Akontismos

[Robert Vermaat]

I was wondering what distance a javelin can reach when it is thrown from horseback. Is it possible to throw it above the first ranks (like a parabolic shot with a bow) or do we consider the direct shot as the only possibility ?

I would imagine one can throw it as far from horseback as one could on the ground? Or perhaps a bit further when the horse is at a gallop?

Above the first row - you mean hitting the front rank directly from above? If you're an expert javelinman, why not? Javelins (and arrows, and plumbatae, and a lot more) can follow a parabolic trajectory.