05-18-2010, 09:32 PM
If I read you correctly, the idea is that the last rank (unlike those forward) might have the option to use body lean toward increasing the power of its push (each man applying both legs). This would call for a shove into the shield with the chest and forearm rather than the shoulder. If so, it would indeed resemble a rugby scrum or the charge of a lineman in football (even more so should the spear be temporarily grounded at the side to free up the right forearm for pushing as well).
With regard to alternate stances, there would be defensive advantages to both a sideways pose and crouch in the case of dueling/front fighting (in a small unit action or in the front rank prior to or during a lull in othismos, when more open weapons work was possible). This would present the smallest target for an opponent (as per the pose assumed by fencers) and allow an aspis to provide adequate coverage despite only 2/3 or so of its width being available for its bearer's protection (the rest extending off to the left as a benefit for the next man in line). One could then turn more head-on if needed to deliver an offensive blow (especially with a sword, though, like an extended fencing foil, the considerable reach of a spear might make this unnecessary).
As for the reference made to "command and control," this was aimed not at men in the ranks executing othismos, but rather to generals issuing a command to be transmitted forward from the rear rank in an effort to control movement of the entire phalanx, thus creating either an optimally timed and concerted forward surge or a pause/withdrawal as desired. - Regards
With regard to alternate stances, there would be defensive advantages to both a sideways pose and crouch in the case of dueling/front fighting (in a small unit action or in the front rank prior to or during a lull in othismos, when more open weapons work was possible). This would present the smallest target for an opponent (as per the pose assumed by fencers) and allow an aspis to provide adequate coverage despite only 2/3 or so of its width being available for its bearer's protection (the rest extending off to the left as a benefit for the next man in line). One could then turn more head-on if needed to deliver an offensive blow (especially with a sword, though, like an extended fencing foil, the considerable reach of a spear might make this unnecessary).
As for the reference made to "command and control," this was aimed not at men in the ranks executing othismos, but rather to generals issuing a command to be transmitted forward from the rear rank in an effort to control movement of the entire phalanx, thus creating either an optimally timed and concerted forward surge or a pause/withdrawal as desired. - Regards
It\'s only by appreciating accurate accounts of real combat past and present that we can begin to approach the Greek hoplite\'s hard-won awareness of war\'s potential merits and ultimate limitations.
- Fred Eugene Ray (aka "Old Husker")
- Fred Eugene Ray (aka "Old Husker")
