07-01-2010, 11:42 PM
The Carians of Asia Minor (considered by the Greeks to be progenators of the hoplite's Argive shield) were known to have 'white' shields in the early 5th century B.C. This practice was either copied or coincidentally duplicated by the hoplite-like 'Sacred Band' of the Carthaginian citizen army. I think that these devices in both instances may well have been covered in leather (either dyed or a type of animal whose hide naturally yielded a leather of pale color - like the rhino used on some African shields). Also, the Boeotian cavalry of Epaminondas apparently wore 'white' helmets in the early 4th century B.C., a custom perhaps copied by Philip II, who was familiar with this habit from his hostage stay in Thebes as a teen. In all cases, the practical purpose seems to have been ease of identification amid the confusion of battle; though, at least at Carthage, it must have added flair to an elite image as well.
It\'s only by appreciating accurate accounts of real combat past and present that we can begin to approach the Greek hoplite\'s hard-won awareness of war\'s potential merits and ultimate limitations.
- Fred Eugene Ray (aka "Old Husker")
- Fred Eugene Ray (aka "Old Husker")
