C. 100-300 AD. Roman. A rare, large iron pilum spear head with a narrow point, a long, narrow neck, and a spherical protrusion just above a robust flaring socket. A small perforation near the base of the socket allows a wooden haft to be affixed with a nail. Pila were a key part of Roman military equipment and were used by the empire’s legionaries as throwing weapons preceding a charge which ended in close quarters combat. It is partially thanks to this type of spear that Rome was able to control an empire that reached from north-western Europe to the Near East and encompassed all the lands of the Mediterranean. For more information on Roman weaponry in general see M. Bishop and J. Coulston 2005, Roman Military Equipment from the Punic Wars to the Fall of Rome. Excellent Condition; on a custom stand.Size: L:405mm / W:35mm ; 425g; Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.