12-28-2007, 05:14 AM
I have to say that I would agree with Stefanos ( and many others) that the menavlion was a heavy throwing weapon. Leaving aside Steven's problems with measurements for a moment we have:-
"The menavlion was 6' long with an 18" head and was as thick as a man could grasp."
....which sounds like a good description of a pilum. The description in the Nikephori Praecepta ( which I only have second-hand information from) in particular leaves little doubt that a heavy throwing weapon is meant. Relevant here is the requirement that it be made of oak, cornel or artzikidion so as not to splinter or shatter.Clearly only an armour-piercing thrown weapon would have such a requirement ( spear-type weapons are generally made of lighter woods such as Ash, but use of Cornel for throwing weapons goes back at least as far as the Early Achmaenid Persians)
A further clue comes from the tactical employment generally of such troops. In Maurice's Strategikon ( admittedly earlier late 6-7C, but the tactics go back to Arrian and beyond and into the future too )...in brief, the first rank plant their spears at 45 degrees, and brace against the shock ( as if horses are going to impale themselves!..but it does give the men confidence.) The second rank lower spears to receive the charge, while covering the first rank with their shields. The third and fourth ranks throw martiobarbuli, then their kontarii, before physically supporting with their shields in the backs of prior ranks. At first sight , it may seem odd to throw 12 ft kontarion, but there is a reason - at close range the heavier spears will be more effective against armour, with heavier impetus/impact.
It is likely these troops who received the the 'menaulion', logically enough, to serve this function, because it was better for the purpose, and unlike lighter wood (Ash etc) spears/kontarii, wouldn't shatter on impact.
All the above, to me, suggests that the menavlion was a heavy throwing weapon.
"The menavlion was 6' long with an 18" head and was as thick as a man could grasp."
....which sounds like a good description of a pilum. The description in the Nikephori Praecepta ( which I only have second-hand information from) in particular leaves little doubt that a heavy throwing weapon is meant. Relevant here is the requirement that it be made of oak, cornel or artzikidion so as not to splinter or shatter.Clearly only an armour-piercing thrown weapon would have such a requirement ( spear-type weapons are generally made of lighter woods such as Ash, but use of Cornel for throwing weapons goes back at least as far as the Early Achmaenid Persians)
Quote: the Praecepta: "If it should happen . . . that the three-deep spears of the infantrymen are smashed by the enemy kataphraktoi, then the menavlatoi, firmly set, stand their ground bravely to receive the charge of the kataphraktoi and turn them away."...note here it is the troops who stand firmly...nothing here precludes a heavy throwing weapon.
A further clue comes from the tactical employment generally of such troops. In Maurice's Strategikon ( admittedly earlier late 6-7C, but the tactics go back to Arrian and beyond and into the future too )...in brief, the first rank plant their spears at 45 degrees, and brace against the shock ( as if horses are going to impale themselves!..but it does give the men confidence.) The second rank lower spears to receive the charge, while covering the first rank with their shields. The third and fourth ranks throw martiobarbuli, then their kontarii, before physically supporting with their shields in the backs of prior ranks. At first sight , it may seem odd to throw 12 ft kontarion, but there is a reason - at close range the heavier spears will be more effective against armour, with heavier impetus/impact.
It is likely these troops who received the the 'menaulion', logically enough, to serve this function, because it was better for the purpose, and unlike lighter wood (Ash etc) spears/kontarii, wouldn't shatter on impact.
All the above, to me, suggests that the menavlion was a heavy throwing weapon.
"dulce et decorum est pro patria mori " - Horace
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
