08-22-2009, 03:18 AM
Thanks for the input, guys.
I had always wondered about the two different handholds and why? As Matt points out: since a Germanic shield is small and round, it can easily be tilted to cover several situations. I sometimes carry a long oval Auxilliary shield which has the horizontal hold, and I've often felt that an enemy's well-placed kick could do me harm. But perhaps in the really old days in Europe, not many men would think of attacking with their feet. (I watch too many kung fu movies. :roll: )
I had always wondered about the two different handholds and why? As Matt points out: since a Germanic shield is small and round, it can easily be tilted to cover several situations. I sometimes carry a long oval Auxilliary shield which has the horizontal hold, and I've often felt that an enemy's well-placed kick could do me harm. But perhaps in the really old days in Europe, not many men would think of attacking with their feet. (I watch too many kung fu movies. :roll: )
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb