Posts: 1,568
Threads: 207
Joined: Jul 2001
Reputation:
0
Having fought with a rigid arm strap.. of bronze.. its very functional.
What with the Roman fascination with things Greek, why not a parade guard sporting the Greek style?
Hibernicus
LEGIO IX HISPANA, USA
You cannot dig ditches in a toga!
[url:194jujcw]http://www.legio-ix-hispana.org[/url]
A nationwide club with chapters across N America
Posts: 125
Threads: 16
Joined: Jan 2006
Reputation:
0
I agree, in the relief it does look like a leather strap similar to a hoplon. However, I had read somehwere that legionaries didn't carry their scuti in a hoplon fashion, with their arm horizontal, but rather vertical (easier for carrying on long marches). I couldn't find the original article, and someone please correct me if I am wrong. I wouldn't think Preatorian would carry their shields in any different manner unless they were designed for a cavalry unit of some kind. I agree with Theo, seems to me it is some sort of dismounted cavalry.
Gaius Tertius Severus "Terti" / Trey Starnes
"ESSE QUAM VIDERE"
Posts: 8,090
Threads: 505
Joined: Jan 2005
Reputation:
0
Didn't the aspis have a bronze armband?
TARBICvS/Jim Bowers
A A A DESEDO DESEDO!
Posts: 1,568
Threads: 207
Joined: Jul 2001
Reputation:
0
The aspis did indeed, well at least some, had a bronze arm strap.
Here's one:
http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/war/Armor2.htm
Hibernicus
LEGIO IX HISPANA, USA
You cannot dig ditches in a toga!
[url:194jujcw]http://www.legio-ix-hispana.org[/url]
A nationwide club with chapters across N America
Posts: 8,090
Threads: 505
Joined: Jan 2005
Reputation:
0
Thanks Sean. AFAIK, all aspis had bronze armbands. No leather anywhere, but I'd be interested to see evidence for them, even though I can't see leather being at all practical.
TARBICvS/Jim Bowers
A A A DESEDO DESEDO!
Posts: 13,279
Threads: 102
Joined: May 2006
Reputation:
3
Yes Tarbicus is right, they were all bronze, with leather lining! And if you straighten your arm, the hoplon can still be carried! It has a cord inside the rim for the hand to grip.
Visne partem mei capere? Comminus agamus! * Me semper rogo, Quid faceret Iulius Caesar? * Confidence is a good thing! Overconfidence is too much of a good thing.
[b]Legio XIIII GMV. (Q. Magivs)RMRS Remember Atuatuca! Vengence will be ours!
Titus Flavius Germanus
Batavian Coh I
Byron Angel