Roman, Imperial Period / Near East, Byzantine, ca. 100 to 600 CE. A massive iron socketed lance head that was likely used by heavily armored cavalry, often known as cataphract, the riders and horses wore heavy scales of bronze or iron. This is a rare and very large piece of ancient weaponry with heavy oxidation but superb preservation to the socket and blade. When mounted on a wood shaft the lances used by cavalry were extremely long, sometimes up to 13 feet (4 meters) in length - the horse's body helped stabilize and propel the lance forward. According to Roman writers the cataphract lances had the ability to pass straight through the bodies of 2 men at once! Size: 18.75" L x 1" W (47.6 cm x 2.5 cm)

Provenance: private Pembroke Pines, Florida, USA collection, acquired in 1996 via inheritance in Hollywood, Florida, USA

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#180848

Heavy oxidation and patina as shown. Perforation to socket. Pitting, and chips to peripheries. Surface coated in clear fixative to protect and prevent flaking.