An Outstanding & Well-Preserved Roman Arrow Point

I've probably watched far too many movies as I would guess you have too--where even when you don't knowingly study artifacts being portrayed, we all get a subconscious impression of what things looked like. Arrow points, spear points, swords etc. are all beautiful and shiny silver colored. They may have been more like that than what you see here, but when weapons, blades and the killing points were made one at a time and honed to a nice killing edge, they lacked that perfect and shiny storybook appearance we've all seen, especially from 2,000 or more years ago.

Superstitions, such as with American Indigineous people, were why some weapons were given fancier adornment; and while Roman soldiers no doubt took pains to look their military best, the goal was staying alive in battle primarily, but defeating the enemy as well.

I am particularly fond of this piece because it is so well-preserved and gives us insight into "REAL" weapons during Rome's many conquests. The arrow point needed to be solid, well balanced and fly well--and then strong enough to pierce not only skin but lighter armor such as chain mail. That short metal shaft is what would have been to an arrow, carefully hollowed to accommodate this spoint.

This piece has held its shape remarkably well and was obviously well made and quite symetrical. And for having been in the ground a couple thousand years and rusted, look at the point: Still sharp enough to kill today.

As customers who have worked with me for years are aware, I always purchase items as if I were still collecting--items such as this that I'd love to adorn a crowded office display shelf with other treasures. I think my attachment to this arrow point is due to its symmetrical appearance. It needed to be created to meet the soldier's needs. The meticulously shaped pint when combined with a hollowed out (for a couple of inches) shaft, it was honed to superb balance and at some point, auned at tge ebent, With a well balanced arrow and point proved its worth when it flew straight and hiut home.