03-23-2006, 05:29 PM
It seems to me that the Dipylon shield and the Persian type both descended from the late Bronze Age Hittite shield, which was very similar in shape. The Boeotian probably evolved from one or the other.
I'm a little skeptical that the side cutouts had anything to do with using a spear or javelins. A spear thrust overhand can be moved around very quickly to strike from numerous angles, whereas putting it into the shield opening seems to "lock" it into place. Not a very convenient height for a powerful thrust, either.
Maybe the side openings had something to do with how the shield was originally constructed, and simply hung on as a fashion in later times. Never underestimate the power of fashion...
I would tend to agree that the Dipylon or Boeotian shield would be just a tad less perfect for the phalanx than a round shield, just because the openings might make little holes where you don't want them. Might not be anything significant, though.
Are the vase paintings of Boeotian shields actually from the Persian War era, or just before? And are they perhaps showing archaic heroes such as Trojan War characters, so the equipment is more archaic to suit them? Just curious. It would help a LOT if there were any darn archeological remains...
Khairete,
Matthew
I'm a little skeptical that the side cutouts had anything to do with using a spear or javelins. A spear thrust overhand can be moved around very quickly to strike from numerous angles, whereas putting it into the shield opening seems to "lock" it into place. Not a very convenient height for a powerful thrust, either.
Maybe the side openings had something to do with how the shield was originally constructed, and simply hung on as a fashion in later times. Never underestimate the power of fashion...
I would tend to agree that the Dipylon or Boeotian shield would be just a tad less perfect for the phalanx than a round shield, just because the openings might make little holes where you don't want them. Might not be anything significant, though.
Are the vase paintings of Boeotian shields actually from the Persian War era, or just before? And are they perhaps showing archaic heroes such as Trojan War characters, so the equipment is more archaic to suit them? Just curious. It would help a LOT if there were any darn archeological remains...
Khairete,
Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
Legio XX, USA
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