3rd centrury Roman infantry tactics - Stephenson vs Cowan

[Goffredo]

I have seen photos of pilum points and a few recontructions too. My naive impression is that they would be useful to kill or seriously wound only if thrown. They are stubby spikes and not sleek blades hence I don't think they could seriously wound if generically thrusted; it seems to me that a sufficiently powerful thrust to make a spike-head (not a blade) do any penetrating damage would require considerable body wind-up, unhindered motion and delivery, and very much concentration. UnLikely in a confusing infantry battle! A sharpe blade is better because it can do real damage even if the blow is delivered with short wind-up and/or not perfectly delivered, or even partially deflected. I really think pilum heads were intended for throwing. Any comments?<br>
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P.S. A big punch in short room was mastered by Bruce Lee; he could deliver a knock-out blow with only 10 cm of moving room available. <p></p><i></i>