Description
The Greek spearhead was an essential part of the hoplite’s main weapon,the long spear, or “doru.” These spears varied greatly in length, from about 6 to 18 feet, used both for stabbing in close combat and as pikes in the tightly packed phalanx formations. Shorter spears, known as javelins, were thrown to disrupt enemy lines before hand-to-hand fighting began. Early on, spearheads were cast from bronze, a metal valued for how it could be shaped and its resistance to rust. As smithing techniques improved, iron took precedence, offering greater strength and resilience on the battlefield. The spearhead’s leaf-shaped blade was carefully shaped to pierce armor and flesh alike, while the hollow socket allowed it to be firmly mounted onto the wooden shaft, ensuring it stayed steady through the chaos of battle.
- Overall length: 16″
- Blade length: 11″, width: 2-3/4″
- Weight: 1 lb 4 oz
Fun fact: Many Ancient Greek spearheads featured a pronounced midrib running down the center of the blade, which not only reinforced the spear against bending but also helped in guiding the weapon’s thrust with greater accuracy.
