Hamian Bowmen

jonR · Post by **jonR** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 2:36 am

Does any one know or have ref material on these archers? They were stationed in Britain during Roman times.
I believe there were finds of bone"stiffeners" found at a fort dig. Any dimensions on them?
The only thing I have read is that they were Syrians or at least of Syrian decent.
Thanks for any help.
Jon R.

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 6:27 pm

There is a discussion of them in Jon Coulston's work on Roman Archery. It has photos and dimesions of the antler lathes.

jonR · Post by **jonR** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 8:21 pm

Bede
Thanks for the info. Will follow that up.
I just knew someone over here would know where to look.
Thanks.
Jon R.

Ashbow · Post by **Ashbow** » Fri Apr 25, 2008 5:24 pm

I've read that in The Journal of The Society of Archer Antiq. vol. 49 2006 there are two articles concerning bone stiffeners, including the one found in York, but I haven't read them.
I've seen one in the Museum of London, it was quite a tiny thing.

I'm wondering how these composite bows were preforming in Britain's climate...

Orda Khan · Post by **Orda Khan** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 6:07 pm

Ashbow wrote:I'm wondering how these composite bows were preforming in Britain's climate...

Indeed. Most descriptions of composite bows and their performance would lead the reader to believe they would fail or fall apart. I have often wondered how it was in reality, it's my guess that a fairly effective lacquer must have been in use.

jack farrell · Post by **jack farrell** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 4:39 pm

In From the Lands of the Scythians, The Metropolitian Museum of Art Bulletin No 5, 1975, pp 150-152; the director of the museum makes an essay on the subject titled The Dawn of Chivalry. Interesting reading. -j-