CELTIC HAND LANCE HEAD C.400-100 BC

Very rare example with forged seam socket developing to a strong medial ridge flanked by the leaf shaped veins.  Specifically designed to penetrate Roman mail and plate armor.  About 400 BC the Celts descended from the Alps and drove the Etruscans from the Po River Valley.  Thus, the rise of their culture chronologically parallels that of the Roman Empire.  Of larger stature than the Romans, Celtic warriors were fierce and fearless fighters and, by 390 BC they had captured Rome.  Like the Romans, they used chariots in war and subscribed to a pagan religion.  This lance head would have been used by a charioteer and while occasionally thrown, was intended for hand to hand combat with Roman charioteers and unmounted legionaries. 4 1/4” length.  Stable excavated condition.