Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Word of the Day



The sarissa was invented by Philip of Macedon, Alexander's father. It was a pike, considerably longer than its predecessor, used in phalanx formations. The advantages were comparable to a boxer with an extra-long reach; the disadvantages included its considerable weight. A soldier needed both hands for the sarissa, entailing only a small shield hung from the neck.

Sarissa is also a girl's name, supposedly a derivative of Sarah, meaning "princess" or "lady" (see photos.)

1 comment:

Yvonne said...

Well done Annabel on your success and many congratulations, I'm so pleased for you. I think your father emailed us all as soon as he'd heard from you. Hope the champagne will be flowing this weekend.

The Lyons in the UK are roaring with pleasure!
Lots of Love
Yvonne