04-04-2008, 02:46 PM
I can think of examples of plumbata from Catterick (in our local museum) and Burgh Castle.
Burgh Castle also yielded two axes which show all the characteristics of early throwing axes. My axe weighs 475g, less than a spiculum. But the velocity of the axe is greater so it seems to carry a greater punch. I certainly wouldn't want to carry any more than two of these axes. I can't get great accuracy beyond 10m, but 20m is easily possible.
The throwing axe is another possible missile weapon for a pede, perhaps used at close range, and capable of causing a great deal of damage. It's not an alternative to a dart. But possibly it is an alternative to a spiculum.
Last summer I'll admit to throwing some axes from horseback. Accuracy went out of the window, and I spent so much time preparing my throw the horse added no speed to the weapon. All things considered I was pleased the horse still had a head at the end of the exercise. But plumbata are easily used from horseback and are a great versatile weapon.
Burgh Castle also yielded two axes which show all the characteristics of early throwing axes. My axe weighs 475g, less than a spiculum. But the velocity of the axe is greater so it seems to carry a greater punch. I certainly wouldn't want to carry any more than two of these axes. I can't get great accuracy beyond 10m, but 20m is easily possible.
The throwing axe is another possible missile weapon for a pede, perhaps used at close range, and capable of causing a great deal of damage. It's not an alternative to a dart. But possibly it is an alternative to a spiculum.
Last summer I'll admit to throwing some axes from horseback. Accuracy went out of the window, and I spent so much time preparing my throw the horse added no speed to the weapon. All things considered I was pleased the horse still had a head at the end of the exercise. But plumbata are easily used from horseback and are a great versatile weapon.
John Conyard
York
A member of Comitatus Late Roman
Reconstruction Group
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York
A member of Comitatus Late Roman
Reconstruction Group
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.comitatus.net">http://www.comitatus.net
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.historicalinterpretations.net">http://www.historicalinterpretations.net
<a class="postlink" href="http://lateantiquearchaeology.wordpress.com">http://lateantiquearchaeology.wordpress.com