Byzantine Weapons and Warfare

[egfroth]

That paper of Tim Dawson's is quite excellent - it covers just about everything we've been discussing, including weapon sizes (covered much more comprehensively than we have above), and the use of the menavlion.

I'd still had my doubts about the menavlion being a heavy javelin, particularly as it was really only based upon one word in the Praecepta. (The smaller shield, by the way, isn't really a conclusive argument in favour of the menavlion being a missile. It would be just as appropriate to a heavy spear held in both hands as it would to a javelineer).

And I find Tim has the same opinion as to its use. He outlines the evidence which leads him to the conclusion that it was a heavy thrusting spear to be used against charging kataphraktoi in conjunction with the longer, lighter kontaria of the regular troops. And shows photos of the array he believes to have been used, and why. VERY interesting (but not stupid!)

Worth a read!

Oh, and Kuura, here's another representation of the same type of shield for your information and enjoyment.