Left-handed people

[Azathoth]

I think something with like left-handedness, a genetic trait shared by one tenth of the population, it would be acceptable to assume that it was present in EB's timeframe.

There's actually an interesting trend in human left-handedness. Apparently, when the species first appeared, 150000-200000 years ago, let's say, half the population was left handed. Nowadays, supposedly 1 in 20 are left-handed.

[Macilrille]

There's actually an interesting trend in human left-handedness. Apparently, when the species first appeared, 150000-200000 years ago, let's say, half the population was left handed. Nowadays, supposedly 1 in 20 are left-handed.

How on earth can we talk about how large a % of people were left-handed then? Who says the finds we have are representative of the population then? That is the problem with all archeology as we all know; "how representative is it?".

Not dizzing you, merely curious and pointing out problems.

[HunGeneral]

I'm not sure how much reality might be behind this, but if I recall then there was a character (I think Scaevola or something) in early roman legend who was sent to an Italian King whose Army was beseiging Rome. After the King asked what made him think that the romans were anything special the messenger answered by puttinh his right hand into a nearby campfire/torch and made no sound while his arm burned to ashes. After that the King gave up the siege - he knew he couldn't win over a people so determined and hardy.

If I remember right then the messenger survived and used his left hand from there on - that also gave him his nickname Scaevola which means as much as left handed.

[spiritusdilutus]

I'm not sure how much reality might be behind this, but if I recall then there was a character (I think Scaevola or something) in early roman legend who was sent to an Italian King whose Army was beseiging Rome. After the King asked what made him think that the romans were anything special the messenger answered by puttinh his right hand into a nearby campfire/torch and made no sound while his arm burned to ashes. After that the King gave up the siege - he knew he couldn't win over a people so determined and hardy.

If I remember right then the messenger survived and used his left hand from there on - that also gave him his nickname Scaevola which means as much as left handed.

Actually the story is a bit different than you retold it.... , however it`s a good example you gave. I almost forgot about Scaevola from the early history of Rome.

[Cute Wolf]

In formation it was assumed all soldiers use the right hand to grab thair weapons and the left to use their shield.... well, it doesn't matter which hand did u use to write, but if you are trained to fight with swords on your right and shield on your left.... maybe you'll try to slam your enemy with your shield more than right handed men. Just remember that the Roman legionaries' fighting style using their shields as much as the main course of attack, gladius is just for finishers.