THE PLUMBATA

The Roman plumbata was a hand-thrown dart used by the Roman military during the Late Roman period. It was a formidable weapon, designed for both offense and defense.

The plumbata's distinctive feature was its heavy lead head, which gave it significant penetrating power. This lead head was attached to a wooden shaft, typically made of ash or other sturdy wood, and stabilized in flight by feathers or vanes.

Roman soldiers carried plumbatae in their shields, allowing them to launch a barrage of projectiles at the enemy before closing in for hand-to-hand combat. They could also be used defensively against enemy missile fire, such as arrows or javelins.

The plumbata's heavy lead head could penetrate enemy shields and armor, inflicting serious injuries or even death. Its relatively short length made it easier to handle in close quarters, and its aerodynamic design ensured accuracy at medium ranges.