06-18-2006, 04:57 PM
Quote:Doesn't the word 'plumbatae' actually mean 'leaded ones'?
So, technically speaking, no lead = no plumbata :wink:
And a plumbata sans lead weight would obviously never have
the range or hitting power of a dart with the lead weight.
Hi Ambrosius (btw, I presume that's not your real name - real names have to be added to the signature according to forum rules).
We were talking about artistic representations here. Of course these plumbatae had led weights, but we discussed the possibility that (as the image shown in De Rebus Bellicis) the image on the coin could also have been 'artistically slimmed down'.
Quote:One thing I'd be interested to know, though, is the meaning of the term 'mammilata'. I'd always thought that was describing the shape of the lead weight in this variety as being 'breastlike'... :oops:Yep, that's what it means - 'breated'.
Roman weaponry is bound to make young boys snigger: the sword is called a gladius and the scabbard a vagina. I can't help it.
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)