New hoplite book

[PMBardunias]

I strongly believe that this blow and other "wide sweeping blows" were delivered after the opposition was broken or in skirmishes between unformed groups

I should be clearer. The image I posted was mostly to show a "warding" or gard position to protect the head, though overhand swings can occur if there is loosening of the ranks. The overhand strikes that work even at high density are strikes like a hammer, directly in front of you or to the man to your side. In this a Khopis is a great help because it can generate a lot of force with a small movement of the arm and a wrist snap. Blows with the pommel work well too. If you do manage to get your sword to his face or neck, a simple sawing motion would be most unpleasant. The most deadly blow is of course the one you show reenacted. That sword is perhaps a bit long to do it most efficiently. I attached an image of the ideal killing stab in dense othismos- down into the chest cavity from above. Think of the "dieing Gaul" statue or many gladiator depictions from ancient Rome.

Razor sharp spear points can "disturb" rear-rankers at least until they break. We tested it with staffs (for safety reasons) and it seems to work.

Stabbing blindly can be very disruptive to those men in the deeper ranks. This may be useful because it makes coordination in pushing very difficult. Pushing force must transmit all the way throug the file, if one member of the enemy file is leaning back and fighting that force, he is helping you!