05-31-2009, 05:04 PM
Quote:It is not so easy to run with a heavy spear held "overhand", and I expect that it is quite likely that the charge was carried out "underarm", just as described here, and that the shift to overhand ocurred in the last second or so before the clash.......
The only thing more difficult than running with a spear held overhand is to "shift to overhand ocurred in the last second or so before the clash" :wink: . There are those who believe that they hit the enemy line with the dory "couched" like a medieval knight (who tend to do this on horseback!) and they advocate the initial underhand position. I find this unlikely for a variety of reasons I've outline before. Changing over at the end of the charge I think far more dangerous that any possible benefit during the approach.
Paul M. Bardunias
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"