Underhand, overhand

[Defensore]

Hi guys, I just watching this at Youtube:

http://br.youtube.com/watch?v=6kcUU-U53uk&feature=related

Which hoplites would use those handlings?
Actually, were there any "underhand" hoplites?

[Fondor_Yards]

No, classic hoplites didn't use their spears underhand. Since it would be impossible to try to stab the enemy without moving your shield out of formation and without stabbing the guy behind you. In order to use underhand, you need a looser formation, so it really wouldn't be a phalanxhoplite then.

[mcantu]

although with an over hand grip its just as easy to jam the butt-spike of the spear into the guys face behind you. i doubt that either grip was used exclusively over the other...

[overweightninja]

Discussed oh so many times before...do a forum search
(And my own opinion: Overhand in the phalanx/shieldwall/w/e, underhand for loose formation fighting)
Cheers!

[Ibrahim]

Discussed oh so many times before...do a forum search
(And my own opinion: Overhand in the phalanx/shieldwall/w/e, underhand for loose formation fighting)
Cheers!

seconded. also I suggest looking up the Chigi Vase, the Alexander Sarcophagus, lots of statues, and the writings believe it or not, of medieval monks and knights (they describe the welsh as fighting in "the old fashion" with overhand). this implies that this method was universal, not just the greeks...even the bayeaux tapestry reveals that in a sheldwall situation (like a phalanx in all but name), the men fought overhand..