Weight and grip of sarissa and shield in macedonian phalanx

[Paralus]

It's abundantly clear from evidence that different types of shields were in use among phalangites, including the "classic" small, shallow pelte (such as the examples found at Pergamon, Florina, Staro Bonce, etc.) which was around 60 cm in diameter; the extremely convex larger shield; and the large, fairly shallow shield. There were probably variants in between as well, of course, and I have no doubt that the old thinking that the offset rim of the aspis made it unusable by phalangites is simply untrue.

I would agree with all of the above.

I am a bit troubled by how limited the range of motion is for that front arm if the shoulder-strap is taut enough to support the weight of the sarissa. Anyone here recreated this and tried it?

As Paul M-S has said, the baldric is not for the support of the sarisa. More likely it supports the shield. The hoplite, with a shield arm, grips and manoeuvrers his shield whereas the phalangite grips his sarisa. Having not re-enacted this I’m guessing but it would appear that the baldric keeps the shield’s aspect upright as the phalangite cannot grip with his left hand? Its other use will have been to sling it off the soldier’s back on the march.

In fact, they found that keeping the right spacing between ranks was more important to allow free movement and the use of weapons.

Indeed, it is logical as Spock would say. Hence the Hellenistic tactical manuals are on the money with the pyknosis or “closed for action” formation of some three feet. This being the formation in which a charge is delivered.

Such would definitely have needed to be the case for Alexander’s scare-mongering drill for the benefit of the Taulantians.

The smaller spear point has always made more sense to me as far as sarisae are concerned (as I think Paul M-S and myself have agreed privately). I can’t remember whether or not the flanged sauroter is stamped “Mak”. Must check when I get home. It does, though, seem about right as a counterweight to the smaller head. The purpose of the flanges? Perhaps they looked good?