pilum

[ pahy-luhm ]

noun

, plural pi·la [pahy, -l, uh].

1. a javelin used in ancient Rome by legionaries, consisting of a three-foot-long shaft with an iron head of the same length.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilum¹

From the Latin word pīlum dart, javelin

Example Sentences

Researchers, who published the preliminary findings in a newly released book, propose that the arms - four swords and the head of a javelin, known as a pilum - were stashed in the remote cavern by Jewish rebels during an uprising against the Roman Empire in the 130s.

From Washington Times

“At the back of the cave, in one of the deepest part of it, inside a niche, I was able to retrieve that artifact - the Roman pilum head, which came out almost in mint condition,” said Asaf Gayer, an archaeologist with Ariel University.

From Washington Times

While on the upper level of the cave, Dr Gayer spotted an extremely well-preserved Roman pilum, or javelin, in a deep, narrow crevice.

From BBC

Archaeologists say the hiding of the swords and pilum in the cave suggests that the weapons were taken by Judean rebels from Roman soldiers as booty or from the battlefield.

From BBC

“At the back of the cave, in one of the deepest part of it, inside a niche, I was able to retrieve that artifact — the Roman pilum head, which came out almost in mint condition,” said Asaf Gayer, an archaeologist with Ariel University.

From Seattle Times