Cretan Archers
Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 8:22 am
Reading recently about Cretan Archer mercenaries.
Cretan arrow heads were longer and broader than than the more commonly used Greco-Scythian arrows, there arrows were much heavier than those used by recurve bows. This meant they had a shorter range - but a much heavier punch. A good reason to grade them superior.
However, they also used a pelta (small round metal faced shield). This made them less susceptible to missile fire and gave them an edge in melee vs other light troops. Should they be classed as 'partly armoured" - ?
ref Ancient Warfare XI issue 1
Cretan arrow heads were longer and broader than than the more commonly used Greco-Scythian arrows, there arrows were much heavier than those used by recurve bows. This meant they had a shorter range - but a much heavier punch. A good reason to grade them superior.
However, they also used a pelta (small round metal faced shield). This made them less susceptible to missile fire and gave them an edge in melee vs other light troops. Should they be classed as 'partly armoured" - ?
ref Ancient Warfare XI issue 1