11-07-2009, 12:12 AM
I got to fight from behind the Boeotian today. Totally just spear fencing, so I'll just put in a couple of observations.
1) Totally a practical shield. Very comfortable to use--spins nicely on a parry, and when held in the classic pose (arm slightly out from body and straight, like Giannis's statue above)) the wearer presents virtually NO target to the opponent.
2) Took practice to use well--unlike an aspis. I would, (based on one hour) say that the aspis is "everyman's" shield and the Boeotian takes some management. However, mine--30 x 40 inches--would be easy to use in Phalanx, in about the same space as my 36 inch round aspis.
3) a great hook shield--easily reaches out and hooks the opponents shield. And as my opponent demonstrated, the contrary is ALSO true. Which might explain some of the vase scenes with the two shields "crossed".
4) I could hold it in the traditional "flat to the sky" pose. Could also do it with an aspis (9 pounds and round, of course). As Paul B said in another post--great defense to overhead spear thrust.
5) I have a suspicion (based on one outing) that the Boeotian may have to do with sword work, not spear work. I wonder--could the transition from Homeric heroes to regional militia have been a transition from sword fighters to spear fighters? Just a thought--I can see flaws in the argument myself.
Anyway, these are just impressions. I'll post again when I've done a phalalnx fight.
OH! Someone will ask. At no point in an hour's fighting did anyone get a spear through the cut outs. Interesting1
1) Totally a practical shield. Very comfortable to use--spins nicely on a parry, and when held in the classic pose (arm slightly out from body and straight, like Giannis's statue above)) the wearer presents virtually NO target to the opponent.
2) Took practice to use well--unlike an aspis. I would, (based on one hour) say that the aspis is "everyman's" shield and the Boeotian takes some management. However, mine--30 x 40 inches--would be easy to use in Phalanx, in about the same space as my 36 inch round aspis.
3) a great hook shield--easily reaches out and hooks the opponents shield. And as my opponent demonstrated, the contrary is ALSO true. Which might explain some of the vase scenes with the two shields "crossed".
4) I could hold it in the traditional "flat to the sky" pose. Could also do it with an aspis (9 pounds and round, of course). As Paul B said in another post--great defense to overhead spear thrust.
5) I have a suspicion (based on one outing) that the Boeotian may have to do with sword work, not spear work. I wonder--could the transition from Homeric heroes to regional militia have been a transition from sword fighters to spear fighters? Just a thought--I can see flaws in the argument myself.
Anyway, these are just impressions. I'll post again when I've done a phalalnx fight.
OH! Someone will ask. At no point in an hour's fighting did anyone get a spear through the cut outs. Interesting1
Qui plus fait, miex vault.
