Discover

'Doru' (Greek: δόρυ), was a type of spear in general use in the Hellenistic world. Although accounts of the weapon's length vary, it is usually held today to have been between 2.1 and 2.75 meter long. It was held one-handed, the other hand holding the hoplite's ''aspis'' (shield). The front spearhead was usually a curved leaf shape, while the other contained a spike called a ''sauroter'' (σαυρωτήρ: "lizard-killer") which was used to stand the spear in the ground (hence the name), as a secondary weapon if the main shaft snapped or for the rear ranks to finish off fallen opponents as the phalanx advanced over them.
There is debate as to whether the soldier would usually wield his spear above or below the shoulder. Over the shoulder, the spear would have been gripped near the center, whereas under the shoulder the spear would more naturally been held near the end, with the ''sauroter'' hooked behind the elbow. If held under-hand, the spear's thrusts would have been less powerful but of longer reach and under more control, and vice versa; it may be that both motions were used, depending on the situation. Although a spear held underarm could have been raised to strike over the shoulder, a spear already deployed at head height would have been more able to hit a vital area such as the neck. Likewise while the ''aspis'' provided good defense by itself, an underarm carry would have allowed the soldier to absorb more shock, parry more easily, and "couch" the spear under his shoulder for maximum stability. However the spear was deployed, the rear ranks traditionally raised their spears straight upwards, a tactic which would have been useful at deflecting missiles when used in dense ranks.

Contents

External links

See also

External links

★ A good account of the Hoplite's spear although the name Doru is not mentioned in the article

★ A discussion on spear deployment, arguing in favor of underarm use

See also

★ Pole weapon

★ Spear

★ Sarissa

★ Xyston

★ Hoplite

★ Hellenistic army