Byzantine Weapons and Warfare

[Robert Vermaat]

Robert wrote:-

I guess that means that when a writer uses 'kontos' or 'contus' they are more likely to have a longer thrusting spear in mind, and not a throwing spear, no matter the length they're thinking of.

.....I wouldn't be so quick to jump to that conclusion, Robert. It is beginning to sound to me that 'kontos', like 'hasta', is a generic word for 'shafted weapon', that could take on a specific meaning at different times and places. In it's "bit of iron on the end of a stick" guise it would cover the lexicon meaning of 'boathook' - or 'pila', which seems to be how Arrian uses it.

I'll get back to you about Arrian.
As to the rest, it seems to me that the earlier generic meaning of 'kontos' does not vary much. It's a long weapon (or a long bargepole :wink: ), and although the use can be both cavalry or infantry, it seems like a primary thrusting weapon where the actual use can be established. Not a throwing weapon anyway.
So no, I'm unconvinced that 'kontos' can be a generic word like 'hasta', or even a translation of 'pilum'.
Barring, of course, the occasion where an author has totally no idea whatsoever what he's talking about, in which case we can expect everything.