2007-08-12 05:16:18 · 8 answers · asked by Jes 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
The Brush thing you are referring to is actually a Crest, used for decoration (to symbolize the army you represent). Very seldom used during battle. Some crests were more decorative than others symbolizing riches. You will find that not only the Spartans use that time of Crest, but so did the Romans and Corinthians
Colorful and decorative uniforms were adopted by all nations as a tool of intimidation while at the battlefield. That stopped after World War I, when nations realized it was to expensive and dangerous to have their soldiers stand out during battle.
2007-08-12 10:23:48 · answer #1 · answered by Darin M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is some speculation as to the purpose. It is indeed decorative, however, much like later martial headgear like shakos and helmets, they also tend to add extra heigth to the wearer, and when there are many of those warriors in ranks, it can be very imposing. The US Army placed plumes on their headgear of the early 1800's through the 1880's of which the color was based on the branch of service (i.e. white for Infantry, red for Artillery, yellow for Cavalry), but there is no evidence of that use for the Spartans. The Spartans wore them going front to back for the common soldiers and junior leaders, while the king and senior leadership wore them sideways.
2007-08-12 13:05:20 · answer #2 · answered by ross4thus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No functional purpose other than decoration. Same as the spike on German helmets.
2007-08-12 12:44:08 · answer #3 · answered by dudezoid 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since no one had flush toilets, used pots and then dumped them into the streets from their windows,Spartans used the brushes to clean the ejecta from between their toes after walking down the streets.
2007-08-12 12:26:55 · answer #4 · answered by pigsilk 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
war is not fought only with strength and weapons. the fierce look of the soldier can have a psychological impact on the mind of the adversaries. Hence i say that on the battlefield the look of the Armour of the is also important.
2007-08-12 12:34:50 · answer #5 · answered by stevie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think that it was for only the high ranking people that had the brushes so i think its to show there rank in the army
2007-08-12 12:23:47 · answer #6 · answered by ludacris r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the spike on the Greman helment could be
used as a weapon
2007-08-12 14:17:51 · answer #7 · answered by harlin42 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was used for tickling the enemy. Very nasty.
2007-08-12 23:19:15 · answer #8 · answered by iansand 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋