Socketed pilum - Printable Version +- RomanArmyTalk (https://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat) +-- Forum: Reenactment (https://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/forumdisplay.php?fid=5) +--- Forum: Roman Re-Enactment & Reconstruction (https://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/forumdisplay.php?fid=26) +--- Thread: Socketed pilum (/showthread.php?tid=30222)

Socketed pilum - Pericles of Rhodes - 01-25-2017 I've just received a very nice socketed pilum head (link below) and was wondering if anyone could shed any light on hafting for this particular head type. Presumably no contemporary wooden parts survive but is there a general consensus or any visual evidence on whether they had the flared top (like the Oberaden tanged pila, except presumably cone shaped rather than squared off) or just a plain straight haft? (see attached image) Any advice much appreciated, Thanks!   socketed pilum head RE: Socketed pilum - brennivs - tony drake - 01-25-2017 The pictures are right just a straight pole for the socket pila, I have made a few of both types and the soldier carried one of each heavy and light. Regards Brennivs RE: Socketed pilum - Pericles of Rhodes - 01-26-2017 Thanks Brenninus. So that would be the example on the left of the picture I attached before is correct not the one on the right. Are there any images of pila with plain hafts like this? I have only ever seen the type on the right in sculpture, although what head is being depicted is often difficult to judge. Thanks RE: Socketed pilum - brennivs - tony drake - 01-26-2017 Yes it is the pila on the left. You probably  will not see this version of the pila on sculpture as the one on the right is the first one thrown so would be the one picked up first, as well as too show anyone what will be coming at them as propaganda    unless someone knows better   Regards Brennivs