Ancient Warfare Answers episode (183): Did the Silver Shields' combat effectiveness diminish as they grew older?

Murray, flying solo, answers a question on the Silver Shields, the Argyraspides and whether they lost combat effectiveness as they grew older. Our, unfortunately anonymous, question was framed thus: 'I was struck by the story of the Silver Shields as military and political powerhouses throughout the period, even as many of their core men were advanced in age (for infantry soldiers). Do we have any evidence that the Silver Shields' actual *combat *effectiveness began to diminish as they grew old? How much of it was true strength and how much of it was fearsome reputation? How unique were these 'old' veterans in ancient warfare? Enjoy the podcast? Support us via Patreon, now with optional magazine subscription!