06-17-2013, 07:52 AM
Quote:The plumbata holder on back of the shield. First it was agreed, then de-truthed. So whats the current theory? Real or not? It certainly would be convenient, except for the extra weight on the left arm.As far as I know, we do have (up to) 5 plumbatae on the back of the shield (Vegetius), just no clue as to how they were fastened. We have no image of that, no description and no remains. My preference is still for the simple one: a rawhide strip on the right side of the shield, folded double to hold the points, and a leather thong above that.
Later, we know from Maurice (Stretegikon) that several darts were held in a quiver. Again, no clue how many or how large.
Most plumbatae currently reproduced are certainly too large. I can tell by looking at the average weight, although there is no outright standard and heavier ones do occur. However, this really makes a difference in adding 5 of them behind your shield. If you add 5 Deepeeka ones, that would add quite a bit of weight! But 5 smaller ones (I doubt they were longer than, say, 40-50 cm) would not be bothersome.
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)