The pilum and gladius were basic weapons of the legionary soldier Roman. consisted of a pole of wood joined by rivet a metallic rod,measuring approximately two meters in length and each 900 grams. Some mistakenly claim that the pilum was made to fold in the metal rod.
The tip of the pilum was small, thin and pyramidal shape, whose strategy was to launch approximately fifteen meters to easily Pierce a shield of wood going through the hole and reach the body of the enemy protected after the coat of arms. The Roman Legionary, once threw the Roman pilum, He attacked with the gladius (Roman sword) or with the pugio or dagger Roman to close combat. They did so at the same time and in a coordinated fashion various Legionary, dropping a barrage of gallowglass, causing several casualties before attacking opposite sword in hand.
The pilum was designed to be launched by hand a short distance, just before combat melee. Why is called spear or weapon. Later he added a weight in the form of metal ball, to increase its ability to penetrate.
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