Xyston

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Xyston (Greek "spear", "javelin") was a type of a long thrusting lance in ancient Greece. It measured about 3.5-4.25 meter long and was probably held by the cavalryman with both hands. The xyston is usually mentioned in context with the Hetairoi, the "Companions" cavalry forces of the ancient Macedonian army. After Alexander the Great's death the Macedonian cavalry was named Xystophoroi (Xystophoros in singular, literally "spear-bearer") because of its use of the xyston lance. In his Greek written Bellum Judaicum, the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus use the term Xyston to describe the Roman throwing javelin, the Pilum.

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