12-03-2010, 01:39 PM
Over rated? Hard to say. But the Romans used short swords and shields for several centuries, and it seems reasonable that they had plenty of encounters with enemies equipped both with spears and with longer swords. They still had spears, and could have made longer swords. But they didn't. They must have been satisfied with their tactics, since they'd proved effective for centuries of conquest. If they needed to change the weapons, it would be for reasons other than "they didn't work".
The spatha became the sword of choice, in my view, because more emphasis was on cavalry, and less on infantry. Short swords are not the best choice for horsemen, right?
The spatha became the sword of choice, in my view, because more emphasis was on cavalry, and less on infantry. Short swords are not the best choice for horsemen, right?
M. Demetrius Abicio
(David Wills)
Saepe veritas est dura.
(David Wills)
Saepe veritas est dura.
