Shields [Oops]

From: pmaclanderson <carlalef_at_...>
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2004 21:08:37 -0000

Or why not to post from memory.

I was confounding Ajax's seven-layer hide shield "like a wall" with an eighth layer of bronze outside (Il. 7.215) with Achilles' shield, which has five metal layers and nothing else. (20.245) - and yes, it does stop a spear. Both these should be sturdier than the Battersea shield with its pretty Movement runes.

 Most shields seem to have had a shiny (?metal?) surface; 'phaeine aspis' is a fixed phrase.

wrote:
>
> You ignore the seven-layered bronze shields from the Iliad - which
had a
> wooden backing. I believe most of Homer's equipment has
archaeological
> support, even if not always from the same century.
>
>
>