Location: Main hall. 

Title: Spearheads or javelin (pilum)

Chronology: 2nd – 4th century AD (top) and 2nd – 3rd century AD (bottom)

Place of production: Unknown

Material: Iron

Dimensions: 15.5 cm blade length, blade width 2.5 cm, handle width 2.5 cm (above) and 17 cm blade length, 7 cm handle length, maximum width 2 cm.

Use and function: Military, weapon of war

Description: Spearhead, also known as ‘pilum’, made of iron. It has a pointed pyramid shape. It formed part of a legionary’s basic equipment, along with the helmet, shield and sword. A cord was usually attached to the middle of the spear, which was used to increase the strength of the spear. As a curiosity, we can see that it contains natural elements, such as stones attached to it.

State of preservation: Complete

Restoration: The spear above was restored by Belén Martínez between January and February 2023

Provenance of find: Silla. Excavations in the courtyard of the Islamic Tower (2001) (above) and excavations at l’Alter (2001) (below)

Date of accession: 2003