01-08-2015, 09:55 AM
Hi all!
Leo Wise wrotes about charzania. Dennis in his translation did not explain the meaning of it, maybe somebody here. The text is from: About Training for the Cavalry and the Infantry:
10. Divide the army in two parts, then have them come together in a mock battle, the lances and, likewise, the arrows without points or, as we said, with staffs instead of swords. Or instead of lances distribute staves or reeds. If the ground on which they are drilling has clods of earth, order them to throw these at each other in practicing for battle. At times let them make use of what are called charzania (χαρζάνια) or similar items in their battles. Point out to the men steep hills and order them to ascend them on the run and seize them. Of course, you will have other soldiers in position on top of those hills.
So what is the charzania? A kind of mail or protector?
My next question is the kalpa from Const. VII:
22. Another maneuver. With the troops marching in close formation, particularly after they have closed in tightly from the flanks, as they come within range of the <enemy> archers, and the command is given: "Strike.” The dekarchs and pentarchs then lean forward, cover their heads and part of their horses’ neck with their shields, hold their lances at shoulder height and, protected by their shields, they advance in good order, not too fast but at a canter, a measured gait, the so-called kalpa (κάλπα), so that the impetus of their charge might not break up their ranks before coming to blows with the enemy, a very risky action. All the archers to the rear are then to open fire.
Any further information over that it was a measured gait?
Thnaks!
pollux12
Leo Wise wrotes about charzania. Dennis in his translation did not explain the meaning of it, maybe somebody here. The text is from: About Training for the Cavalry and the Infantry:
10. Divide the army in two parts, then have them come together in a mock battle, the lances and, likewise, the arrows without points or, as we said, with staffs instead of swords. Or instead of lances distribute staves or reeds. If the ground on which they are drilling has clods of earth, order them to throw these at each other in practicing for battle. At times let them make use of what are called charzania (χαρζάνια) or similar items in their battles. Point out to the men steep hills and order them to ascend them on the run and seize them. Of course, you will have other soldiers in position on top of those hills.
So what is the charzania? A kind of mail or protector?
My next question is the kalpa from Const. VII:
22. Another maneuver. With the troops marching in close formation, particularly after they have closed in tightly from the flanks, as they come within range of the <enemy> archers, and the command is given: "Strike.” The dekarchs and pentarchs then lean forward, cover their heads and part of their horses’ neck with their shields, hold their lances at shoulder height and, protected by their shields, they advance in good order, not too fast but at a canter, a measured gait, the so-called kalpa (κάλπα), so that the impetus of their charge might not break up their ranks before coming to blows with the enemy, a very risky action. All the archers to the rear are then to open fire.
Any further information over that it was a measured gait?
Thnaks!
pollux12
