SPEAR
The spears and the javelins are one of the most common weapons used in the Aegaen area. During the Early and middle Bronze Age bronze spear-heads are part of the objects found in the graves of the early Greek settlements. There are basically three types of spears:very long one, long one and short ones. The first ones which could reach a length from 3 to 5 m. The long spears were used both in thrusting and throwing actions by foot soldiers or by warlord fighting from chariots. The short spears were also both used for throwing and for thrusting action during the close combat or hunting. In some cases the shafts of these short spears were covered with a bronze embossed tube, which gave much stability to the spear and allow a better handling.
One of the earliest spear point attested in the Aegean area is this leaf-shaped copper specimen dated around 2700-2300 BC from Cycladic island of Amorgos.
One of the earliest spear point attested in the Aegean area is this leaf-shaped copper specimen dated around 2700-2300 BC from Cycladic island of Amorgos.
Similar leaf-shaped spear heads both in copper and bronze are well attested in several archaeological settlements in the Cycladic islands.
Several examples of the pierced blade were found in Troy, like this very interesting specimen in silver dated around 2000 BC
Beautiful example of spear point from Crete dated around the first half of the 17th century BC. The blade of this spear point is
decorated with the head of a hybrid animal.
Well preserved specimen of spear point of Group G from Pylos dated around 1350-1200 BC
This is an amazing example of a shaft used during the trojan war.
The use of weapons on embossed seals shows the significance of spears
Some spears with triangular points are also represented in this pottery fragment from Kolonna Aigina dated MH II
Spears are used in these fighting and hunting scenes always from frescoes in Pylos
quotes from the book
Page 442 line 97:
"... but Telemachus-- too quick-- stabbed the man from behind plunging his bronze spear between the suitors shoulders and straight on through his chest."
Page 448 line 292:
"Ctesippus sent a long spear sailing over Eumaeus' buckler, grazing his shoulder blade ... those led by the brilliant battle- master hurled their razor spears at the suitors' ranks--"
"... but Telemachus-- too quick-- stabbed the man from behind plunging his bronze spear between the suitors shoulders and straight on through his chest."
Page 448 line 292:
"Ctesippus sent a long spear sailing over Eumaeus' buckler, grazing his shoulder blade ... those led by the brilliant battle- master hurled their razor spears at the suitors' ranks--"