History Memes

Funny enough, one ancient source suggests it was an anti-missile measure, and that some arrows would be 'caught' by the mass of spear shafts pointed in the air and deflect/lose momentum. No clue if that's actually viable or if it's just ancient authors spouting off as they sometimes do, lol

They don't hold the spear in its balance point, but close to one end. That puts a lot of pressure on the front fulcrum hand. Imagine holding a 2x4 by the last 2 feet of one end. It's easier to hold it pointing up than it is to hold it pointing horizontal.

Same deal with jousting lances. Jousters only lower the lance as they are about to strike the target.

Also if your in the back rank, you might stab your friend in the front rank in the bum by accident. This sort of behaviour needs to wait until after the battle is won and there is a post-battle piss-up where you might accidentally kiss your bros just a lil bit, unless...

If your spear is not long enough to get out in front of the formation, that means you're going to have a pointy spear at the back of one of your fellow soldiers. As well disciplined as the Romans were, maintaining a perfectly straight line while being attacked is a lot to ask for. So I imagine keeping the spears up until they're needed is to reduce friendly casualties