01-25-2006, 01:11 PM
Quote:Our plumbatas weigh around 300 grams. Most of them break on impact and we're start to wonder if that is not a more or less intended 'mishap' (A broken plumbata cannot be sent back... :wink: )
We were considering the same point this weekend when we lost a complete plumbata head in the ground and couldn't dig it out. But from the Roman perspective - who cares if they break on impact?
I think they are a very nasty weapon, and I would not want to be under a constant barrage of them from the enemy. At least pila are short range and come in a couple of volleys. Its the way that they plunge out of the sky that's the terrifying bit. When one went astray a couple of years ago, the shout went up, and several people froze and daren't move, preferring to risk a hit on helmet or mail shoulders than look up and watch for the falling dart ... hock:
~ Paul Elliott
The Last Legionary
This book details the lives of Late Roman legionaries garrisoned in Britain in 400AD. It covers everything from battle to rations, camp duties to clothing.
The Last Legionary
This book details the lives of Late Roman legionaries garrisoned in Britain in 400AD. It covers everything from battle to rations, camp duties to clothing.