12-19-2018, 01:34 PM
(12-19-2018, 12:12 PM)Renatus Wrote: Doesn't it all depend on the tactical situation and what you are trying to achieve? If you want to create confusion in the enemy's rear ranks, an under-hand throw, lobbed over the heads to the front ranks, seems to be indicated. On the other hand, an over-hand throw would seem to be more accurate, if directed at the enemy's front rank or a charging horseman. Vegetius seems to imply the latter:
'If soldiers throw them at the right moment, it seems almost as if shield-bearing infantry are imitating the role of archers,. For they wound the enemy and his horses before they can get not merely to close quarters, but even within range of javelins.' (Veg. 1.17 - Milner's translation)
Well exactly, I could not have put that better. Actually I tried to, in a lot more words, in my answer above/
(12-19-2018, 12:12 PM)Renatus Wrote: Incidentally, Robert, your last post merely repeated Brucicus' earlier one, without adding a comment of your own. What's that all about?
I reply to get the html of the text, which I then copy in Word, before pasting it back here. You caught me while I was actually busy writing the answer (got away with it so far).
Maybe I should enter a short tekst while answering, to prevent confusion.
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)