05-30-2014, 08:42 PM
For what it is worth, my theory for mask wearing.
I suspect that the mask worn by cataphract cavalry was primarily intended to offer protection to the face from missiles. Cataphracts were often intended to attack enemy infantry and could expect to suffer a barrage of missiles as they closed with infantry. They used a contus with both hands, and therefore could not raise a shield to protect the face, indeed they do not seem to have been equipped with shields. The same argument is applicable to standard bearers, both cavalry and infantry. They were intentionally conspicuous and could expect to draw more than their fair share of missile fire, also they were encumbered, like the cataphract, with an object usually requiring two hands. Like the cataphract, therefore, they could not usually deploy a shield effectively in order to protect their faces.
I suspect that the mask worn by cataphract cavalry was primarily intended to offer protection to the face from missiles. Cataphracts were often intended to attack enemy infantry and could expect to suffer a barrage of missiles as they closed with infantry. They used a contus with both hands, and therefore could not raise a shield to protect the face, indeed they do not seem to have been equipped with shields. The same argument is applicable to standard bearers, both cavalry and infantry. They were intentionally conspicuous and could expect to draw more than their fair share of missile fire, also they were encumbered, like the cataphract, with an object usually requiring two hands. Like the cataphract, therefore, they could not usually deploy a shield effectively in order to protect their faces.
Martin
Fac me cocleario vomere!
Fac me cocleario vomere!
