+- RomanArmyTalk (https://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat)
+-- Forum: Research Arena (https://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/forumdisplay.php?fid=4)
+--- Forum: Roman Military History & Archaeology (https://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/forumdisplay.php?fid=8)
+--- Thread: spear throwing devices (/showthread.php?tid=19174)
spear throwing devices - jeffwyss - 07-18-2011
Hello everyone
Does anyone know if the romans used spear-throwing devices such as the australian woomer or the aztech atlatl. I now these devices appeared in human prehistory in various places (convergence: independent inventions).
Since these devices add great power
hock: hence range and penetrating capability, I have always been a little surprised :roll: that they are never mentioned in RAT. Does it mean the romans didn't use them? Any ideas why it wouldn't be used (not practical 
, rather than then the romans, a very practical people, not having had the idea)? Cheers
Re: spear throwing devices - jho - 07-18-2011
Salve!
There is literary (I believe Isodore of Sevilla) and epigraphic evidence (gravestones) for use of a leather or fabric sling (I am not sure whether that is the correct English term, the latin term is: "amentum") bound to Roman throwing spears (lancea) which would serve the same purpose as the throwing aids you refer to.
I am not aware of any evidence on separate throwing aids.
Re: spear throwing devices - Peroni - 07-18-2011
One gravestone that seems to depict an amentum is that of Publius Flavoleius Cordus of Legio XIIII GMV - note that he is also shown with an oval shield slung on his back.
http://www.romanarmy.com/cms/component/option,com_imagebase/task,view/cid,7/Itemid,94/