10-26-2007, 08:51 AM
Hello,
My fist post, here goes.
The description of the menavlion emphasises that the haft is strong and as thick as possible provided it can be grasped with ease. As the weapon is relatively short there can be only one reasonable conclusion from this - that the strength of the haft is primarily to withstand lateral forces. A spear or lance shaft is mostly subjected to compressive forces and does not need to be particularly thick to be effective. The menavlion therfore must have a cutting as well as thrusting method of use.
As has been said a large and broad-bladed "boarspear" like weapon would fit the descriptions and the tactical role of the menavlatoi, as would a glaive-like weapon. Haldon's (Byzantine State, Warfare and Society?)suggestion that it was both "a pike" and similar to a Roman pilum appear to me to be very wide of the mark.
My fist post, here goes.
The description of the menavlion emphasises that the haft is strong and as thick as possible provided it can be grasped with ease. As the weapon is relatively short there can be only one reasonable conclusion from this - that the strength of the haft is primarily to withstand lateral forces. A spear or lance shaft is mostly subjected to compressive forces and does not need to be particularly thick to be effective. The menavlion therfore must have a cutting as well as thrusting method of use.
As has been said a large and broad-bladed "boarspear" like weapon would fit the descriptions and the tactical role of the menavlatoi, as would a glaive-like weapon. Haldon's (Byzantine State, Warfare and Society?)suggestion that it was both "a pike" and similar to a Roman pilum appear to me to be very wide of the mark.
Martin
Fac me cocleario vomere!
Fac me cocleario vomere!
