Some Pyrrhic questions

[ochoin]

I've started the research phase for my 2021 project: an army for Pyrrhus of Epirus.
This is certainly one of the most satisfying phases.

A couple of questions have arisen.

Firstly, Cretan archers. I think I want to add a BG of archers to the army. Cretan (or perhaps, "Cretan")seem appropriate. There seems some contradictions as to their equipment: anything from armour, helmet & sword, to a small shield to a typical Greek archer with an additional knife. Figure ranges cover the gamut, so that doesn't help. Any insights?

Secondly, staff slingers. These seem popular in figure ranges but I, as yet, can't find any mention of them in any sources. Are they real? If they are, should they get a longer range than the usual sling?

donald

[Paul]

Not my period so i'll only comment on the staff slings. Staff slings were used across the world including Ireland up until the late iron age. Irish archaeological sites turn up two distinct sizes of slingshots, one up to about 2 inches max and another much larger shot up to twice the diameter, so up to eight times the weight. The latter were used in staff slings.
This is backed up by experimental archaeology which shows that it's difficult to get a longer range than a handsling with a staff but the much weightier projectile can be launched the same sort of distance.

[ochoin]

Interesting. So, much like an atlatl? If I added them in, I guess, I'd alter the armour save needed to cover for the weightier projectile.

If. I still can't find any mention of them in Alexandrine armies despite the figure ranges producing figures although Vegetius mentions them being used to fight elephants. Does one assume that Rome's Greek allies (eg Pergamum)had them? So Pyrrhus' army having staff slingers isn't a great stretch?

They're pretty cool looking weapons so I might chance the ridicule of gurus - - & get some.

donald

[grizzlymc]

That's quite interesting, using a density of 2 for a clay ball, I come up with about ab3 ounce ball for the handsling, 4 oz if it's a stone. The staff sling is slugging a 2 pound clay ball, or 2.5 pound stone/ I reckon that larger projectile is going to pretty much ignore the recipient's armour and be a mission kill, if not a fatality, wherever it hits. Bet the rate of fire was slower though, and ammunition would be a bit short.