12-04-2003, 03:34 PM
Hi Aitor,<br>
<br>
Picking up this thread, I've been reading <em>De Rebus Bellicis</em>, which was probably written in the 4th century. From that, I've come to the conclusion that the so-called Plumbata et Tribolata (the spiked variant) probably never existed. the anonymous, writing about several aspects of the Roman state, but especially about military matters, seems to have been intent on improving the existing design of several items. One of these is a description of plumbatae, and since he is the only one describing the spiked sort, i think we should look at it that way, as an improvement which never took place.<br>
This, and the fact that by now several dozen of the 'smooth' plumbata mammilata have been found, and not a single spiked one.<br>
Also, a spiked one would be more difficult to handle, because it might get stuck in the shield or in the quiver, and therefore more cumbersome.<br>
<br>
Dave, did you have a chance to scan those heads yet? I'd be very interested in the method of fastening the head to the wood.<br>
<br>
Alain, I've used one of your pictures on page 1. Why do The <em>Foederati</em> use a dart of such short lenght? How far do you get whith that one?<br>
<br>
John, does <em>Comitatus</em> work with plumbatae as well? If so, which one do you use?<br>
<br>
Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert <p></p><i></i>
<br>
Picking up this thread, I've been reading <em>De Rebus Bellicis</em>, which was probably written in the 4th century. From that, I've come to the conclusion that the so-called Plumbata et Tribolata (the spiked variant) probably never existed. the anonymous, writing about several aspects of the Roman state, but especially about military matters, seems to have been intent on improving the existing design of several items. One of these is a description of plumbatae, and since he is the only one describing the spiked sort, i think we should look at it that way, as an improvement which never took place.<br>
This, and the fact that by now several dozen of the 'smooth' plumbata mammilata have been found, and not a single spiked one.<br>
Also, a spiked one would be more difficult to handle, because it might get stuck in the shield or in the quiver, and therefore more cumbersome.<br>
<br>
Dave, did you have a chance to scan those heads yet? I'd be very interested in the method of fastening the head to the wood.<br>
<br>
Alain, I've used one of your pictures on page 1. Why do The <em>Foederati</em> use a dart of such short lenght? How far do you get whith that one?<br>
<br>
John, does <em>Comitatus</em> work with plumbatae as well? If so, which one do you use?<br>
<br>
Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert <p></p><i></i>
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)