Pila bending at the shank

[Alanus]

On the idea of the pilum head getting stuck in a shield and therefore difficult to remove?

This is similar to an arrow imbedded in a tree. I practiced archery in the woods, using a cellulite arrow stop designed for easy removal. However, once in awhile I'd miss the target and the arrow sometimes hit a pine or spruce tree. I was using target heads, same size as the shaft and (of course) no barb.

Ten years later, there are still arrows stuck to trees at that location! I could not remove them. When an arrow or pilum penetrates wood (in this case softwood), it's nearly impossible to remove it... even when two people pull at the same time. Transferring this problem to a similar pilum-stuck-in-a-shield scenario, I would say the pilum would remain exactly where it landed-- in an enemy's shield-- and that he could not remove it, especially in the heat of battle.