01-20-2021, 01:35 PM
(01-20-2021, 11:57 AM)Renatus Wrote: I was probably in a minority in advocating the javelin grip anyway.
From what I can make out, both Mark and Steve (above) are advocating variations on the javelin grip, thrown point-first. Bruce and Robert prefer the tail-end grip, with the weapon reversed and either flung over-arm or lobbed underarm.
Do we even know that there was a single 'correct' way to throw these weapons? They seem quite a versatile tool, and could have been used in various ways, depending on requirements. All the suggestions so far seem quite effective: underarm for high-trajectory drop-shots, overarm for range, javelin-style for close range aimed strikes.
The old weighed pilum seems to have been used at a distance of 15-30 metres against an advancing enemy, so outranging one with a plumbata wouldn't be difficult. If you want really long range, you'd use a sling or a bow.
Nathan Ross