01-20-2006, 07:16 AM
About increaded armour and more substantial helmets, there's a rub - the enemy may indeed have been armed more with these, but the main enemy of the Roman Empire already had that. I mean, when you look at the most armoured foe (Parthians and Persians) there were not many developments. And in civil wars, Romans were quite heavily armoured already.
Also, the later Roman armies tend to get less quality and quantity in armour. Some helmets are still closed (the Berkasovo series) but others are more open (the Intercisa series). That speaks agianst such a development. Also the enemy in Europe does not seem to be wearing all that more armour.
Therefore my bet is still on the battlefield development, somehow causing gladii to be less effective and spathae being the answer.
Also, the later Roman armies tend to get less quality and quantity in armour. Some helmets are still closed (the Berkasovo series) but others are more open (the Intercisa series). That speaks agianst such a development. Also the enemy in Europe does not seem to be wearing all that more armour.
Therefore my bet is still on the battlefield development, somehow causing gladii to be less effective and spathae being the answer.
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
