Italian Hoplite 500BC

[Caius Titius Verus]

Hi there!

This is my first post on this part of the forum.
Since my first century roman impressions are somewhat reaching there completion, I'm planning on starting my VERY early roman Impression now :-) )

I'm afraid I'll have to bother you guys with some really basic questions since I'm kind of new to 'the hoplite':$

-First of all; the tunic, what should be the pattern? Should it just be two rectangles of linen or wool sewn together like a roman one? Should it be as wide as a roman one (ie reaching from one elbow to the other when not bound around the middle...)

-Would it be ok to use a falcata (kopis) for such an impression? Or would you recommend another type of sword?

-Then, I'm planning on making my Linothorax out of one piece like the one on Matthew Amt's site(instead of a rear, a front and two sides). Is it necessary to let the linen, when glued, dry around something to form it? Or can I just make my glued linen patch and afterwards, when dry, soak it in hot water, form it around something, and allow it to dry again?

Many thanks!
Tom