05-14-2011, 12:44 AM
One question I have that may or may not have been brought up in another discussion is how exactly a one-handed spearman such as a hoplite would have been able to ward off cavalry.
There is the psychological aspect on the horses of course and the reach would probably be very useful against a standing horseman (such as how Caesar describes the reach of the pilum being used to stab at the faces of the riders at Pharsalus), although at a full charge how would a one-handed grip be enough to stop more than 1000 lbs of horse and rider, particularly against an armored horseman with a longer and heavier lance? On the other hand you have cavalry that will charge in close, throw their lances and then wheel about making a wall of spearpoints useless entirely.
In both situations wouldn't it be preferable for the spearman to simply throw his spear at a charging cavalryman rather than attempt to brace against the impact?
There is the psychological aspect on the horses of course and the reach would probably be very useful against a standing horseman (such as how Caesar describes the reach of the pilum being used to stab at the faces of the riders at Pharsalus), although at a full charge how would a one-handed grip be enough to stop more than 1000 lbs of horse and rider, particularly against an armored horseman with a longer and heavier lance? On the other hand you have cavalry that will charge in close, throw their lances and then wheel about making a wall of spearpoints useless entirely.
In both situations wouldn't it be preferable for the spearman to simply throw his spear at a charging cavalryman rather than attempt to brace against the impact?
Henry O.
