Spears

Spears are one of the earliest known purpose-designed weapons.

False Weapons from the Tomb of Of Nakhti, Middle Kingdom - Egyptian, 12th. Century Giclee Print

They have been used for both hunting and warfare since prehistoric times.

Due to their relatively simple design and hardy construction, many spears have survived through today. A modern focus on global culture has led to an upswing in the American market for collectible items from around the world, including items of hunting and warfare such as spears and other weapons.

Here is a brief explanation of the use of spears in cultures such as Greece, Rome, Egypt, Africa and South America.

Egypt

In early Egyptian times, a throwing stick was a fairly common weapon. They were not extremely accurate, but due to their simplicity they remained in use throughout the Dynastic era as both a hunting weapon and a backup to more sophisticated warfare weaponry.

The spear is believed to have been developed during the Old Kingdom.

Not quite a close combat weapon and not quite a projectile, the spear could be used in either manner.

Early spears were typically fashioned from a copper or flint blade attached to a wooden pole. Later versions typically featured bronze blades attached via socket.

Halberds, which featured an axe blade at the end, were developed near the end of the Dynastic period.

Spears were not as common in Egypt as they were in Ancient Greece and Rome, however. The minimal armor of the Egyptians meant that bows and arrows were in many ways more effective. Consequently, Egyptian spears are rare and hard to find today.

Ancient Greece and Rome

Roman Siege Weapon Giclee Print

The Greeks were proud of their warriors. A lot of what we know of Greece and surrounding nation states come from tales of almost constant battle going on during that time.

The Greeks - as well as the Romans after them - used spears for both hand to hand combat and as thrown weapons.

The Romans developed the almost impenetratable phalanx - a human tank covered with shields with swords and spears protruding.

The Olympics were originally developed to pay homage to the gods and to display the war skills of the participants. Javelin throwing played a prominent role in the games - it still plays a minor role today.

Africa

Until recently little was known about the ancient peoples of Africa.

Within the past century, however, numerous archeological discoveries have shed light on the technological advances of the ancient African cultures.

For example, the little-known village of Nok, located in modern day Nigeria, appears to have skipped over the Bronze Age altogether, moving instead from the Stone Age directly into the Iron Age.

It is likely that their weapons would have been highly advanced in comparison to those of their neighbors, perhaps including iron-tipped spears.

Assorted Weapons and Other Artifacts from India Framed Giclee Print Schmidt

It appears that spears of every description were in use throughout ancient Africa.

Although we are not yet aware of each change and development, we do know that the Zulu perfected a short spear that was considered ideal for one on one combat.

South America

Both the Mayans and the Aztecs were particularly fond of spears. The Mayans developed, and the Aztecs perfected, a device known as the atlatl, or spear thrower.

This device greatly improved the power of the spear, making it one of the most feared weapons of the Aztec culture.

The atlatl was a shoulder mounted mechanical device that launched the spear with much greater force than that of a human throw.

Additionally, the point of the spear was designed to separate on throwing, much like a dart.

Mayan and Aztec spears and atlatls are highly prized today due to their uniqueness, relative rarity and historic significance.

Spears have been in common use throughout the world since prehistoric days. Over the centuries they were refined and redeveloped into formidable fighting weapons. Today, ancient spears appeal to many collectors for their simplicity, elegance and historical nature.

Weapon Heads, from Lorestan, Iran, circa 1000 BC
Giclee Print

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