10-27-2013, 11:39 AM
Hi Evan, in regards to Strategikon and References to Fulcrum (Foulkon)
Strategikon Book XII (Mixed Formations, Infantry, Camps, and Hunting)
7. The Formation called Convex
Then the infantry comes out of the deep formation of the files it had gone into, and the force again fills the gaps in the line and stands to resist the enemy. If the enemy advances to within bowshot and attempts to charge and break up our phalanx, a very dangerous move for them, the infantry should close ranks in the regular way. The first, second, and third men in each file form a foulkon, interlocking their shields, fix their spears firmly in the ground, holding them inclined forward and straight outside their shields, so that anyone who dares come too close will quickly experience them. They also lean their shoulders and put their weight against their shields to resist any pressure from the enemy. The third man who is standing nearly upright, and the fourth man hold their spears like javelins, so when the foe gets close they can use them either for thrusting or for throwing and then draw their swords.
14. Infantry Drill Movements
They should become accustomed to these movements, so that at a spoken command, a nod, or some other signal, they march or halt, reduce or divide the depth of the files, march steadily in close order for a good distance over various kinds of terrain, close or tighten their ranks in depth and width, march in a foulkon, engage in a mock battle, sometimes using staffs and sometimes naked swords.
16. How to Begin the Above Movements
They move in a foulkon when the two lines, ours and the enemy’s are getting close, and the archers are about to open fire, and the front-rank men are not wearing coats of mail or knee guards. The command is “Form foulkon.” The men in the front ranks close in until their shields are touching, completely covering midsections almost to their ankles. The men standing behind them hold their shields above their heads, interlocking them with those of the men in front of them, covering their breasts and faces, and in this way move to attack.
24. Synopsis of the Above Drills Which Should Be Known by the Tribunes or Commanders of Infantry Tagmas
They should become used to manoeuvring at a signal, whether by voice or gesture, to march and to halt, to thin out or divide their ranks. The command is given: “Leave the file.” They march steadily and in close order for a distance. If the front of the tagma is uneven, the command is “Straighten the front.” To reduce or tighten depth and width, the command is “Close ranks.” To march the command is: “Form foulkon.” Hope these refs help.
Regards
Michael Kerr
Strategikon Book XII (Mixed Formations, Infantry, Camps, and Hunting)
7. The Formation called Convex
Then the infantry comes out of the deep formation of the files it had gone into, and the force again fills the gaps in the line and stands to resist the enemy. If the enemy advances to within bowshot and attempts to charge and break up our phalanx, a very dangerous move for them, the infantry should close ranks in the regular way. The first, second, and third men in each file form a foulkon, interlocking their shields, fix their spears firmly in the ground, holding them inclined forward and straight outside their shields, so that anyone who dares come too close will quickly experience them. They also lean their shoulders and put their weight against their shields to resist any pressure from the enemy. The third man who is standing nearly upright, and the fourth man hold their spears like javelins, so when the foe gets close they can use them either for thrusting or for throwing and then draw their swords.
14. Infantry Drill Movements
They should become accustomed to these movements, so that at a spoken command, a nod, or some other signal, they march or halt, reduce or divide the depth of the files, march steadily in close order for a good distance over various kinds of terrain, close or tighten their ranks in depth and width, march in a foulkon, engage in a mock battle, sometimes using staffs and sometimes naked swords.
16. How to Begin the Above Movements
They move in a foulkon when the two lines, ours and the enemy’s are getting close, and the archers are about to open fire, and the front-rank men are not wearing coats of mail or knee guards. The command is “Form foulkon.” The men in the front ranks close in until their shields are touching, completely covering midsections almost to their ankles. The men standing behind them hold their shields above their heads, interlocking them with those of the men in front of them, covering their breasts and faces, and in this way move to attack.
24. Synopsis of the Above Drills Which Should Be Known by the Tribunes or Commanders of Infantry Tagmas
They should become used to manoeuvring at a signal, whether by voice or gesture, to march and to halt, to thin out or divide their ranks. The command is given: “Leave the file.” They march steadily and in close order for a distance. If the front of the tagma is uneven, the command is “Straighten the front.” To reduce or tighten depth and width, the command is “Close ranks.” To march the command is: “Form foulkon.” Hope these refs help.
Regards
Michael Kerr
Michael Kerr
"You can conquer an empire from the back of a horse but you can't rule it from one"
"You can conquer an empire from the back of a horse but you can't rule it from one"
