07-02-2009, 05:52 PM
Quote:This is also seen on greek shields. As you want to carry your shield on 2 points (as is the case here, it seems) you don't want to be you maingrip in the middle, as that means the 2nd attachment is far off-centre.
In the Greek hoplite shield, aspis, the main grip is in the middle, with the hand-grip near one rim. This is an odd placement and the placement you describe above makes much more sense for many reasons. This is something that is often simply ignored by those studying the greek shield. Are you aware of any other double-grip shields where the main grip is in the center?
I would caution that the grip shown in the image from Trajan's column might be artistic invention.
Paul M. Bardunias
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
