Results 1 to 30 of 35

Thread: "Axe" attribute for Legionnaires

Threaded View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #13
    Member Member cunctator's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Civitas Auderiensium, Germania Superior
    Posts
    2,077

    Default Re: "Axe" attribute for Legionnaires

    Quote from Arrians array against the alans:
    http://members.tripod.com/~S_van_Dor...s/ektaxis.html

    And the front four ranks of the formation must be of spearmen, whose spearpoints end in thin iron shanks. And the foremost of them should hold them at the ready, in order that when the enemies near them, they can thrust the ironpoints of the spears at the breast of the horses in particular. Those standing in second, third an fourth rank of the formation must hold their spears ready for thrusting if possible, wounding the horses and killing the horsemen and put the rider out of action with the spear stuck in their heavy body armour and the iron point bent because of the softness.
    I think this means that pilum equipped legionaires were capable to succesfully stop a heavy cavalry charge, even if the lines clash into eachother.
    Last edited by cunctator; 05-18-2005 at 18:35.

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