Arrowhead measurements

[Robert]

Salvete Omnes!

I am currently researching Roman arrowheads, trying to find accurate dimensions both in size and in weight to the different types used. Who has had the oppertunity to photograph originals with a scalebar or has accurate drawings with a proper scale given. Then there is literature, has a study of Roman arrowheads been undertaken as to what style was used in what time where? Also here input is very welcome. Please mail pictures and the like directly to r.wimmersAThotmail.com or stick them on the forum for all to see.

Much thanks in advance!

[sulla felix]

I have the Masada Report which has a fair few arrow heads in IIRC - would that be of interest?

[Robert]

Hi Barry,

Yes, please! I want to collect as much data on weight and size as possible on different types of arrowheads. If someone has some measurement info on the Oberammergau trilobates, that would be great as well. These have modeled in a artikel on manufacture of trilobate arrowheads, are shown in that artikel at 1:1 scale, but all I have is a photograph of the artikel and thus the scale is lost. A pointer to a publication on the Xanten arrowheads would also be great.

[sulla felix]

Ok Robert - I'll deal with that over the Dubai weekend (Friday/Saturday).

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Robert, I bought some tri-lobate heads from Cezary, which I believe he said were roman types. Perhaps he could shed some light too?

[D B Campbell]

I am currently researching Roman arrowheads, trying to find accurate dimensions both in size and in weight to the different types used.

Vindolanda produced a few tanged-and-barbed arrowheads (e.g. cat. no. 3498: 45mm length, incorporating 26mm tang; 10mm max width; 2g weight) as well as the "trilobate" tanged examples (e.g. cat. no. 5412: 71mm length, incorporating 21mm tang; 14mm max width; 3.5g weight). There are also rectangular-section tanged arrowheads (e.g. cat. no. 5409: 75mm length, incorporating 12mm tang; 13g weight) which may have been designed for a light arrow-shooting catapult, but are normally considered to be for a heavy war-bow. (The "classic" catapult arrowheads are all socketed with pyramidal heads.) Sorry, no pictures, Robert.

[Robert]

Thanks, Duncan, should you find pics, most obliged! Thanks Byron, but couldn't find any pics of arrowheads on his site.