Xyston

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Xyston Greek Ξυστόν ("spear", "javelin") was a type of a long thrusting lance in ancient Greece. It measured about 3.5-4.25 meters long and was probably held by the cavalryman with both hands. It had a traditional wooden shaft and metallic tip, with a tapered butt. The xyston is usually mentioned in context with the Hetairoi (Greek "Εταίροι"), the "Companions" cavalry forces of ancient Macedon. After Alexander the Great's death the Hetairoi were named Xystophoroi ( Greek "Ξυστοφόροι" Xystophoros in singular, literally "spear-bearer") because of their use of the xyston lance. In his Greek written Bellum Judaicum, the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus uses the term Xyston to describe the Roman throwing javelin, the Pilum.

The xyston was wielded either underarm or overarm, presumably as a matter of personal preference.

[edit] References

• LSJ-Xyston from xyô scrape ,hence xylon wood.

[edit] See also

• Sarissa
• Doru
• Pole weapon
• Companion cavalry
• Ancient Macedonian military
• Hellenistic armies