Pilum

The pilum was a javelin used by ancient Roman legionaries, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Likely adapted from Samnite javelins, it was a key weapon in Roman military arsenal. The pilum had a wooden shaft and an iron shank with a pyramidal point, designed to bend on impact, making it difficult for enemies to reuse or remove it from shields. Over time, the pilum became lighter and shorter for increased range and portability. Its use declined in the later Roman Empire with changes in military tactics, but it remains a symbol of Roman military might.