04-02-2008, 10:54 PM
At least some legions in the late Empire switched from the pilum and the spiculum to the much smaller and lighter darts called plumbata.
Do we know how widespread this change was and why it was done?
Obviously a legionnaire could carry more of the darts and in fact 4 or 5 would fit into special slots on the inside of a roman's shield which made them very easy to carry.
The downside to me would offset their value.
1. Much smaller means they are not going to penetrate enemy shields and force the enemy to drop shields. Also would assume they are less likely to penetrate armor.
2. Their weight inside the shields would tire a roman soldier faster if he ends up in close combat before he can throw all of his darts.
What do we know about the usage of these weapons and how many legions actually employed them?
Do we know how widespread this change was and why it was done?
Obviously a legionnaire could carry more of the darts and in fact 4 or 5 would fit into special slots on the inside of a roman's shield which made them very easy to carry.
The downside to me would offset their value.
1. Much smaller means they are not going to penetrate enemy shields and force the enemy to drop shields. Also would assume they are less likely to penetrate armor.
2. Their weight inside the shields would tire a roman soldier faster if he ends up in close combat before he can throw all of his darts.
What do we know about the usage of these weapons and how many legions actually employed them?
Timothy Hanna
