Pilum (javelin)
The pilum (javelin) is a common weapon used by the Roman Army. A legionnaire traditionally carries a pilum (as well as a gladius and a shield).
It is about two meters long, and has an iron shank (about 1 cm wide) and about 60 cms long. The iron shank has a barbed triangular tip. It is attatched to the wooden staff of the javelin.
The aim of a pilum was to bend when it hit the enemies shields (on impact), thus making it unuseable for the enemy.