academia.edu/44834773/_UPDAT..._Straight_

This document utterly refutes the current dogma on how the Romans utilized these war darts.  It does so using personal experience, historical records, medical science, ballistic science, military science, extensive testing (results included!), as well as a close examination of the prior testing upon which our present 'understanding' is based.


The paper has a little bit of a formatting issue with some jumbled photos, primarily of the throwing sequence.  I am currently in the process of fixing the problem, God willing.  The formatting does not affect the readability, it just makes me look like a bozo.  


Here is the throwing sequence for those of you who have the already downloaded the paper (thanks so much!) and for anyone who wants to see how the Romans really threw the plumbata.

Please note that this is a standing start and requires only two steps to achieve ranges of  +90m, more than 40% farther than could be attained underhand.  Note also the high release point at the launch, a key factor in how the Romans were able to use these war darts in formations. 

Here is one of our test darts:    

      The standing start, eyes on target.
      Starting the throw. Weight shifting to throwing-side (right, in this case) foot.  Non-throwing-side foot (left) stepping towards target.
      Throwing-arm reaching back, shoulders abducting (i.e. moving away from body mid-line), hips square to target.  Shoulder/hip tension is a big source of power.
      Throwing-arm elbow shoulder-high, non-throwing hand pointing at target, shoulders fully abducted, hips abducted slightly, about to shift weight onto front foot
      Weight shifts to front foot as it lands, hips returning to target line, shoulder starting to release, arm cocked.  Still his first step!
      Shoulder and hips turning violently back to body mid-line, body weight fully on nonthrowing-side foot.  Look at all the power being delivered to the throw! Sweet!
      Launch!  Dart on the Way.  So soon after launch that the fletching has yet to catch the air.  This picture and the prior really capture the atlatl effect of the design.       The finish.  When his right foot lands the second step will be complete


                               

There you have it.  I hope you all find my efforts of interest and of value.  Get the paper!

Best wishes for 2021.
Brucicus