Linothorax and Hoplons.

[Vasiliyi]

Ok so I'm almost done with my set of chainmail and ive decided to take up another project to keep me busy and learning.

Ive recently taken an interest in Linothorax and began doing research on its construction techniques. Seeing as Linothorax is made of many layers of linen i began to wonder if I would need to quilt it together or glue it, or both. From the sites that ive looked at, ive given different advice.

Also, Having taken a look at the Linothorax recreations Ive notice that the reenactors have much larger Hoplons than the ones in EB. Their Hoplons are from the Knee to the chin. In EB, they are about from the Hip to the chin. Realizing that EB strives for Historical accuracy, I was skeptical about the photos that I saw, but I decided to ask the EB team why their Hoplites have smaller Hoplons.

At first I thought it was because it was as big as the engine would let you, but then I realized that the Roman scutum is bigger so that was out of the question. Anyways, Im in no way saying that what EB has is wrong, just wondering about it.

[Zarax]

While I cannot confirm this it may be related to model clipping issues, at least that was the problem we faced in XGM when wanting to represent aspis.

[Watchman]

I would assume the aspis was made in varying sizes according to different purposes and individual preferences ?

[MeinPanzer]

Ok so I'm almost done with my set of chainmail and ive decided to take up another project to keep me busy and learning.

Ive recently taken an interest in Linothorax and began doing research on its construction techniques. Seeing as Linothorax is made of many layers of linen i began to wonder if I would need to quilt it together or glue it, or both. From the sites that ive looked at, ive given different advice.

If it's historical accuracy you're striving for with this reconstruction, be prepared to wade through a huge amount of discussion and not find a satisfying conclusion. There is no real answer to your questions, unfortunately. The best you can do is examine the evidence and take a best guess.

For some of this discussion, consult any of these many threads over at the Roman Army Talk forums on reconstructing and debating the linothorax:

http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/vie...lit=linothorax
http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/vie...lit=linothorax
http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/vie...lit=linothorax
http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/vie...lit=linothorax
http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/vie...lit=linothorax
http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/vie...lit=linothorax
http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/vie...lit=linothorax

Also, Having taken a look at the Linothorax recreations Ive notice that the reenactors have much larger Hoplons than the ones in EB. Their Hoplons are from the Knee to the chin. In EB, they are about from the Hip to the chin. Realizing that EB strives for Historical accuracy, I was skeptical about the photos that I saw, but I decided to ask the EB team why their Hoplites have smaller Hoplons.

At first I thought it was because it was as big as the engine would let you, but then I realized that the Roman scutum is bigger so that was out of the question. Anyways, Im in no way saying that what EB has is wrong, just wondering about it.

As has been stated, it's probably a model issue. We know from excavated examples from Olympia and elsewhere that hoplite shields ranged from 80 cm to 1 m in diameter.

[Ibrahim]

As has been stated, it's probably a model issue. We know from excavated examples from Olympia and elsewhere that hoplite shields ranged from 80 cm to 1 m in diameter.

yeah, the models represent people (proportionally speaking) in and around 6ft or more.

[satalexton]

weren't people back then...considerably shorter? we're surprisingly well fed compared to the people then...

[MeinPanzer]

weren't people back then...considerably shorter? we're surprisingly well fed compared to the people then...

The average height for a Graeco-Roman male of the Hellenistic period was 1.72 m, a height which was not surpassed in many European countries until the late 19th century.

[A Very Super Market]

Italians and Greeks were not particulairly known for their height in the first place. Where in the world did you get that figure from?

[AqD]

The average height for a Graeco-Roman male of the Hellenistic period was 1.72 m, a height which was not surpassed in many European countries until the late 19th century.

hmmm so they were not shorter than the celts at all?