I always thought that if a Greek could afford his own shield, he could decorate it however he wanted. Maybe some of them put a lambda on their shields.
Definitely possible, though I'm not sure a Homoioi would want to use a symbol associated with lower class residents. If that theory is correct, if course!
i was told as a kid that they had that symbol because that was one of the ways they attacked, in a v formation which would pierce the enemy ranks like an arrow. dunno if its true but seemed logical.
@@danielponiatowski7368 likely no correlation. We dont really see "boar snout" formations in the classical period. Its described in the medieval period, but the only evidence we have for the lambda is what I say in the video, so no reason to really think it is a symbol of a formation. Interesting thought though, but not based on anything
Excellent video! Thanks! Like most students of ancient Greece, I was disappointed when I first learned that the Spartans at Thermopylae did not have the lambda on their shields, as I had always imagined. It was not the first time that reality has been a disappointment to me, and may not be the last. 🙂
It would make sense for Homoioi to prefer using their own personalized shield blazon rather than a Lambda, I would also do that if I had the opportunity to purchase a shield.
That is very interesting, I have seen many games like Total War(which I play) have the Spartans use Lambda but also have other styles of shields in the same unit. Reenactor footage has also got me thinking a lot about the shields. Thanks for covering this!
Is it possible they were banners with a Lambda embroidered/appliqued/painted on? Hoplites are not exactly uniform as you well know so something is needed to tell the two sodes apart in battle since regimented aspis blazons seem relatively rare.
We don't really have any evidence of banners in the archaic and classical, but it's an idea! Not sure youd need a banner to tell sides apart though, you are standing shield to shield and near shoulder to shoulder walking up to your opponents who are doing the same, for the most part.
Great video, excellent channel. Can you make a video on the lack of cavalry use in ancient Greece and also about the myth/evidence of the "sacred band" being made up of gay couples. Many thanks.
@@AE-yh7hu thank you! The Sacred Band video is in the works actually! and there is an interview with cavalry expert John Conyard on the channel which you might find interesting!
One thing I will never understand is how this guy so photogenic in his profile picture smh
Great video man as always 😊
Thanks man!
Thank You very much for the new video !!😊
Greetings from Geraki and alepochori villages in sparta,fifth ove of geronthrai
Glad to have you here!
Great video as always, Adam!
@@Spartan-035 thanks Benny!
Nice video! Also looking forward to the video about how Spartans looked!
Thanks very much!
@@LeonidasSparta-Fun-History we dont have info about any banners/flags?
@dannyalex5866 no, unfortunately
I always thought that if a Greek could afford his own shield, he could decorate it however he wanted. Maybe some of them put a lambda on their shields.
Definitely possible, though I'm not sure a Homoioi would want to use a symbol associated with lower class residents. If that theory is correct, if course!
i was told as a kid that they had that symbol because that was one of the ways they attacked, in a v formation which would pierce the enemy ranks like an arrow. dunno if its true but seemed logical.
@@danielponiatowski7368 likely no correlation. We dont really see "boar snout" formations in the classical period. Its described in the medieval period, but the only evidence we have for the lambda is what I say in the video, so no reason to really think it is a symbol of a formation. Interesting thought though, but not based on anything
Great lecture young man, enjoyed the the video lecture on the subject. I await your your video lecture.
@@Fred-px5xu thank you very much!
Excellent video! Thanks! Like most students of ancient Greece, I was disappointed when I first learned that the Spartans at Thermopylae did not have the lambda on their shields, as I had always imagined. It was not the first time that reality has been a disappointment to me, and may not be the last. 🙂
It would make sense for Homoioi to prefer using their own personalized shield blazon rather than a Lambda, I would also do that if I had the opportunity to purchase a shield.
It would seem more likely for then to have their own. I myself am a big supporter of the lambda being a state issued shield to poorer individuals
That is very interesting, I have seen many games like Total War(which I play) have the Spartans use Lambda but also have other styles of shields in the same unit. Reenactor footage has also got me thinking a lot about the shields. Thanks for covering this!
My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it! I can definitely see why a game would choose to have it to help tell who's who
Great video.
Thanks so much!
that armor is nice
Is it possible they were banners with a Lambda embroidered/appliqued/painted on? Hoplites are not exactly uniform as you well know so something is needed to tell the two sodes apart in battle since regimented aspis blazons seem relatively rare.
We don't really have any evidence of banners in the archaic and classical, but it's an idea! Not sure youd need a banner to tell sides apart though, you are standing shield to shield and near shoulder to shoulder walking up to your opponents who are doing the same, for the most part.
Never talked in this video about archeological sight of this subject
@@johnlinakis3452 as in, archeological finds of the lambda? I did, no art shows it either
Stayed for the whole discussion.
Appreciate it, thank you!
Great video, excellent channel.
Can you make a video on the lack of cavalry use in ancient Greece and also about the myth/evidence of the "sacred band" being made up of gay couples. Many thanks.
@@AE-yh7hu thank you! The Sacred Band video is in the works actually! and there is an interview with cavalry expert John Conyard on the channel which you might find interesting!
@LeonidasSparta-Fun-History
Lovely, many thanks
in french they say an "individu lambda" to say a person who is ordinary or with no particular distinguishing traits..
Interesting! I wonder if there is a link to the lambda supposedly being a uniformed blazon?
Nice shirt 😉
Can I join the army pls
Potatos
Just testing comments bro.
babe wake up Adam posted!!!!😆 ....................🥲
if you know you know