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General Category => Army Research => Topic started by: nikgaukroger on January 01, 2020, 01:17:12 PM

Title: Byzantine cavalry shield size - time of Heraklios
Post by: nikgaukroger on January 01, 2020, 01:17:12 PM
Are there any historical accounts of the size of shields used by Byzantine cavalry around the time of Heraklios?

The Strategikon doesn't give a size, but says that the lancers when charging can cover themselves and their horses necks (IIRC) so are, presumably, a reasonable size.
Title: Re: Byzantine cavalry shield size - time of Heraklios
Post by: Ade G on January 02, 2020, 01:20:23 PM
When I first read that quote I thought it might describe an oval shield but don't think that has ever been overtly mentioned
Title: Re: Byzantine cavalry shield size - time of Heraklios
Post by: aligern on January 02, 2020, 11:47:15 PM
Have a look at the shields shown on the Ashburnham Pentateuch in the illustration of Pharaoh's army drowning in the waters.
Roy