04-11-2011, 01:23 PM
Hi David,
Re. Your question about the possibility of carrying plumbatae in leather quivers as mentioned by Maurice in the Strategikon, here’s a summary of the discussion:
The English translation of the inventory mentioned in 12.B.4 is: "They should also carry lead-pointed darts in leather cases or slings".
I've discussed this with dr. Philip Rance, who disagrees with both Kolias and Völling about their translation of the text:
Of the exact nature of the quiver in which the darts are to be held the text says nothing (apparently, this was self-evident), but the text is clearly not mentioning anything about carrying plumbatae inside a shield, the method mentioned by Vegetius.
Re. Your question about the possibility of carrying plumbatae in leather quivers as mentioned by Maurice in the Strategikon, here’s a summary of the discussion:
The English translation of the inventory mentioned in 12.B.4 is: "They should also carry lead-pointed darts in leather cases or slings".
I've discussed this with dr. Philip Rance, who disagrees with both Kolias and Völling about their translation of the text:
Quote:Philip Rance wrote:
“It is not possible to be certain whether Maurice requires heavy infantry (skoutatoi) to have one or more martiobarbuli, because all the equipment in the inventory at 12.B.4 is in the plural, whether each soldier had one of that item or several. I have assumed, on the basis of earlier precedent and intrinsic likelihood, that each man has more than one. The language of 12.B.20 also implies that each man has several. Maurice says nothing about their cases. The issue is slightly confused at 12.B.6 where the text reads that each contubernium should have a cart containing, among other tools and equipment, "a martiobarboulon" (in the singular), though I think this must be an error and should be in the plural - whether we think that this was a dart or a mace there seems no reason why a contubernium of 8 men should be issued with just one! I have assumed that these are extra martiobarbuli, in addition to those included in each man's equipment at 12.B.4. Although Maurice specifies that martiobarbuli should be part of the equipment of heavy infantry (12.B.4) and that they should be trained to use them (12.B.2), he also envisages their use by light infantry (12.B.12) and even wagon-drivers in the baggage-train (12.B.18).”
Of the exact nature of the quiver in which the darts are to be held the text says nothing (apparently, this was self-evident), but the text is clearly not mentioning anything about carrying plumbatae inside a shield, the method mentioned by Vegetius.
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)