spear throwing devices

[jeffwyss]

Hello everyone
Does anyone know if the romans used spear-throwing devices such as the australian woomer or the aztech atlatl. I now these devices appeared in human prehistory in various places (convergence: independent inventions).

Since these devices add great power hock: hence range and penetrating capability, I have always been a little surprised :roll: that they are never mentioned in RAT. Does it mean the romans didn't use them? Any ideas why it wouldn't be used (not practical , rather than then the romans, a very practical people, not having had the idea)?

Cheers

[jho]

Salve!

There is literary (I believe Isodore of Sevilla) and epigraphic evidence (gravestones) for use of a leather or fabric sling (I am not sure whether that is the correct English term, the latin term is: "amentum") bound to Roman throwing spears (lancea) which would serve the same purpose as the throwing aids you refer to.

I am not aware of any evidence on separate throwing aids.

[Peroni]

One gravestone that seems to depict an amentum is that of Publius Flavoleius Cordus of Legio XIIII GMV - note that he is also shown with an oval shield slung on his back.

http://www.romanarmy.com/cms/component/o...Itemid,94/