06-27-2014, 04:07 PM
Bryan,
I know you like to disagree because you have some different views, but please don't state things I haven't said/written.
Standards - yes, nearly all armies have standards. Kings and Generals have them so that people can find them and watch them for information/orders in many cases. Units have them so that Kings & Generals know where they are. They can also be used as rallying points, or even just points to assemble - if units get dispersed. They can also be used to carry honours and awards and become objects of veneration - but that's all after their primary uses.
Cavalry and infantry tactics/drills are very different - the horse makes it so.
You take the bravest soldier because, when you want him, when encouragement is needed, you want him to be brave. Because you imbue a standard with honour, you make it an award to have the job. You want to encourage bravery - so you recognise it. All those things are part of any, particularly male, group psyche. Have been for millennia.
A scutum and a hoplon (which I assume is the sort of aspis you meant) are both dished/curved except one is round and one is oblong - I think the scutum is actually better shaped for bracing - if that is necessary.
I know we've disagreed (and agreed) on the Romans methods of fighting - but Polybius and Vegetius actually say different things and not the same (the first writes 3ft between soldiers; the latter each one occupies 3ft, but with 6ft between ranks - I have previously shown how both could be correct, but at different times).
I know you like to disagree because you have some different views, but please don't state things I haven't said/written.
Standards - yes, nearly all armies have standards. Kings and Generals have them so that people can find them and watch them for information/orders in many cases. Units have them so that Kings & Generals know where they are. They can also be used as rallying points, or even just points to assemble - if units get dispersed. They can also be used to carry honours and awards and become objects of veneration - but that's all after their primary uses.
Cavalry and infantry tactics/drills are very different - the horse makes it so.
You take the bravest soldier because, when you want him, when encouragement is needed, you want him to be brave. Because you imbue a standard with honour, you make it an award to have the job. You want to encourage bravery - so you recognise it. All those things are part of any, particularly male, group psyche. Have been for millennia.
A scutum and a hoplon (which I assume is the sort of aspis you meant) are both dished/curved except one is round and one is oblong - I think the scutum is actually better shaped for bracing - if that is necessary.
I know we've disagreed (and agreed) on the Romans methods of fighting - but Polybius and Vegetius actually say different things and not the same (the first writes 3ft between soldiers; the latter each one occupies 3ft, but with 6ft between ranks - I have previously shown how both could be correct, but at different times).
