reproducing an 590BCE aspis -- myArmoury.com

William P · Posted: Wed 05 Oct, 2011 8:27 am Post subject:

hmm, for the reenactor on a budget, would you say using plywood strips couls replace the ash planks? in australia its probably even more expensive,

so how did the guy made the rim,

Lewis Ballard · Posted: Wed 05 Oct, 2011 11:13 am Post subject:

What a fascinating project, and how well done! And the next one (ones?) should be even better. Kudos, sir!

Christian G. Cameron · Posted: Wed 05 Oct, 2011 12:47 pm Post subject:

William--do not use plywood!

Plywood is the single largest reason why academics and reenactors think these things weigh in at 12 kilos instead of ten pounds...

And you can't wet plywood and bend it, not trim it with a sharp knife, nor bend along grin lines...
and it's weak . Heavy plywood is very strong--but really light plywood isn't. That's experienctial--someone is welcome to tell me I'm wrong.

But the ash strips bend in 3 dimensions as they must to form the surface. i worry plywood would only bend in two dimensions.

Finally, the only reason to take on a project like this is to do it as close to "spot on" as you can, so that it can be used to test things in an experimental archaeology way. If not, I'd make the same shield out of laid up pine or poplar, sand it down with an angle grinder, and cover with broinze,. brass, leather, or linen. It's the same weight, almost as authentic, and MUCH easier if you don't have access to ash or willow strips.

There's directions on how to do this on my Hoplologia site.. Matt has directions, too.

Matthew Amt · Posted: Wed 05 Oct, 2011 6:59 pm Post subject:

Christian G. Cameron · Posted: Wed 05 Oct, 2011 7:18 pm Post subject:

Just a couple of the better photos. The lower is the phalanx on Saturday, without 18 Spartans and without the UK hoplites, all of whom were Medeizing to we could have a fight...

and then there is this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHWCTgAjHvw

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Anyone seeing this, we're looking for 500 hoplites in 2014. Just send me a PM...

Jean Thibodeau · Posted: Wed 05 Oct, 2011 10:28 pm Post subject:

My GOD ! Both pics are great but the first one looks like a Renaissance painting painted by one of the top Masters. Surprised

If I where you I would make or plan to make a coffee table book of as many of these quality pics you can make and combine it with the history of the period, military tactics and period and reproduction kit.

Coffee table giant sized book just on account of the beauty of the pics, if you can equal the quality of that first pic or even the second pic and actual content for us who would appreciate it. I would certainly buy it at anything below $200.

Paul Hansen · Posted: Mon 10 Oct, 2011 1:24 pm Post subject:

Really nice idea, and it seems to work well.

It's not really my field, but it looks like a really good job.

Thomas R. · Posted: Mon 10 Oct, 2011 2:08 pm Post subject:

Christian, the video is just awesome... Wow! My wife saw the archer and then the one hoplite going down in the attack and meant: "Isn't that a bit harsh, using real arrows???" Big Grin

You should add something like "No spartans were harmed during filming..."

You guys rock!

Athanasios L

Hi Christian,
I am most interested in your proposed reconstruction so I attempt to resurrect this thread.
Unfortunately, the links to the pictures of this step by step guide are now inactive, therefore I cannot deduce the method proposed.