LONG ROMAN IRON SOCKETED SPEAR ON STAND

C. 1-200 AD. Roman. An iron spearhead comprising a leaf-shaped blade, slightly raised midrib and a long socket for increased control. Spearhead of this type were a key part of Roman military equipment and can be seen in use on many Roman monuments such as Trajan’s Column, and the Arch of Constantine. 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 Bishop and Coulston 2005, “Roman Military Equipment from the Punic Wars to the Fall of Rome.“ Fair Condition, on a custom-made stand. Size: L:320mm; 255g. Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970s then passed by descent.