Spears

Madoc

Why a single handed spear ?
I am not aware of actual references to Britons or regular Roman infantry using two handed spears. The only two handed weapon that I can think of, close to our period, is the dacian falx, which is like a curved blade mounted on a long shaft. We don't find these in Britain, or the roman army for that matter
Even the Germans, who are deemed to be poorly equipped with 'few swords or large lances' by Tacitus, utilise the spear and shield together as opposed to a double handed spear. However, finds of spearheads (and the occasional shaft) do vary in length and it is difficult to believe that some of them could be effectively wielded in one hand.

The single hand spear on the other hand, together with the shield, would seem to be the most common weapon used both well before this period and proceeding ones. Around two thousand years of history.

The problem with spears in general is that they easily become lodged in things like shields and bodies, which is the last thing you need in the middle of a fight and this limits their effectiveness. Used in two hands, without a shield, the spear is a very effective and cheap "re-enactor" weapon as it is quick and strong and doesn't suffer from any of the period problems. It won't become lodged in shields and as re-enactors don't shoot or throw things at each other then you won't suffer too much from the lack of a shield.

From the perspective of the Vicus, we do not allow the use of double handed spears and encourage the use of shield in all circumstances..

A British warrior would carry multiple spears into battle. One for actual hand to hand use and the remainder for throwing. A well balanced throwing spear (or javelin) can travel 40 to 50 yards or more.

The image (left) is of a roman auxillia from Mainz, with two extra throwing spears held behind his shield.

The design of many spears changed little over hundreds of years and it can be difficult to date them.

Spears in the Vicus

We expect

spearheads to match an excavated example.
To be blunted in a safe manner.
Shafts to be a suitable hardwood

Javelins for the missile weapon display should comply with pattern and shaft rules but obviously should be sharp enough for actual use.