Roman to Medieval Iron Arrowhead, 1st -13th Century

Description

Material: Iron artefact

Period: Roman to Medieval

Date: 1st-13th Century

Origin: Possibly Eurasia

Condition: Good state of preservation

Description: Leaf-shaped iron arrowhead with long tang. rib between blade and tang

Size and Weight: 111mm. 15.53g

References: Mallory Weapons. type 129. Bailey. Detector Finds 4. p84

Features and Provenance: Early arrowheads were made from bronze but as metallurgical skill and technologies moved on. iron was used as the use of arrows and archers increased further in warfare. Due to their fragile nature identification and pinpointing a location for manufacture is extremely difficult. By the Roman to Medieval periods arrows were made by many nations . The Roman armies use of arrows was limited . preferring the sword or gladius. but when archers were called for Rome deployed skilled mercenaries called Sagatarii. Thus the arrowheads used in Roman campaigns did not have a consistent origin.

The iron arrowhead prevailed during this period especially with a long tang. The leaf-shaped blade was also often used for hunting. Once armour piercing arrows were required the shape changed. along with the introduction of the longbow around AD 1250. Our example may be consistent with those used by the Mongols or those used by Germanic tribes

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible