[split] Phalanx warfare: use of the spear

[JaM]

We have already told you that we have practiced stabbing in panoply with overhand, but you wish not to hear it.

I'm looking for more "scientific" approach, with controlled group, striking target, and measuring how long they could perform such thing while in formation. That is what C.Matthew had in his book, and i think that part is one of the most significant out of all things in his book. Because, if he is right, and you cant strike the enemy like this for more than few minutes, while having muscle spasms even 30 minutes after they stopped, then i cant possibly imagine how would they do this for hours in battle..

and i'm not talking about just hitting the thin air, but actually thrusting into some solid object, to be under full stress from making the impact, and performing the full movement while keeping the spear overarm.

And again, as i said before, im not interested into defending some theory to the last breath.. im interested in finding what was most probable tactics used by hoplites.. combat fatigue is very important matter.