04-21-2005, 05:44 AM
The Boeotian is such an enigma 
I like Connolly's explanation of its use by the Thebans in their proto-phalangite experiments. He tested the use of a 13-foot sarissa with a hoplon and the Boeotian. It is impossible to use a two-handed pike with a hoplon, but by using the indent on the Boeotian it was possible to support the pike and maintain a traditional hoplon-style shield wall. Half-way between the phalanx and the syntagma. Interesting hypothosis that needs more study.
It has also been said that the vase-painters used the arms and armor of their own time to show the gods and heroes in combat. This would suggest the Boeotian was a period piece. But there is the flip side where there seems to be an association with the Heroic Age and the Boeotian, which was seen as being ancient. Perhaps a cultural memory of the Mycenaean figure-8 shield (which the Boeotian is certainly descended from)?
I like Connolly's explanation of its use by the Thebans in their proto-phalangite experiments. He tested the use of a 13-foot sarissa with a hoplon and the Boeotian. It is impossible to use a two-handed pike with a hoplon, but by using the indent on the Boeotian it was possible to support the pike and maintain a traditional hoplon-style shield wall. Half-way between the phalanx and the syntagma. Interesting hypothosis that needs more study. It has also been said that the vase-painters used the arms and armor of their own time to show the gods and heroes in combat. This would suggest the Boeotian was a period piece. But there is the flip side where there seems to be an association with the Heroic Age and the Boeotian, which was seen as being ancient. Perhaps a cultural memory of the Mycenaean figure-8 shield (which the Boeotian is certainly descended from)?
Paul Basar - Member of Wildfire Game\'s Project 0 AD
Wildfire Games - Project 0 A.D.
Wildfire Games - Project 0 A.D.
