I just have to know whether in Caesar's period legionaries used Light Pilum and Pilum.
I read somewhere, that light pilum was in use until 100BC. From another source that was still in use.
Could someone tell me how it really was?
The 'light' or socketed pilum existed alongside the 'tanged'/heavy variety for as long as the pilum ( later called spiculum by Vegetius) continued in use in the Roman army - down to the 4 C AD. Late examples of this type come from Roman forts at Vindonissa, Mainz ( in this case the socket had a square section) and a barbed example from Carvoran. With such a wide variety of length of shank, form etc one must question whether or not a 'light' example could really be distinguished from a 'heavy' variety.
Since two examples of 'light' socketed pila come from Alesia, this type was certainly in use in Caesar's Legions. ( for an illustration see Connolly's "Roman Army" P.35 published by McDonald Educational 1975, or his later "Greece and Rome at War" P.227 )
Thank you for very helpfull informations
I have 2 examples made by Matt Lukes of this light Alesia pilum. I'll post a photo when I get a chance.
Ok, would be great to see them.
