01-25-2006, 08:31 AM
This thread is obviously intended to complement the thread on reasons why the spatha superseded the gladius as the traditional sword of choice.
The pilum seems to have begun disappearing around the time of the gladius, I think. This doesn't seem to be a coincidence, IMO.
This begs two questions :
1.) Why did the Hasta supersede the Pilum ?
2.) Are the disappearances of the Pilum and gladius symptoms of something larger taking place in the 2nd century ?
One obvious adavantage the Hasta has over the Pilum is that the former was easier and therefore quicker construct and disperse among the troops.
Maybe the legions in the 2nd century experienced a new type of warfare that demanded "newer" weaponry necessary to compete with their enemies. For example, the Alans and their heavy cavalry charges was something new to contend with and so the legions adopted the Hasta in order to repel them.
Any other theories or problems with mine ?
The pilum seems to have begun disappearing around the time of the gladius, I think. This doesn't seem to be a coincidence, IMO.
This begs two questions :
1.) Why did the Hasta supersede the Pilum ?
2.) Are the disappearances of the Pilum and gladius symptoms of something larger taking place in the 2nd century ?
One obvious adavantage the Hasta has over the Pilum is that the former was easier and therefore quicker construct and disperse among the troops.
Maybe the legions in the 2nd century experienced a new type of warfare that demanded "newer" weaponry necessary to compete with their enemies. For example, the Alans and their heavy cavalry charges was something new to contend with and so the legions adopted the Hasta in order to repel them.
Any other theories or problems with mine ?
Jaime
