The "Fred thread": the Argead Macedonian Army

[PMBardunias]

This would obviously have to be tested, but I was thinking that the porpax would jut into the phalangite's side while maneuvering with the sarissa when the shield moved up or down.

I agree, I cannot rule out it being a problem in a full range of motion. There are some postures that will result in a porpax the short ribs, I don'y know how common they would be though.

Keos which lists modest prizes provided to victors in athletic contests (IG XII, 5, 647). A bow costs 7 dr, a quiver 8 dr, a longche (whether spearhead or entire spear) 3 and a third obols, a kontos 2 dr, a helmet 7 dr, and a shield 20 dr.

This is why I enjoy our discussions, you bring in these great sources. I stand corrected as to the relative cost of a shield.

But just as Cleomenes undoubtedly equipped his phalanx better after the reform got off the ground, it should be noted as well that regardless of the arms in use soon after Philopoemen's reform, within about 20 years they were equipped with top-of-the-line equipment by Ptolemy V, who sent 6,000 "peltasts' panoplies" to the Achaean league.

I was thinking of Ptolemy's donation, but I can't decide which way to interpret it. On the one hand it speaks to the cost of a pelta, but on the other it may show that the whole panoply must be adopted together in a package and if you want to field sarissaphoroi you have to go all the way. In for a penny, in for a pound, as they say.