Results 1 to 30 of 54

Thread: Bare Chested?

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Arrogant Ashigaru Moderator Ludens's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Posts
    9,064
    Blog Entries
    1

    Lightbulb Re: Bare Chested?

    Quote Originally Posted by Apázlinemjó View Post
    Why do they have spiky hairs? Botroas have such too in EB1 and I don't understand, they knew a wax-like material, or why is that?
    Apparently. I can't give you a primary source, but I recall Adrian Goldsworthy mentioning that the Britons spiked their hair. They make the bearer look taller and more imposing, similar to the bearskins and mitres used by Napoleonic armies. It looks a bit ridiculous now, but it may appear very differently to you when you are standing in a battleline about to be charged by bloodthirsty Celts.
    Looking for a good read? Visit the Library!

  2. #2
    Member Member Antonivs Silvicola's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Lurking in the forests of the Tabletop Mountains...
    Posts
    60

    Default Re: Bare Chested?

    I recall Goldsworthy saying that as well, but it was thought they used lye to spike their hair, and if lye causes hair loss I cant imagine them using it very often. Maybe its not as strong if just used occasionally before battle? Where as the lye soap would be used more often on their bodies.
    De inimico non loquaris sed cogitas-Do not wish ill for your enemy, plan it.

  3. #3
    Member Member Tuuvi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    The wild west
    Posts
    1,418

    Default Re: Bare Chested?

    I think I remember reading in the Soap Maker description in EB 1 that they used soap to bleach and spike their hair.

    I recall Goldsworthy saying that as well, but it was thought they used lye to spike their hair, and if lye causes hair loss I cant imagine them using it very often. Maybe its not as strong if just used occasionally before battle? Where as the lye soap would be used more often on their bodies.
    Good question

  4. #4
    πολέμαρχος Member Apázlinemjó's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Sopianae
    Posts
    683

    Default Re: Bare Chested?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ludens View Post
    Apparently. I can't give you a primary source, but I recall Adrian Goldsworthy mentioning that the Britons spiked their hair. They make the bearer look taller and more imposing, similar to the bearskins and mitres used by Napoleonic armies. It looks a bit ridiculous now, but it may appear very differently to you when you are standing in a battleline about to be charged by bloodthirsty Celts.
    Interesting info, thank you.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Finished essays: The Italian Wars (1494-1559), The siege of Buda (1686), The history of Boius tribe in the Carpathian Basin, Hungarian regiments' participation in the Austro-Prussian-Italian War in 1866, The Mithridatic Wars, Xenophon's Anabasis, The Carthagian colonization
    Skipped essays: Serbian migration into the Kingdom of Hungary in the 18th century, The Order of Saint John in the Kingdom of Hungary

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Single Sign On provided by vBSSO