05-01-2011, 10:09 PM
I certainly agree that Gabriel and Metz are often far too vague and there's no doubt that better documented test results are to be preferred if they can be found. All the same, Horsfal's more precise results would appear to confirm (rather than dispute) the general trend shown by G&M with regard to overhanded spear thrusts being more powerful than those made underhand. As for armor penetration, it surely must have taken place, since ancient bronze armor has been found with a sauroter hole in it (most likely from an overhand blow with a reversed spear directed downward against a fallen foe). This would seem to contradict G&M's table 3.2 (p. 63) that shows an overhand spear thrust generating only 52% of that required to penetrate bronze armor (though, again to your point on less than proper documentation, the thickness of the armor is not specified).
It\'s only by appreciating accurate accounts of real combat past and present that we can begin to approach the Greek hoplite\'s hard-won awareness of war\'s potential merits and ultimate limitations.
- Fred Eugene Ray (aka "Old Husker")
- Fred Eugene Ray (aka "Old Husker")
