Roman Replicas - Square Pilum

The javelin or pilum consists of a long iron head with a small point, and a wooden shaft. On the most common type, the bottom of the head widens into a flat tang, which is riveted into the widened top of the wood shaft. The second type has a socketed head, and a third type, less well-known, has a spike tang. In the first century AD, some tanged pila are shown with a spherical weight, presumed to be lead, behind the joint block.

Apparently the weapon had become lighter over the centuries, and the weight was added to increase its "punch". It was the principal weapon of the Roman legionnaire. Well designed to destroy the ability of the opponent's shield defense. The short head could easily penetrate a wooden shield, and the long neck prevented the head from being cut off. Thus encumbered, the shield was rendered useless, leaving the opponent unprotected. Made of mild steel, the pilum would easily bend, preventing it from being thrown back (when the heat of the battle had subsided, it could be retrieved and straightened). Our replica is of a late version that is slightly weighted to aid penetration.