From Newstead, Roxburghshire
This iron box-like shaft base, probably from a throwing spear, was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It would have formed part of the equipment of a legionary soldier, used sometime between 80 and 180 AD.
Iron base of a pilum shaft, from Newstead
There were two classes of Roman soldiers: the elite legionary and the ordinary auxiliary soldier, each with its own type of equipment. Legionary throwing spears, also known as pila, were designed to bend when hitting the enemies' shields.
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