|
Light Pilum until...
|
10-02-2010, 11:37 AM
I just have to know whether in Caesar's period legionaries used Light Pilum and Pilum.
I read somewhere, that light pilum was in use until 100BC. From another source that was still in use. Could someone tell me how it really was? 
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 )
"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 
10-04-2010, 11:28 PM
I have 2 examples made by Matt Lukes of this light Alesia pilum. I'll post a photo when I get a chance.
Visne partem mei capere? Comminus agamus! * Me semper rogo, Quid faceret Iulius Caesar? * Confidence is a good thing! Overconfidence is too much of a good thing.
[b]Legio XIIII GMV. (Q. Magivs)RMRS Remember Atuatuca! Vengence will be ours! Titus Flavius Germanus Batavian Coh I Byron Angel |
|
« Next Oldest | Next Newest »
|
