Soliferrum
| Soliferrum | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Information | |
| Weapon type: | spear |
| Designations: | Soliferreum, Saunion |
| Use: | weapon |
| Creation time: | about 1000 BC Chr. |
| Working time: | 1000 - 20 BC Chr. |
| Region of origin / author: |
Pyrenees |
| Distribution: | Spain, alpine region |
| Overall length: | 1.5 to 2 meters |
| Blade length: | 6-8 cm |
| Material: | iron |
| Particularities: | made entirely of iron |
| Lists on the subject | |
The soliferrum was a Spanish spear that was later also used by the Romans.
Surname
Soliferrum is the Latin name for this weapon (solus = only, ferrum = iron). The Celtiberians called the spear Saunion.
Description and use
The soliferrum was a 1.5 to 2 meter long spear made entirely of iron. It was only an inch in diameter and was round. The point was shaped quite differently: sometimes very pointed, sometimes rather broad; but it always had 2 to 4 barbs, which meant that it could no longer be pulled out of a wound or a shield. The shaft was slightly thickened in the middle and decorated with grip strips, which made it easier to hold the weapon. Due to the heavy material, the Soliferrum was a very heavy spear compared to other throwing weapons , which increased its penetration power. Due to the small point, this weapon could pierce even strong armor and thick shields. In close combat, the Soliferrum was almost indestructible and excellently suited for stinging.
It was used by both Celtiberians and mountain peoples. It was often worn parallel to the Caetra . It was very expensive to manufacture, which is why the weapon was only used by rich warriors. They are often found in graves as additions.
history
Excavations suggest that the Soliferreum originated in the north of the Pyrenees. In the 1st millennium BC This spear then spread over the Spanish Peninsula and into the Alps , where the Soliferreum was used by mountain peoples. When Hannibal marched across the Alps, many Celtiberian warriors joined him to support him against the Roman Empire . In the Second Punic War , the soliferrum played an important role in skirmishes. Later it was used as a weapon in the Roman military arsenals for a short time, but the legionnaires never valued the Soliferrum because it was expensive and did not have the advantages of the Pilum . The soliferrum disappeared with the final conquest of Spain by the Romans in the Cantabrian War .
literature
- Peter Connolly : Hannibal, and the enemies of Rome , ISBN 3-7886-0182-5 , Kap: The Spaniards