Pila range and how?

[Mark Hygate]

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Appianus, Celtica (fragmenta), ch.1, s.3, Caius Sulpicius commanded the men of the first rank to simultaneously hurl their hyssoi at the Boii and then immediately kneel down so that the second rankers could do the same. These in turn should do the same and so on until all had discharged their pila. Then they should leap up with a shout and charge together. This is particularly interesting for it hints at the pila normally not being thrown as massively as is usually suggested and at the same time offers a system of successive throws............

Wow - apart from a 'thank you' for that a really valuable source - I applaud your encyclopaedic reference bank ability.

It makes a great deal of sense, doesn't require any convoluted manoeuvres and also suggests that the pilum is thrown from a standing start (which is reasonable). Without moving does allow some of the other things suggested here (like possibly sticking in the ground, but certainly laying down any others).

As to all these servants/slaves, however - that I'll have to ask elsewhere.......