12-24-2007, 06:59 PM
Another exception on sarissa length: Polybius (18.29) says that typical sarissas are 14 cubits long. But ancient measurements were often imprecise, or given in subtly different standards, so these figures of 10-14 cubits may all refer to about the same size of weapon. Connolley notes that fifteenth to seventeenth century pikes were 15-22 feet (c. 10-14 cubits) long, with a tapered shaft and small point. And we all know pikemen in that period could be quite aggressive.
The infantry sarissa Connolley reconstructed was 5.84 m long, 4.0 kg in weight, with the small head and four-flanged buttweight from Vergina. A group of reenactors using the pikes and shields found they could thrust up to one cubit forward in formation.
The infantry sarissa Connolley reconstructed was 5.84 m long, 4.0 kg in weight, with the small head and four-flanged buttweight from Vergina. A group of reenactors using the pikes and shields found they could thrust up to one cubit forward in formation.
Nullis in verba
I have not checked this forum frequently since 2013, but I hope that these old posts have some value. I now have a blog on books, swords, and the curious things humans do with them.
I have not checked this forum frequently since 2013, but I hope that these old posts have some value. I now have a blog on books, swords, and the curious things humans do with them.
