late 1st early 2nd century Javelins

[scotti73]

I've been collecting javelin heads for a while and have a few that i'd like to shaft, but i can't seem to find any info on the size and/or diameter of the wooden shafts. Any suggestions?

[Robert]

Hi Richard,

There are many kinds of javelin. The smaller ones would have shafts of about 14 to 16 mm, about 1.20 long max. Then moving up, the next type would be the longer ones with larger heads, that would be about 22 mm, about 1.80 long, these carry a lot of punch, but can be thrown well. For a dual purpose javelin (long, slender pount) which can be thrown but also used as a hasta, do not exceed 26 mm and about 2 meters long. After that, it becomes a hasta, 32 mm and 2.20 long or a lance, 36 mm and 2.70 long.

Check the fabica of Vvlpivs for some typical javelin heads that may give you inspiration.