This was the principal weapon of the Roman legionnaire, well designed to destroy the ability of the opponent’s shield defense. The short head could easily penetrate a wooden shield, and the long neck prevented the head from being cut off. Thus encumbered, the shield was rendered useless, leaving the opponent unprotected. Made of mild steel, the pilum would easily bend, preventing it from being thrown back (when the heat of the battle had subsided, it could be retrieved and straightened). Our replica is of a late version that is slightly weighted to aid penetration, common about 100 A.D.