#HOPLITE SHIELD GRIPS FULL#

Rigid adherence to rules has a way of bringing armies to ruin. I'm sure that circumstances dictated what manner -over hand, underhand, thrust, swing, etc.- determined how they used their polearms. Way I see it, the way it was portrayed in art could be a more popular way. Oh geesh, I always write terribly when I'm sleepy! xD I've seen pottery and art from the day depict both methods, but the later has far more examples from far more city states and Kingdoms than the former. Additionally, it would allow for the 2nd rank, who assisted the front rank in the attack, to also fight, a feat that would have been impossible underhanded. The most important benefit though would be his ability to reach over his opponents shield and stab into the unprotected shoulder/neck region, while also keeping his shield held just below eyesight level for maximum protection.

#HOPLITE SHIELD GRIPS FULL#

In contrast, by holding the spear overhanded and above his head, he would have plenty of space behind him to maneuver the spear, and to extend his arm to its full potential. It would also require him to lower his shield to allow him to make the motion without endangering dislocating his shoulder, and if by chance he could ignore these two issues, he would be stopped by the opposing hoplite's shield which he cannot get around. If a hoplite where to hold his spear as depicted in the Carthage image he would slam the back against the shield of the man behind him, resulting in a significantly reduced thrust. I have always been under the impression that a traditional Greek hoplite held his spear overhanded, as an underhanded grip would have been impractical in such a tight formation.

2K A Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia.

846 A Total War Saga: Fall of the Samurai.

Hoplite shield grips