12-20-2004, 04:43 AM
Yes, a scary audience.<br>
I'm interested in Rankov's conclusions (even though I still think of him as a Oxford rower than an academic- which makes his comments perhaps even more appropriate!). What did he say?<br>
On the 350 year gap- yes, a long time. My view is that the balance of probability is that they did exist- but is there unequivocable tangible, written, or sculptural proof that I know of...<br>
Re the orichalcum/ non-rusting helmet argument- this occurred to me when I was lucky enough to have a brief trip on an ocean racing yacht (very quiet sail round the Solent in UK). Everything was geared up not to rust, including a fair bit of brass- and this got me thinking...<br>
A rust-minimising outfit would be a helmet as above, bronze/ copper alloy scale body armour, and a shield with brass edging. Belt fittings in bronze, with tinning. The Gladius and pugio/ other knife would then be the only items that would need to be kept rust free. And sailors tend to be practical!<br>
<br>
Regards<br>
<br>
<br>
Paul<br>
<p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p200.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showUserPublicProfile?gid=paulusbrittanicus>Paulus Brittanicus</A> at: 12/20/04 10:03 am<br></i>
I'm interested in Rankov's conclusions (even though I still think of him as a Oxford rower than an academic- which makes his comments perhaps even more appropriate!). What did he say?<br>
On the 350 year gap- yes, a long time. My view is that the balance of probability is that they did exist- but is there unequivocable tangible, written, or sculptural proof that I know of...<br>
Re the orichalcum/ non-rusting helmet argument- this occurred to me when I was lucky enough to have a brief trip on an ocean racing yacht (very quiet sail round the Solent in UK). Everything was geared up not to rust, including a fair bit of brass- and this got me thinking...<br>
A rust-minimising outfit would be a helmet as above, bronze/ copper alloy scale body armour, and a shield with brass edging. Belt fittings in bronze, with tinning. The Gladius and pugio/ other knife would then be the only items that would need to be kept rust free. And sailors tend to be practical!<br>
<br>
Regards<br>
<br>
<br>
Paul<br>
<p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p200.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showUserPublicProfile?gid=paulusbrittanicus>Paulus Brittanicus</A> at: 12/20/04 10:03 am<br></i>