03-17-2004, 08:06 PM
Sassannian,<br>
At the big IWA trade fair I just returned from in Nurenburg, Deepeeka took an order for five saddles so we are definately going to proceed with them now. I will keep people informed as to their development.<br>
<br>
The earliest "true" reconstruction of a four horned Roman saddle I know of was the one I made in 1985 for the exhibit our Leg XIIII did for the 2000th anniversary of Augsburg in conjuntion with Junkelmann's arrival over the alps. I believe this was before any of the Hyland and Connolly reconstructions, and was what inspired Marcus to do the Roman cavlary experiments. It was basically a thick felt pad cut to fit the valkenburg leather, with bronze horns. We dressed a local guy (who had a horse) as a cavalryman, and he was very impressed with how well the saddle worked. In defense of this treeless saddle reconstruction, it should be noted that Roman bronze horn stiffeners only have holes for stitching into the leather, and not holes to be nailed into a tree. Also, this pad type saddle will fit any horse and adjust to the horses back as it becomes leaner on campaign.<br>
<br>
I do have a Roman saddle with a tree as well, as can be seen in the Junkelmann cavalry books. it is based on the classic Carmargue saddle tree. I believe both are possible, the tree saddle for heavy cavalry/cataphracts where a firm seat is especially important, and the treeless type for lighter cavalry.<br>
<br>
My Cataphract armor is based on the bronze set from Dura with a serpent decorated chamfron I believe from the Straubing horde. I think there were pictures of it on the Vitoriano Museum exhibit thread.<br>
<br>
Here is a quick question you may be able to help me with in reference to Zoarasterianism, though it is from an ancient source that may not be valid today. This Zoarastrian source (the Dinkard), states that the holy scriptures of the Jewish faith (Old Testament) were given to the Jews by a 'monstrous dragon' named Zohak. My question then, is if this dragon was believed to be the actual "God" of the Jews (and therefore Christians and Moslems as well), or merely a servant of that God. This has to do with a book about dragons I am close to completing now.<br>
<br>
Thanks, Dan<br>
<br>
PS. I'm from "South Gate", which you might know since you are from the L.A. area. I left, never to return, when I joined the Army.<br>
<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
At the big IWA trade fair I just returned from in Nurenburg, Deepeeka took an order for five saddles so we are definately going to proceed with them now. I will keep people informed as to their development.<br>
<br>
The earliest "true" reconstruction of a four horned Roman saddle I know of was the one I made in 1985 for the exhibit our Leg XIIII did for the 2000th anniversary of Augsburg in conjuntion with Junkelmann's arrival over the alps. I believe this was before any of the Hyland and Connolly reconstructions, and was what inspired Marcus to do the Roman cavlary experiments. It was basically a thick felt pad cut to fit the valkenburg leather, with bronze horns. We dressed a local guy (who had a horse) as a cavalryman, and he was very impressed with how well the saddle worked. In defense of this treeless saddle reconstruction, it should be noted that Roman bronze horn stiffeners only have holes for stitching into the leather, and not holes to be nailed into a tree. Also, this pad type saddle will fit any horse and adjust to the horses back as it becomes leaner on campaign.<br>
<br>
I do have a Roman saddle with a tree as well, as can be seen in the Junkelmann cavalry books. it is based on the classic Carmargue saddle tree. I believe both are possible, the tree saddle for heavy cavalry/cataphracts where a firm seat is especially important, and the treeless type for lighter cavalry.<br>
<br>
My Cataphract armor is based on the bronze set from Dura with a serpent decorated chamfron I believe from the Straubing horde. I think there were pictures of it on the Vitoriano Museum exhibit thread.<br>
<br>
Here is a quick question you may be able to help me with in reference to Zoarasterianism, though it is from an ancient source that may not be valid today. This Zoarastrian source (the Dinkard), states that the holy scriptures of the Jewish faith (Old Testament) were given to the Jews by a 'monstrous dragon' named Zohak. My question then, is if this dragon was believed to be the actual "God" of the Jews (and therefore Christians and Moslems as well), or merely a servant of that God. This has to do with a book about dragons I am close to completing now.<br>
<br>
Thanks, Dan<br>
<br>
PS. I'm from "South Gate", which you might know since you are from the L.A. area. I left, never to return, when I joined the Army.<br>
<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
