10-15-2009, 11:04 PM
Hi phalanx,
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Second, maybe cut the front tips from the flights, to make it more aerodynamic?
I read you are going to make heavier ones. I came to the opposite conclusion - lighter seems to fly better. What are the current measurements? How far did you throw them?
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Quote: I've recently made a handfull of plumbata. I tried to make them as accurately as possible, but some things I was not able to replicate. Most notably was the tip. I don't have a way to make a barbed head, and my experiments with arrow heads lead to a lot of them being lost in the ground after I retrieve them. I had to use a simple metal rod instead for the metal shank.They look quite well for a first attempt.
Here's a link to my Flickr set: [url:23zppkmm]http://www.flickr.com/photos/24359577@N02/sets/72157622091632489/[/url]
Quote: I'm turning to you all, the experts, to critique my work. How can I make mine more historically accurate? What areas can I improve?I'd say, cut some off from the point, about 3 to 5 cm will do fine and decrese the forces on the shaft upon impact. they may last longer.
Second, maybe cut the front tips from the flights, to make it more aerodynamic?
I read you are going to make heavier ones. I came to the opposite conclusion - lighter seems to fly better. What are the current measurements? How far did you throw them?
Quote: I do have another question, as well. When exactly were these fearsome weapons used? I've seen "the late empire" all over the place, but when does that translate to approximately in years? About when are some of the recovered plumbata dated?It's impossible to be sure, but they seem to have appeared during the later decades of the 3rd century AD, continued in use throughout the 4th c. and maybe the 5th. But then it's no longer possible to tell much. The East Roman empire for sure used them during the 6th and possibly 7th centuries, but by far the most finds are from the West, and dated (wherever possible) to the 4th c.
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)