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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?
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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 )
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Paul McDonnell-Staff
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I have 2 examples made by Matt Lukes of this light Alesia pilum. I'll post a photo when I get a chance.
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