07-11-2013, 06:20 PM
Ancient sources tell us.
Roman troops would lay aside Pila and not throw them when the tactical situation demanded.
Pila could be thrown on the move.
Pila were more effective thrown downhill.
I don't think you can limit the number of Pila thrown by a Roman Legionary to just one per battle and we should be thinking of Pila more as expendable ammunition rather than in terms of a weapon.
Two (or more) Pila into combat possibilities:
One stuck into the ground.
One put on the Ground.
One held in the shield hand.
Extra Pila in the cart with the Ballista
Extra Pila carried into battle by servants and resupplied to the Centuries as the situation allowed.
Roman troops would lay aside Pila and not throw them when the tactical situation demanded.
Pila could be thrown on the move.
Pila were more effective thrown downhill.
I don't think you can limit the number of Pila thrown by a Roman Legionary to just one per battle and we should be thinking of Pila more as expendable ammunition rather than in terms of a weapon.
Two (or more) Pila into combat possibilities:
One stuck into the ground.
One put on the Ground.
One held in the shield hand.
Extra Pila in the cart with the Ballista
Extra Pila carried into battle by servants and resupplied to the Centuries as the situation allowed.
John Kaler MSG, USA Retired
Member Legio V (Tenn, USA)
Staff Member Ludus Militus https://www.facebook.com/groups/671041919589478/
Owner Vicus and Village: https://www.facebook.com/groups/361968853851510/
Member Legio V (Tenn, USA)
Staff Member Ludus Militus https://www.facebook.com/groups/671041919589478/
Owner Vicus and Village: https://www.facebook.com/groups/361968853851510/
