Byzantine Weapons and Warfare

[MARCENTIUS]

Rafaelle did they allow you to take photos of the "peudo attik" helmets?
If you have them in your book then perhaps a lot of us will have to change our opinion on the matter.

As for the "icons of saints" I do not have objections but I am of the opinion that thy might not be appearing in the retinues of "iconomachic" emperors-at least at the period that they reigned.

I respect your point about emperors having to address to the protocol but I still have my doubts about Basilios and Herakleios at least as I come to understand their personality from the chroniclers

The mounted warriors in 11th century Italy are a big story.
I agree with you that we cannot tell what the origins of many of them were. The Lombards and Normans were rather dominant but we cannot rule out Franks or even the odd Italiotic Greek!

Thanks for all your clarifications

Dear,
No it is not a icon of the Saint. Passions of VIII - IX century said that Constantine V replaced his image on the standards and the Skeptron there represented is taken from a VIII century silk still existing in Italy in 1905, now only God knows where it is.
The Vasilios costume is taken by sources that You know very well. Tzimiskes is described in the war against Svjatoslav in a very similar attire. Remember that the warrior-Emperors did not hidden themselves, but dressed in purple and gold just to show to the army where they were. You can imagine however as it was difficult to approach them in battle. They arrived at full charge, surrounded by golded armoured "Angels" who died in front ot them. Not 10-12 like in the movies, but hundred and hundred.
Of course in battle Basi II could have worn a more consistent helmet and not the toupha. Or even just the crown, like the miniature of Skilitzès who represents him bare-headed against the Abasgians.
Caesar fought bare-headed, it is not surprising to see sometimes some Emperors doing the same. It was not the rule. Sometimes Basil is quoted fighting with an helmet.
Eraklios is taken from the coins and description of him from George of Pisidia, Theophanes, Fredegarius, Nikephoros. In same source he is expressly quoted as fighting with the red tzaggia of the Emperor. But George di Pisidia told us that he uses black boots, to colour them red with the enemy blood!

I think italiotic greeks. But I cannot exclude the other ethnies. In anycase, I needed a south italian warrior for the plate and it was a perfect source

Best wishes

Raffaele


Kind regards