06-29-2007, 06:32 PM
Salve Gaius! I should have voiced my agreement, because you did state this as well. We were both surpassed by Coulston, though, who in "The production and distribiution of militairy equipment" states In warefare (Roman) crossbows were most usefull in marine conflict and in mural defence.... He also point at the greater mobility of the archers on the battlefield.
I had a good look at it and a boltsize of 40 centimeters (two span) would seem very believable. This would qualify as the Roman version of the crossbow. These things hit far and hard!!
Using bellybow cocking would greatly increase the rate of fire. I bet a two man crew could get off at lease one bolt every 15 seconds.
The reconstruction is no longer at the Valkhof museum, but perhaps Jasper knows where it went and if there are plans available. I believe it went back to Keulen after the ROMEC exhibition at the Valkhof. As it is a reconstruction, there should be no problem weighing it?
I had a good look at it and a boltsize of 40 centimeters (two span) would seem very believable. This would qualify as the Roman version of the crossbow. These things hit far and hard!!
Using bellybow cocking would greatly increase the rate of fire. I bet a two man crew could get off at lease one bolt every 15 seconds.
The reconstruction is no longer at the Valkhof museum, but perhaps Jasper knows where it went and if there are plans available. I believe it went back to Keulen after the ROMEC exhibition at the Valkhof. As it is a reconstruction, there should be no problem weighing it?
