09-02-2011, 03:10 AM
I hear alot about the thrust of the gladius, down low, into the belly. The wall of shields creating an impenetrable barrier, the gladii thrusting forward, lightning strikes. Invincibility, Roman prowess. I've told the public the same, but its very idealized. Great aganst straw targets... but not against lots of different types of enemy.
I can imagine German warriors, forming a simple shield wall of oval boards, with spears. Try stabbing with the gladius then ... its a shield... you need to get over it or around it.
In fiction, ROME HBO and some Discovery dcumentaries it seems the gladius is all powerful, not considering the basic fact that these German warriors (or whoever) will be protecting themselves from the stab with their shield, ready to block that killer blow.
[rant over] ;-)
I can imagine German warriors, forming a simple shield wall of oval boards, with spears. Try stabbing with the gladius then ... its a shield... you need to get over it or around it.
In fiction, ROME HBO and some Discovery dcumentaries it seems the gladius is all powerful, not considering the basic fact that these German warriors (or whoever) will be protecting themselves from the stab with their shield, ready to block that killer blow.
[rant over] ;-)
Paul Elliott
Legions in Crisis
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/17815...d_i=468294
Charting the Third Century military crisis - with a focus on the change in weapons and tactics.
Legions in Crisis
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/17815...d_i=468294
Charting the Third Century military crisis - with a focus on the change in weapons and tactics.
