Hoplite spacing and formation

[PMBardunias]

Paul B,in othismos they would stick their chest in the shield,exactly the same as in (D).The right sjowlder would be deeper in the bowl of the shield,and thus the shields are slightly to the side.

Giannis, your D is impossible. You cannot bring the left arm across the body enough to both be squared on to the enemy line and overlap over the shield to your right to a substantial degree. In your diagram they are not even really overlapping and the shield extends too far to the right as it is. As to "unlocking", either C or D simply require a turn of the body left or right- they only overlap on one side.

The other problem with a squared-on left over right is that your chest is against the left rim of your own shield and the left rim of your neighbor's shield- not the continuous seal we get from D. This is precidely why those who have esposed othismos have opted for the sidelong stance with the shoulder pushing into the bowl of the shield.

As to the interpretation of vase images, read Van Wees last book where he uses the same images you speak of to support the scheme in A. The arguements you would surely raise against him are probably much like those I would raise against you.

I guess for a change I wasn't overthinking things. I voted C because the strong point on the shield would be the elbow side; the weak point at the hand. With D, the weak side can be separated more easily from the wall, with C, the strong point supports the weak point.

In battle the shield in both C and D would be resting against the chest or shoulder while pushing, so this does not matter.

the rim of the shield would harm the shield-arm of the man to his right.

That worry is probably an artifact of the drawing. In reality the curve of the shield might ensure that the rim is behind the arm of the man to your right.

Where are the reinactors when we need them???