11-21-2014, 04:24 PM
I reread Polybius' description of the velite and he specifically mentions that the parma they used (30 years prior to Marius' possible reforms) were of sufficient strength and size:
"The shield is strongly made and sufficiently large to afford protection, being circular and measuring •three feet in diameter."
Pol Hist 6, 22
If the velites carried the same parma as the cavalry in shape and construction, then it probably means they were strongly made, as the cavalry parma in archaeological remains shows a center barley corn boss and spine. Then again, the Equites were rich and could afford well made armor, while the velites are known to have been the poorest of soldiers.
Does any artwork or descriptions of Bruttian warriors exist that would show their arms?
"The shield is strongly made and sufficiently large to afford protection, being circular and measuring •three feet in diameter."
Pol Hist 6, 22
If the velites carried the same parma as the cavalry in shape and construction, then it probably means they were strongly made, as the cavalry parma in archaeological remains shows a center barley corn boss and spine. Then again, the Equites were rich and could afford well made armor, while the velites are known to have been the poorest of soldiers.
Does any artwork or descriptions of Bruttian warriors exist that would show their arms?
