10-28-2008, 04:50 PM
Quote:I would have personnally liked to get in true contact with the opponents BUT at say, 2 meter distance, both phalanxes stopped and started fighting with spears, maintaining this 2 meter gap. So we lost the benefit of the running charge and avoided the "othismos aspidon" .
Don't worry, you are not missing much. The notion of a running charge leading directly into othismos like a bunch of rams in rut is incorrect. Hoplites surely pulled up from the charge at spear's length and entered doratismos. Othismos only occurs later when the men regain their close order after the charge, with almost no space between ranks. A short "charge" may ensue, but we are talking feet, not yards.
My latest posts were on this:
http://hollow-lakedaimon.blogspot.com/
One way that I have seen to simulate rear ranks is in this video below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DH-BmrV ... re=related
The pole across their backs takes the place of the pressure of their mates' shields quite effectively. You will also note the short "charge" and the position of the men- directly facing their foes, not shoulder first. These guys are hard core and they have "rediscovered" same very interesting techniques. I recommend watching the related videos. So much for those who denegrate reenactment.
Paul M. Bardunias
MODERATOR: [url:2dqwu8yc]http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=4100[/url]
A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
MODERATOR: [url:2dqwu8yc]http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=4100[/url]
A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
