07-06-2009, 12:49 AM
For weaponry appropriate to Xenophon's time, have a look at the well-known funerary stele of Panaitios c. 395-390. ( I have posted a picture of this on the 'Dory' thread).
He holds a Kamax, a spear similar to later dorys with a tapered shaft, and hence rearward balance point, a fairly standard sauroter and small leaf-shaped head, circa 9 ft long (2.7 m) ( longer than Infantry spears). He also carries a dual-purpose throwing/thrusting spear/javelin, called by Xenophon 'palte' generally shown around 5-6 ft long ( 1.6-1.8 m) and often carried in pairs.
I am not certain, but I can't recall any reference to the xyston until Macedonian times.......It was longer again, ( 12 ft (3.6 m) probaly with a tapered shaft and its head counter balanced by a large 'spearhead' at the butt, rather than a sauroter.
Your 'essay' was most enjoyable to read and learn, John, and if I could I would award a Laus !!
D
He holds a Kamax, a spear similar to later dorys with a tapered shaft, and hence rearward balance point, a fairly standard sauroter and small leaf-shaped head, circa 9 ft long (2.7 m) ( longer than Infantry spears). He also carries a dual-purpose throwing/thrusting spear/javelin, called by Xenophon 'palte' generally shown around 5-6 ft long ( 1.6-1.8 m) and often carried in pairs.
I am not certain, but I can't recall any reference to the xyston until Macedonian times.......It was longer again, ( 12 ft (3.6 m) probaly with a tapered shaft and its head counter balanced by a large 'spearhead' at the butt, rather than a sauroter.
Your 'essay' was most enjoyable to read and learn, John, and if I could I would award a Laus !!
D
"dulce et decorum est pro patria mori " - Horace
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
