The Slicing Sword
Spartan swords were typically shorter than most other swords of the time. Spartans fought mostly on foot, though cavalries were certainly employed at times. Because they attacked in large numbers and in close proximity with their fellow soldiers, longer swords would have been more awkward and less efficient for the Spartans.
The Spartans were so highly militaristic that the way of fighting truly dominated their society. Did you know that the Spartans were Greek? We tend to think of them as separate entities, not as a part of the rest of Greece . This is primarily because of their own self-imposed separation, not only geographically, but especially culturally.
When we think of the ancient Greeks, we tend to think of athletic superiority, the enduring stories and legends of their mythology, great philosophers, stunning architecture and brilliant art, musical excellence, elaborate foods and timeless beauty. Of course, we also think of battle stories and great warriors. But when we think of the Spartans, images of armor-clad, monstrously strong men come to mind and honestly, not much else.. This is because the whole of Spartan society focused solely on war.
Everything for the Spartan man and woman centered around war. All education was physical training for battle; women served in the home and as producers of more strong children to serve the state; men served in the army from the age of 7 to 60.
The Spartans were known for their simplistic way of life, but unlike most groups of people who nurture simplicity for the development of religious virtues, the Spartans chose simplicity so that nothing else would interfere with their intent on war. For this reason, the Spartans have gone down in history as some of the most determined and relentless warriors ever..
As a result of their one-track, vigilant lifestyle seeped in military values, the Spartans developed a rather unique battle strategy that produced an unusual armor. Spartan soldiers were required to own their own sword, shield, and armor; they were not required to own a battle horse as most other armies of the time did. This is because the Spartans' strategy was to charge into their enemy in huge numbers and scatter their enemy, weakening them by separation. The Spartans didn't see much value in dealing with horses for this because, true to their nature, they focused on one style rather than diversity. If they had charged first in cavalry forces, they would have to eventually make the transition to foot. The Spartans had an advantage by starting out on foot and therefore already being in the position of advantage one the enemy was demounted.
Because they charged in large numbers and with the mass of men so close to each others, their swords were designed to thrust, slash and stab at close range. Also the Spartans invented shields that reached well beyond their own bodies so as to help protect their fellow soldiers.
Spartan shields were especially strong and thick compared to the other shields of their opponent armies. For starters, because their swords were shorter than those of their enemies, they depended more on their shields for protection. The design of the shield covered their front torso and over their left shoulders. The most unusual aspect of this design, however, was that the shield often extended so far out to the left that a comrade could also be protected. This extra large size came in handy at the end of battle when the surviving soldiers then used their shields as a stretcher to carry the wounded off the field to a center for rehabilitation.
Rob R
[http://www.theslicingsword.com]
