10-03-2010, 02:26 AM
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 )
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 )
"dulce et decorum est pro patria mori " - Horace
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
