Plumbatae

[Celtic Britain]

Hi,

does anyone know when exactly the first plumbatae were used? For I have heard that they were actually developped by the Greeks and that the Romans adopted them afterwards. Others say that it was developped by the Romans in the 3rd - 4th century AD.

Thanks in advance!

Best regards,

CB

[Nerva]

Salve Celtic Britain!

Plumbatae in the form I think you are referring to, a 3ft long arrow with a 1/2 to 1 lb lead weight at the head, first began use in the 3rd century A.D. with the Roman army. Lead weighted Pila were used since the late 2nd century B.C. but thats not what you are asking. Unfortunately my knowledge of the army of the late principate is very limited, but if you go to http://www.romanarmytalk.com I'm sure you will get all the help you can handle.

I'll did out some more detail for you later on this evening.

Vale,

Nerva.

[Celtic Britain]

Salve Celtic Britain!

Plumbatae in the form I think you are referring to, a 3ft long arrow with a 1/2 to 1 lb lead weight at the head, first began use in the 3rd century A.D. with the Roman army. Lead weighted Pila were used since the late 2nd century B.C. but thats not what you are asking. Unfortunately my knowledge of the army of the late principate is very limited, but if you go to http://www.romanarmytalk.com I'm sure you will get all the help you can handle.

I'll did out some more detail for you later on this evening.

Vale,

Nerva.

Multas gratias tibi ago

[Nerva]

Salve Amicus!

Check out these...

http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1689&hilit=plumbata

and here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plumbata

The latter certainly suggests you are correct about first being used by the Greeks.

Vale,

Nerva.

[Celtic Britain]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plumbata

The latter certainly suggests you are correct about first being used by the Greeks.

Yes, I know, but so far that's the only reference I can find :S

I'll have a look on the Roman Army Talk topic. Thanks!