segmentata

[Matthew]

The first scene almost definitely doesn't depict a mace being hurled. The flanged mace didn't appear for centuries after Hastings. The second scene can't possibly be depicting soldiers wielding clubs for the reason Matt already outlined. Anyone without appropriate gear would be forbidden to fight.

I have no problem with it being some sort of Mace and there were apparently Maces around in Europe during this period. It bears a resemblance to the rod like object carried by an individual (maybe Bishop Odo) to the left of William: http://www.hastings1066.com/bayeux26.shtml

Another explanation would be welcome, though.

An arrow in flight? Lots of arrows in shields to the right of it.

Could be Jim, but it doesn't look much like any of the others depicted; an interesting possibility, though, and one I hadn't considered.

As for the fleeing individuals, it's also unknown. I suspect some sort of symbolism, but no idea what.

Of course, the Mail Hauberks are another example of (misleading) stylisation with regard to Body Armour. Puts me in mind of the very tight Hamata's Jim was talking about a couple of months back.

Matthew James Stanham