10-03-2008, 12:57 AM
I know this thread is a little old, but since the subject has come up again there are a couple things I'll comment on...
First, back on page 3 there was a comment:
You can sort of see me in that picture standing a safe distance behind the guy with the falx. The scutum in that picture actually was not all that firmly secured; it was attached to one end of a wooden beam using a number of bungee cords. The wooden beam was resting on a base that allowed a reenactor on the other end of the beam to move the shield around a bit.
Second, the Thracian rhomphaia was brought up a couple of times. I believe Paul has already mentioned that the rhomphaia and the falx are two completely different and unrelated weapons, but I thought I would mention it again for emphasis. I've handled the falx in that picture and I have two rhomphaia of my own with which to compare it. The falx is more of an axe-like weapon and the rhomphaia is more like...well...the closest thing would be a rifle and bayonet. If you know how to use a rifle and bayonet, you know how to use a rhomphaia.
First, back on page 3 there was a comment:
Quote:I'd like to make a note about the reenactment picture. Here, the scutum is firmly secured allowing the falx to cut deeply into it. However, a scutum being held by a person would give upon impact. Even if a legionary provided a stiff arm I don't think the result would be the same.
You can sort of see me in that picture standing a safe distance behind the guy with the falx. The scutum in that picture actually was not all that firmly secured; it was attached to one end of a wooden beam using a number of bungee cords. The wooden beam was resting on a base that allowed a reenactor on the other end of the beam to move the shield around a bit.
Second, the Thracian rhomphaia was brought up a couple of times. I believe Paul has already mentioned that the rhomphaia and the falx are two completely different and unrelated weapons, but I thought I would mention it again for emphasis. I've handled the falx in that picture and I have two rhomphaia of my own with which to compare it. The falx is more of an axe-like weapon and the rhomphaia is more like...well...the closest thing would be a rifle and bayonet. If you know how to use a rifle and bayonet, you know how to use a rhomphaia.
Dan Zeidler
Legio XX
Legio XX