Lancea (weapon)

The lancea was a javelin used in ancient Rome.

Name

Latin lancea is generally regarded as a loanword. According to Varro, it was of Hispanian origin. Festus associated it with the Greek lónchē, although this connection is considered phonologically improbable by modern linguists.
Modern scholarship treats both Latin and Greek terms as independent borrowings from a third language, likely Celtic given the association of the weapon with Gauls and Galatians. In the 1st century BC, Diodorus writes: "The spears brandish, which they call lanciae, have iron heads a cubit in length and even more, and a little under two palms in breadth". This interpretation is further supported by the occurrence of toponyms derived from Celtic lancia and by comparison with Old Irish do-léicim.

Definition

The lancea, also known as the hasta amentata, was a long spear typically fitted with a thong attached near the middle of the shaft, which increased leverage and imparted additional spin, allowing the weapon to be thrown over considerable distances.
This kind of javelin also had short wooden shafts and small leaf-shaped metal heads. Sometimes the heads had elongated points which may have been used to increase the penetration of the spear.

Usage

Soldiers that used the lancea were known as lancearii, who served in the Roman army as elite troops, speculatores, and in the imperial bodyguard. Although less penetrating than the pilum, the lancea was nevertheless highly effective against cavalry, elephants, and lightly armoured opponents.
One kind of lancea, possibly known as the lancea pugnatoria, was used as a thrusting weapon by cavalrymen. It was lighter and easier to handle than the pilum, which made it particularly suited to mounted combat.
The lancea was also used by auxiliaries. Legionaries would use the lancea if the occasion called for it. Arrian equipped his army with the weapon during a battle with the Alans.