Question about the hoplites' two-pointed spear

[ziegenpeter]

Since there is another metal tip at the "bottom"(?) of a sarissa (I am not shureabout the other hoplites arms), doesnt it get a bit dangerous for the guys standing behind the first lines?
When youre in the heat of battle, you move your weapon also backwards...

[Intrepid Adventurer]

If I recall correctly, those points at the back of the spear were used to finish off downed enemy soldiers. Imagine that a fight between hoplites was a pushing match and if you were winning, you'd probably have to step over some baddies you just knocked out. The backpoint was an easy finishing tool.

I imagine it would also have been used to park a spear when not needed.

[Intranetusa]

He's asking if the rear end of the hoplite spear would be harmful to the hoplites behind the front lines, since a hoplite needs to pull back his spear before stabbing forward.

I would imagine they had a system to prevent this...? It'd suck to get accidentially stabbed by one of your buddy in the face during the heat of battle... >_<

[satalexton]

the spear is held overhand, with the hand above the head, With the spearhead tilting gently downwards towards the eye level and the back thus pointing towards the sky, I don't see how one might accidentally stab the friend behind him. Not to mention the formation is so tightly packed during the engagement, it would be physically very difficult to lower one's arms.

[ziegenpeter]

@ Intranetusa: You got me right!
@ satalexton: You're right but even with an overhand spear it can happen: Imagine an enemy blocking a spear by pushing it upwards... one eyes less for Menelaos in the third row ;-)
Not to speak of sarissas, which are definetly NOT overhand

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

The sarissa formations were much looser than the hoplite formation. IIRC, the metal piece at the back end of the sarissa was a counterbalance and not a second tip. I'm not sure, but the back end of the sarissa may not have even been a sharpened point.

[ziegenpeter]

Haven't you seen Alexander the movie??? ;-)
Seriously, the counterbalance was AFAIK not sharpened but very pointy
EDIT:
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bild:80...issa_parts.jpg
here you can see the spearhead, the piece wich holds the two staffs of European Cornel together AND the pointy counterpart

[Aemilius Paulus]

I'm not sure, but the back end of the sarissa may not have even been a sharpened point.

You're right, it did not have a sharp point, although the end of the pike was covered with rust-resistant bronze.

Haven't you seen Alexander the movie??? ;-)

I sincerely hope you are merely joking about the movie. A Hollywood film should never be used in a historical argument. Never (or at least until Hollywood begins making documentaries). Even if something is as relatively accurate as Alexander (albeit the emphasis of Alexander's sexuality).

[Nobo]

I sincerely hope you are merely joking about the movie.

Hence the simley ;-)

[CBR]

I would imagine they had a system to prevent this...? It'd suck to get accidentially stabbed by one of your buddy in the face during the heat of battle... >_<

The Chigi Vase shows lots of room between the ranks so maybe that was the system


CBR

[IrishHitman]

They're in relatively vertical lines, right?

So all they spears overlap each other and the people behind are too close to be struck by them anyway...

[ludwag]

those points at the back of the spear were used to finish off downed enemy soldiers.

I have allways wondered how they finished their enemies. Becouse they cant just take their sowd and do it when they are marching forvard. thanks for the information