Pilum

Definition: The Pilum was a Roman legionary's six foot javelin, hurled at the enemy at the start of the engagement before using the sword. The pilum had a wooden shaft a yard long fitted with an iron head with a barbed point. The plural of pilum is pila. The Roman leader Marius altered construction so if the head of the pilum stuck in the enemy's shield, he would be unable to pull it out to re-use it. The Pilani (or Triarii), were originally troops who, standing behind the first two lines, held the pilum.