Spiculum
A late Roman javelin that succeeded the pilum.
The spiculum was a late Roman throwing javelin that replaced the pilum around 250 AD. It may have resulted from combining the pilum with two German spears, the angon and the bebra. Vegetius mentions the spiculum, though some scholars consider it merely another name for the pilum. Most historians accept it evolved from earlier Roman javelins.
Quick Facts
- Period of use
- c. 250 AD to after 400 AD
- Primary function
- throwing javelin, also usable as thrusting spear
- Key difference from pilum
- shorter iron point
- Possible influences
- pilum
- angon
- bebra
Facts from the source article.
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