Bloodstained Angel
Premiership Player
Question 4, 29Oct01
What is a Pilum ?
cheers
What is a Pilum ?
cheers
Militaria Trivia Quiz Quesion 4
- Thread starter Bloodstained Angel
- Start date
- Tagged users None
A pilum is a Roman spear. However, it wasn't a typical type wood pole with a sharp pointy end.
Mounted to the wooden section is a thinner metal shaft. The barb or "business end" of the spear was at the end of the shaft. The shaft itself was a lead alloy. Lead for two reasons:
1) Lead added weight and puncture mass.
2) It made the metal shaft easily bent, so if the spear was thrown like a javelin and missed, it couldn't then be immediately returned by the enemy troopers. After the battle, the Roman ordnance folks (weaponsmiths) could collect these and spend the rest of the afternoon having beers, straightening the pilums and discussing sport.
Peace.
Mounted to the wooden section is a thinner metal shaft. The barb or "business end" of the spear was at the end of the shaft. The shaft itself was a lead alloy. Lead for two reasons:
1) Lead added weight and puncture mass.
2) It made the metal shaft easily bent, so if the spear was thrown like a javelin and missed, it couldn't then be immediately returned by the enemy troopers. After the battle, the Roman ordnance folks (weaponsmiths) could collect these and spend the rest of the afternoon having beers, straightening the pilums and discussing sport.
Peace.
If you read Asterix you'd know that one...
Not that i do
Not that i do
Bloodstained Angel
Premiership Player
- Thread starter
- #5
whoa - that one was a bit TOOO easy hey ?
congradulations to Fat Red, he was first with the correct answer.
cheers
congradulations to Fat Red, he was first with the correct answer.
cheers
- Moderator
- #6
Yep, wasn't quick enough.
First question I've been able to answer without looking it up. Keep those ancient and medieval questions coming BSA.
First question I've been able to answer without looking it up. Keep those ancient and medieval questions coming BSA.
