ROMAN LEGIONARIES JAVELIN HEAD, IMPERIAL PERIOD

First to fifth century AD. Finely forge iron over 5 3/8” (5.40”) with thin flat leaf shaped point and open seam conical socket. Originally mounted on a short wood haft, each war chariot carried three which were hand thrown or thrust at very close range. These javelins were used to impale enemy shields, causing them to tilt, exposing the warrior behind.  They were equally effective for direct attack on the warrior as circumstances allowed.