In the Judean Desert, not far from the shimmering salt flats of the Dead Sea, archaeologists made a discovery that sent ripples through the world of ancient history. The site looked unremarkable ...

The pilum, a vital weapon in Rome’s imperial ambitions, was a simple iron spear fixed with two bolts onto a heavy wooden post. It was remarkably effective against an attacker charging at high speed.

He also carried a 'pilum' (javelin ... and kill expertly with all the weapons they carried. The toughest postings for soldiers were those at the frontiers of the Roman Empire, where legionnaires ...