The fighting method of most soldiers: one-handed spear and shield
I was in Germany teaching at a HEMA camp, and while there shot this video with help from volunteers, showing one way that spears might have been used in formations - the commonest weapon combination of soldiers in the past.
The fighting method of most soldiers: one-handed spear and shield (YouTube)
Comments (3)
Lindybeige, in the vein of the videos done about the Troy miniseries and Ironclad, ever thought about doing one on the 2005 film Alexander? It'll be funny to hear your thoughts about the Persians charging headfirst into a pike phalanx.
Do we have any record of men fighting in organized ranks armed and armored based upon that rank? I ask because it seems that the ideal weaponry for the folks at the front is a big shield and a short stabbing weapon, whereas the following rank (or ranks?) can more effectively wield a longer spear with two hands (which negates many of the drawbacks seen with a single-hand/overhand grip). One might expect that the greater difficulty in cycling fresh troops to the front rank might pose issues, but that might be counterbalanced by the ability to end fights more quickly by killing/routing one's opponent.
Ah, the good stuff.