06-03-2011, 10:14 PM
In one of his sermons, Ambrose mentions several attempts to hurt people that turn against their authors. One of these is the throwing of spears, which are blown back to the throwers by a sudden wind.
Both Claudian and Dio Chrysostom pick up this trope and convert it into a historical fact; both do so in their account of the battle of the Frigidus.
I was wondering if the danger really exists. I have never heard of spears being blown back, and I would not be surprised if the whole "fact" is nothing but a misunderstood literary figure. Anyone any thoughts?
Both Claudian and Dio Chrysostom pick up this trope and convert it into a historical fact; both do so in their account of the battle of the Frigidus.
I was wondering if the danger really exists. I have never heard of spears being blown back, and I would not be surprised if the whole "fact" is nothing but a misunderstood literary figure. Anyone any thoughts?
