10-17-2008, 09:10 PM
Quote:Meinpanzer/Ruben wrote:
Quote:Firstly, Polybius doesn't write that they were "well protected" by their clothing. Translated quite literally it reads "many of the Celts were well served (euchrestian) with heavy cloaks/coats (sagoi) and trousers (anaxuridon)." That word euchrestian simply means that they benefited from wearing their clothing, not that they were well protected. And heavier clothing could definitely confer some defense, especially heavier leather clothing. It might not be great, but it would provide something, especially when compared to wearing nothing, which is the entire point of that passage.
Gentlemen, might I suggest that the attached picture from the Arch of Orange(AD 25) fits what Polybius is saying admirably? Here we see a Celt wielding shield and sword, wearing a helmet, but otherwise naked ( though just possibly wearing trousers), and lo and behold, he uses his sagum wrapped around his arm as additional defence against missiles, and perhaps offensively to flick into an opponents eyes or entangle his weapon.
Use of a 'hanging' defence, and it's ability to take the force out of missile weapons in particular, has been known since time immemorial. For example; Greek Triremes used hanging curtains called parablemata to protect rowers from missiles; and a traditional form of Spanish duel was with cloak and dagger.
I use hanging blankets as a backstop on a home archery range, and arrows never penetrate, even from 10 metres.
Add to this that woollen trousers would confer a degree of protection against random slashes, spent missiles etc which might otherwise cut, as was explained above, and I believe Polybius' probable meaning is perfectly explained.........
Thank you. I was not aware of this image, but that illustrates quite well how it could have been used as a defense- the images of hoplites with aprons hanging from their shields also come to mind. Even if the men were still to keep the cloaks pinned around their shoulders but just pulled them forward to cover one arm, they could be used effectively to defend against missiles, I would imagine. No need for organic greaves and cuirasses.
Ruben
He had with him the selfsame rifle you see with him now, all mounted in german silver and the name that he\'d give it set with silver wire under the checkpiece in latin: Et In Arcadia Ego. Common enough for a man to name his gun. His is the first and only ever I seen with an inscription from the classics. - Cormac McCarthy, Blood Meridian
He had with him the selfsame rifle you see with him now, all mounted in german silver and the name that he\'d give it set with silver wire under the checkpiece in latin: Et In Arcadia Ego. Common enough for a man to name his gun. His is the first and only ever I seen with an inscription from the classics. - Cormac McCarthy, Blood Meridian
