7th – 6th Century BC Etruscan Hoplite Bronze Spear

7th – 6th Century BC Etruscan Hoplite Bronze Spear   The Etruscans were the most cultured of the Italic races. Their rise through the centuries saw them become the most powerful race in Northern Italy. Their influence extended from near the alps to the southern region over Campania. With their race having been the pre curser of the Roman Empire, their reign extended from 900 BC to 27 BC. Their Military machine evolved greatly over the centuries. The earlier forms of warfare placed high emphasis on individual prowess. The later part of their reign they had advanced combat machine including hoplite warriors who implemented the Phalanx position. This was greatly copied from the Greeks, certainly their close association over many centuries meant that weapons, tactic and knowledge would have spread out. However only the upper echelons could afford to acquire this armour and weapons. These would have been made in Greece and imported. The spear played a vital role in the Phalanx position, this thrusting spear was the main hoplite weapon. Spears were designed with socket ferrules to enable them to be mounted on the shaft and often secured with one or two rivets and or binding. For use as a trusting weapon, practical experience tells us that the width of the blade was vital. A wider blade actually prevented the spear head from being inserted to far into the body of an enemy, thus enabling the spear to be recovered quickly. and again ready for use. The most common designs were angular blades with a diamond cross section, and a leaf-shaped blades with a biconvex section. We believe strongly that this spear head was manufactured in Greece (Olympia) for export to the Etruscan Hoplite warrior. The engraved script could be a name, motto, or possibly this spear was something special or belonging to an well known warrior. The spear itself is in excellent shape still holding a slight edge, the spear is definitely shorter than original. Structurally the spear is in excellent shape and there are no condition issues. Length 29 CM. The spear originated from a large French collection belonging to Mr. Bigot Truly a museum piece that tells the toughness of these men of Bronze and Iron who lived in an very critical junction in history and were the initial founders of Rome as a military and political power. References and much of the information come from a host of valuable books in the the field of Etruscan history and for anyone interested in further study and research in this field will benefit from having them in their library. The Etruscans 9th-2nd Centuries BC (Raffaele D’Amato & Andrea Salimbeti). The Land Of The Etruscans from Prehistory to the Middle Ages edited by Salvatore Settis. Early Roman Warrior 753-321 BC by Osprey Enquire now