Spear (Sarissa)

A spear, also known as a sarissa in ancient times, is a long-shafted weapon designed for thrusting or throwing. Typically made of wood with a pointed tip, it can be used for close combat or at a distance. The sarissa was notably used by Greek phalanx soldiers around 350 BCE, measuring up to 18 feet long to give soldiers an advantage in battle by creating a wall of spear points. Its length allowed for better reach and defensive capabilities, making it a significant weapon in ancient warfare strategies.