12-30-2014, 01:13 PM
[quote][quote="XorX" post=363420]
"[Celtibernians] grasp the hilt [of their swords] in their right hand and the end of the blade in their left; then, laying it horizontally on their heads, they pull down at each end until they touch their shoulders [each end]. Next, they let go sharply, removing both hands. When released, [the sword blade] straightens itself out against and so resumes its original shape, without retaining a suspicion of a bend. Though they repeat this frequently, the sword remains straight."
Philon of Byzantium, Belopeika, 4.71, written in 2nd Century BC[/quote]
For those of us that don't have much experience with swords or metal working that seems completely incredible that they were as flexible as that.
Do those of you who know period sword making think that is an accurate description or is it likely to be exaggerated?
"[Celtibernians] grasp the hilt [of their swords] in their right hand and the end of the blade in their left; then, laying it horizontally on their heads, they pull down at each end until they touch their shoulders [each end]. Next, they let go sharply, removing both hands. When released, [the sword blade] straightens itself out against and so resumes its original shape, without retaining a suspicion of a bend. Though they repeat this frequently, the sword remains straight."
Philon of Byzantium, Belopeika, 4.71, written in 2nd Century BC[/quote]
For those of us that don't have much experience with swords or metal working that seems completely incredible that they were as flexible as that.
Do those of you who know period sword making think that is an accurate description or is it likely to be exaggerated?
Adam
No man resisted or offered to stand up in his defence, save one only, a centurion, Sempronius Densus, the single man among so many thousands that the sun beheld that day act worthily of the Roman empire.
No man resisted or offered to stand up in his defence, save one only, a centurion, Sempronius Densus, the single man among so many thousands that the sun beheld that day act worthily of the Roman empire.
