01-03-2008, 01:03 AM
Kuura - good news! I look forward to both these being available.
Paullus, the Menavlion in Tim's reconstruction is a (relatively) short (9-12 feet) thrusting spear.
I don't think that necessarily follows. While some throwing weapons (such as the pilum) have been heavy, there is a considerable parallel tradition of fairly light ones as well. Certainly the javelins described in the Sylloge can't be all that heavy, given that each man is supposed to carry two or three with him. If as Tim proposes the menavlion is to fend off the charge of the enemy kataphraktoi, it would work nicely at 9-12 feet as a tough thrusting weapon.
Read Tim's paper - he goes into it in some detail. He makes the point that the menavlion as described would be too heavy to throw far, plus the javelineers were already throwing missiles at the enemy.
Myself, I'm thinking of making my own menavlion and trying it out.
Paullus, the Menavlion in Tim's reconstruction is a (relatively) short (9-12 feet) thrusting spear.
Quote:spears were generally lighter wood, and throwing weapons heavier. So if it was made of cornel-wood, the chances are that it was a throwing weapon
I don't think that necessarily follows. While some throwing weapons (such as the pilum) have been heavy, there is a considerable parallel tradition of fairly light ones as well. Certainly the javelins described in the Sylloge can't be all that heavy, given that each man is supposed to carry two or three with him. If as Tim proposes the menavlion is to fend off the charge of the enemy kataphraktoi, it would work nicely at 9-12 feet as a tough thrusting weapon.
Read Tim's paper - he goes into it in some detail. He makes the point that the menavlion as described would be too heavy to throw far, plus the javelineers were already throwing missiles at the enemy.
Myself, I'm thinking of making my own menavlion and trying it out.
"It is safer and more advantageous to overcome the enemy by planning and generalship than by sheer force"
The Strategikon of Emperor Maurice
Steven Lowe
Australia
The Strategikon of Emperor Maurice
Steven Lowe
Australia