Plumbata (Roman Weighted Dart)
Throwing / Projectile weapon
Quick Facts
OriginRoman Empire (Late Antiquity / Legions) (3rd-6th Century AD)
Wield TypeSingle-handed throw
MaterialSteel point with lead weight and feathered wooden shaft
Length30 - 50 cm cm
Weight0.2 - 0.4 kg kg
History
Lethal throwing dart of late Roman legionnaires (Martiobarbuli). Soldiers carried 5 darts clipped inside their Scutum shields to decimate charging infantry.
About
The lead mass near the iron point dramatically boosted throw distance (up to 60m). Falling steeply, its kinetic weight pierced helmets and shields from above.