this post was submitted on 17 Oct 2024
87 points (97.8% liked)

A Comm for Historymemes

1354 readers
297 users here now

A place to share history memes!

Rules:

  1. No sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, assorted bigotry, etc.

  2. No fascism, atrocity denial, etc.

  3. Tag NSFW pics as NSFW.

  4. Follow all Lemmy.world rules.

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 
top 7 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] Gullible@sh.itjust.works 8 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

How much weight is the second degree of spearmen bearing? That angle looks to be 45 degrees, 20 feet of shaft, and a spearhead of 2-3 pounds. Must be exhausting for their back and shoulders.

[–] The_v@lemmy.world 12 points 2 weeks ago

If made from ash those spears would have been under 10lbs.

Also the spear tips were probably not that heavy. 5" long made from iron and diamond shaped to pierce armor.

They have found metal butt ends for them to counteract weight of the spear tip. If they counterbalanced the spear correctly it would take very little effort to hold it in position.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarissa

[–] PugJesus@lemmy.world 6 points 2 weeks ago

Quite a bit, I'm sure. I know that when enemies weren't near, phalangites would raise their spears upward and plant the butt into the ground as a resting position.

[–] _lilith@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

They were pretty ridiculous as far as spears go. They hold them with both hands too because they are so long. They had to use smaller shields and there was some evidence of neck straps to hold the shield on their shoulder allowing a two hand grip

[–] TwoBeeSan@lemmy.world 5 points 2 weeks ago

What are you doing step bro maniple?

[–] teft@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

What are you going to do if i just show up at your house with 255 of my closest friends?

That’s what I thought you persian dogs!!!

[–] PugJesus@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago

Excuse me, I need to send a message with a courier down the Royal Road.

"Shahanshah, please pick me up, i'm scared"