Lancea (weapon)
Type of javelin used by the Roman auxiliary soldiers
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The lancea was a javelin used in ancient Rome.
Name
Latin lancea is generally regarded as a loanword.[1][2][3] According to Varro, it was of Hispanian origin. Festus associated it with the Greek lónchē (λόγχη),[1] although this connection is considered phonologically improbable by modern linguists.[3]
Modern scholarship treats both Latin and Greek terms as independent borrowings from a third language,[1] likely Celtic given the association of the weapon with Gauls and Galatians.[1][2] In the 1st century BC, Diodorus writes: "The spears [the Gauls] brandish, which they call lanciae, have iron heads a cubit in length and even more, and a little under two palms in breadth".[4] This interpretation is further supported by the occurrence of toponyms derived from Celtic lancia (Lancia in Spain, Lancio(n)- in Gaul) and by comparison with Old Irish do-léicim ('I throw').[2]
Definition
The lancea, also known as the hasta am(m)entata, was a long spear typically fitted with a thong (ammentum) attached near the middle of the shaft, which increased leverage and imparted additional spin, allowing the weapon to be thrown over considerable distances.[5]
This kind of javelin also had short wooden shafts and small leaf-shaped metal heads.[6][7][8] Sometimes the heads had elongated points which may have been used to increase the penetration of the spear.[9]
Usage
Soldiers that used the lancea were known as lancearii, who served in the Roman army as elite troops, speculatores (scouts), and in the imperial bodyguard.[10][5] Although less penetrating than the pilum, the lancea was nevertheless highly effective against cavalry, elephants, and lightly armoured opponents.[5]
One kind of lancea, possibly known as the lancea pugnatoria ('fighting lance'), was used as a thrusting weapon by cavalrymen.[11] It was lighter and easier to handle than the pilum, which made it particularly suited to mounted combat.[12]
The lancea was also used by auxiliaries.[13][failed verification] Legionaries would use the lancea if the occasion called for it.[14] Arrian equipped his army with the weapon during a battle with the Alans.[15][16]