not really, its not about optimum trajectory, otherwise javelins would be released at 45 degrees, and best javelin throwers used 30-35degrees, while others are not exceeding 40 degrees. its about angle of attack, body position at the release (hips) etc and the bio mechanics of the body. But important thing is to keep the arm at the javelins point of balance at the release, so practically ankyle allows to stay connected with the javelin longer (and by modern tests increases the range by 15-35%, so ranges around or over 60m would be possible). But yes, i made one logical mistake here, as javelin throw is different from the spear thrust, body position is different, you tend to place arm way back and in angle to optimize the speed of release, something you wouldn't do while thrusting.
With thrusting i think it would be much more important to keep the link with the point of balance, otherwise weight of the rear would counter some energy downwards, reducing your effective impact energy, so no holding the spear in the middle with a spear weighted with a sauroter..
Anyway, i think it wouldn't be a bad idea to determine when weighted spears with sauroters started to appear.. if I remember correctly, Carthaginians used very small ones with their spears, so they could use them as throwing and thrusting weapons (would also explain why they were shorter than Roman Hastae)
With thrusting i think it would be much more important to keep the link with the point of balance, otherwise weight of the rear would counter some energy downwards, reducing your effective impact energy, so no holding the spear in the middle with a spear weighted with a sauroter..
Anyway, i think it wouldn't be a bad idea to determine when weighted spears with sauroters started to appear.. if I remember correctly, Carthaginians used very small ones with their spears, so they could use them as throwing and thrusting weapons (would also explain why they were shorter than Roman Hastae)
Jaroslav Jakubov
