| << Previous | Index | Next >> | ||
 |  |  |  |  |
Javelin (Greek: ακόντιο, Latin: verutum, German: Wurfspeer, French: javelot, Spanish: jabalina, Dutch: werpspeer, Italian: giavellotto) is the name of a pole weapon designed primarily for casting as a ranged weapon. The javelin is almost always thrown by hand unlike the arrow or slingshot which are projectiles shot from a mechanism. However, hurling devices do exist to assist the thrower in achieving greater distance. The word javelin comes from Middle English and it derives from Old French javeline a diminutive of javelot which meant spear. The word javelot probably originated from the Celtic language.
Ancient Greece
The Peltasts, usually serving as a skirmishers, were armed with several javelins, often with throwing straps to increase standoff power. The Peltasts hurled their javelins on the enemy heavier troops, the Hoplite phalanx, in order to break their lines so their own army hoplites will come and destroy the weakened enemy formation. In the battle of Lechaeum the Athenian general Iphicrates took advantage of the fact that a Spartan hoplite phalanx operating near Corinth was moving in the open field without the protection of any missile throwing troops. He decided to ambush it with his force of peltasts. By launching repeated hit-and-run attacks against the Spartan formation, Iphicrates and his men were able to wear the Spartans down, eventually routing them and killing just under half. This marked the first occasion in ancient Greece military history on which a force entirely made up of peltasts had defeated a force of hoplites.
The Thureophoroi and Thorakites who gradually replaced the Peltasts had javelins in addition to a long thrusting spear and a short sword.
Photo album created with Web Album Generator