specifics in Spear fighting combat

[Muzzaguchi]

Hi All,

I'd say a spear wound to the thigh would be considerably greivous coming especially to an un-protected (and unexpected?) place. The combat effectiveness of a hoplite with a gaping thigh wound would be severely limited (even the Homeric passages regarding thigh wounds make this apparent).

In regard to balance; there have been several arguments recently which argue (convincingly IMO) that the central figures in scenes on oinochoe and lekythoi are those under the central spout or opposite the handle - exactly where this "falling" figure occurs. I would argue that attention is drawn to him by his pose as opposed to the 'convention' of the standing hoplite on his left and his right. Also there are five figures on this scene; three warriors and a female onlooker on either side - the central 'falling figure is arguably most important one. Arguments can be made both ways as to what that importance denotes (you could argue that if this was a grave good then the central 'fallen warrior' is an appropriate subject for a grave good of that warrior. Unfortunately we have no report of a find spot). Just as valid, however IMO, is a feat of martial prowess which this scene can be argued to depict.

We can disagree as to the control of movements (and the interpretation of the figure) but I think we can argue for a different interpretation of the figure and his movements recall to my mind the feats of martial prowess recorded in Norse sagas and of which non-heroic Greek literature leaves little trace.

The feats of Stesilaus using the dorudrepanon (it is called a remarkable weapon for a remarkable man and seems in the dialogue to be described as something quite unusual) are used in the Laches dialogue to undermine his hoplomachia instruction. Instead I would argue that it shows Stesilaus' displays did, at least, have a practical basis. (The fact he survived and embarassing tangle in a naval engagement should not be used against him). It is a pity we do not have more individual martial 'feats' recorded (unless you count Aeschylus' monument of running at Marathon as one such. It is for that reason I am always drawn to the northern sagas whose links with Homer and classical culture are virtually always overlooked. Take a look at Njal's Saga if you want to see what I mean - just glancing through it, the paralells with Greek culture are striking.

Cheers

Murray