04-13-2006, 12:22 AM
No need to attack it, at least as far as I'm concerned! I'm reasonably happy with this sort of interpretation; I just didn't think much of the whole height thing being an important factor. Mind, I don't think shorter Gladii had much to do with wanting to get closer either, but increased emphasis on close order fighting seems reasonable to me as an explanation. The only doubt I have concerns parallel developments (i.e. other examples of emphasis on close order fighting leading to the use of shorter blades).
Thanks for clarifying your position, Jim.
Incidently, I don't put much stock in the 'shield resting in front, soldier crouching behind' theory either, which I think also appears in the same book?
Matthew James Stanham
Thanks for clarifying your position, Jim.
Incidently, I don't put much stock in the 'shield resting in front, soldier crouching behind' theory either, which I think also appears in the same book?
Matthew James Stanham
It is a joyful thing indeed to hold intimate converse with a man after one\'s own heart, chatting without reserve about things of interest or the fleeting topics of the world; but such, alas, are few and far between.
Yoshida Kenko (1283-1350), Tsurezure-Gusa (1340)
Yoshida Kenko (1283-1350), Tsurezure-Gusa (1340)
