The slim leaf shaped javelin was probably the most common weapon of the classical ancient arsenal and can be identified in many periods of history. This example is based on an original from the northern Mediterranean region. It may well have been carried by Greek Peltasts, an infantry skirmisher, who was armed with several javelins of this form. They would have been used in mass to weaken and break the lines of the enemy Hoplite formations. They were often used with a cord lanyard throwing loop, or amentum in Latin, to increase accuracy. In fact, at the battle of Lechaeum, the Athenians repeatedly hurled hit-and-run attacks against a Spartan formation. These Spartan Hoplites had no missile defenses of their own and were eventually routed by the javelin attacks. This is often seen as the first occurrence of lighter infantry troops beating the formidable Hoplite in Greek history. Infantry development continued with the appearance of the Thureophoroi and Thorakites who gradually replaced the Peltasts, but these soldiers continued to carry javelins in addition to a longer thrusting spear and a short sword. The leaf shaped javelin head is found in other cultures as well, examples have been found in Norse, Welsh, Near Eastern, Iberian and North African as well as Roman contexts. The Arms & Armor Greek Javelin has a cast tool steel head with an integral socket and has a flattened diamond cross-section. It is mounted on a 3/4 wooden haft with a rivet through the socket. The weapon is approximately 50 inches long and comes with a sharp point. Please Note: The wood haft may be slightly warped. This is normal for this item
